Three-Time Champion, MASL MVP Vini Dantas Joins Spirits

Lehigh Valley Adds Two-Time MASL All-Star and 2017 Championship MVP

Allentown, PA – The Lehigh Valley Spirits are adding another accomplished veteran player to their inaugural roster, signing three-time Ron Newman Cup champion and 2017 MASL Championship MVP Vinicius “Vini” Dantas for the 2026-27 season.

Dantas, 36, brings proven track record of high offensive production and more than a decade of professional indoor soccer experience to Lehigh Valley’s roster as one of the most accomplished players in MASL history.

A two-time MASL All-Star, Dantas has amassed 348 career regular-season points on 229 goals and 119 assists across 184 games. He ranks seventh all-time in both points and goals, fourth all-time in game-winning goals (25), and fifth in power-play goals (37).

Among the league’s top postseason performers, he has recorded 50 points on 31 goals and 19 assists in 36 career playoff games, including a standout 2017 postseason in which he led the league with 18 points and nine assists. His performance earned him MASL Championship MVP honors as he helped lead the Baltimore Blast to their second of three-straight titles.

The veteran forward began his indoor career with Baltimore during the 2014-15 season, making an immediate impact with 16 goals and earning a spot on the MASL All-Rookie Team. He went on to become a centerpiece of the Blast’s championship dynasty, helping the club claim the Ron Newman Cup in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Over a twelve-year MASL career, he has also suited up for the Tacoma Stars, Florida Tropics, Texas Outlaws, and Utica City FC in addition to Baltimore, establishing himself as a consistent offensive contributor and veteran presence throughout the league.

Dantas has continued to produce at an elite level throughout his career, averaging over a point-per-game including an impressive effort in 2023-24 season with the Texas, one of his most productive seasons. He signed with Utica City FC ahead of the 2024-25 season and recorded 29 points on 16 goals and 13 assists in 21 games during his lone season with the club.

Before turning to the professional indoor game, the Brazilian-born forward developed his game primarily playing futsal before moving to the United States at age 18 and playing collegiately at Azusa Pacific University (California).

Now entering the next chapter of his career, Dantas will bring more championship experience, proven scoring ability, and veteran leadership to the Spirits roster as Lehigh Valley prepares to take the field for the first time.

For more information, visit LVSpirits.com.