Thiago Rodrigues

Futbol Club Santa Clarita Storm announced Thursday that it has signed Thiago Souza Rodrigues and Matt Shaxton to one-year contracts for the 2013 season, pending league approval.

Gerald Brunner, CEO of the men’s pro-am soccer club, said he picked up Brazilian native Rodrigues during Storm’s tryouts earlier this month.

“Thiago is a midfielder with the skill and ability to compete at our level, and you notice as soon as he starts touching the ball. He has the skills to become a asset to our team,” Brunner said.

The 175-pound, 6-foot midfielder, who still lives in Brazil, said he came to the United States specifically for the Storm tryouts. Rodrigues has played for Londring Esporte Clube Under 17 in 2004, Londria futsal, Osasco F.C. Uniao Mogi Futbol Clube, Cambe Fusal,  Grenio Miringa and Club Atletico Cambe.  He is due to report to camp for the Storm on Feb. 1.

Matt Shaxton

Team captain Matt Shaxton returns in 2013 for his second season with the Storm. The 185-pound, 6-foot center midfielder’s “ability, experience and leadership … really caught the eye of the staff,” Brunner said.

Shaxton hails from Somerset in the United Kingdom and came to the U.S. to play for Cal State Bakersfield after attending college in England, where he was a gold medal winner at the British University games.

The Storm’s season begin s April 6. Home games are played at Canyon High School. For information and the complete schedule visit www.fcscprosoccer.com.