Defender Luis Piffer Returns To Sockers
The San Diego Sockers today announced the signing of defender Luis Piffer to a MASL contract for the 2019-20 season and beyond. The five-year contract secures his services to the Sockers through the 2023-24 MASL season. As per club policy, terms of the deal will not be announced.
A former Socker during the 2014-15 MASL season, Piffer returns to North America’s top professional indoor league after spending the past three seasons playing professional futsal in his home country of Brazil.
“Luis Piffer is a highly skilled player who can bring both toughness and finesse to our back line,” said Sockers director of player personnel Chiky Luna, “We have kept our eye on Luis over the past few years, and are excited to be able to welcome him back into the Sockers family.”
Born in Amparo, Brazil, Piffer lived in South America until moving to the United States in 2008. After a junior college playing stint with Marshalltown Community College, Piffer transferred to Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa from 2010-12. Twice, Piffer was named the Midwest Collegiate Conference Player of the Year.
In 2013, Piffer was signed by Minnesota United of the North American Soccer League (NASL), making his professional debut on June 1, 2013 as a substitute against the San Antonio Scorpions. Subsequently, Luis transitioned to the indoor game, playing for the Ontario Fury, Las Vegas Legends and the Sockers between 2013 and 2015. In 30 PASL/MASL contests, Piffer accrued 24 goals and 21 assists (45 points).
A major injury sidelined Piffer’s pro career for the remainder of 2015, and he returned to Brazil to heal and recover for a year before regaining his fitness and touch playing professional futsal.
“I’m excited to be back with the Sockers and competing for the Ron Newman Cup,” Piffer said of his decision to return to the MASL, “I had a great experience playing in San Diego, but it was cut short due to injury. Now, I’m eager to come back and show the fans what I am capable of doing on the field as we pursue a championship.”
The 6’0’, 176 pound defender will turn 31 in November. Piffer continues to live in his hometown of Amparo, Brazil, and is currently single with a girlfriend.
The Sockers will renew their quest for a MASL championship in the 2019-20 season, with the team’s season opener set for November 24 at Pechanga Arena San Diego. The league schedule is expected out soon. For information on the Sockers, season ticket memberships and more, please visit Sockers.com.