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The Kansas City Comets announced the signing of 25-year-old Brazilian forward Rian Soares Marques to a three-year deal on Thursday.
Marques, a native of Itabuna, Brazil, played two seasons with Iowa Lakes Community College before joining NCAA D-2 school Tusculum University for his junior campaign. Marques transferred ahead of his senior season to NAIA’s Central Methodist University, where he scored four goals and assisted six in 23 appearances in the Eagles’ second straight national title-winning season.
The Brazilian is currently playing for PASL’s Springfield Demize, where he leads the team with eight goals from four matches and will be looking to snatch the PASL Championship this weekend in Fairfield, Ohio.
Marques will join in the forward line with Ramone Palmer, Adam James, Gui Gomes, Kevin Ellis, Robert Kelly, Gui Gomes, and player-manager Leo Gibson with Stefan Stokic and Kiel Williams still available in free agency. The rookie could make his MASL debut as soon as New Year’s Eve, according to the league’s current plan.