Angel Lopez and Darren Toby named MASL 2 Players of the Month for January

Kansas Bandits forward Angel Lopez and Rochester Lancers defender Darren Toby have been chosen as Major Arena Soccer League 2 Offensive and Defensive Players-of-the-Month for January.

Lopez had been an offensive beast in 2023-24, and leads MASL 2 in goal scoring with 30 this season, 21 of which came in the month of January. He gave an inkling of things to come last season when he played in three games for the Bandits, scoring twice.

But he’s been at a whole different level this year. Among his eye-popping starts in January are a five-goal game on January 14 against El Paso, a seven goal game the night prior against the New Mexico Runners. He also turned in a hat trick against the Runners on January 28, and two-goal games against the two top teams in the Midwest Division, Amarillo and Wichita, the first weekend in January. 

Toby has been a key defensive cog for the Lancers, who are undefeated in five starts. The indoor soccer veteran, who has appeared in 213 regular season and playoff games in the Major Arena Soccer League with Utica City FC and the Syracuse Silver Knights, leads Rochester in shots blocked this year. In his MASL career, Toby recorded 228 blocked shots.

Rochester, currently atop the East Division, has allowed just 24 goals in five starts this year, fewest in all of M2. The Lancers 4.8 goals against average per game in the 2024-25 season is also best in the league.

Toby has also chipped in with a goal and an assist in starting all five games for Rochester this season. 

Honorees are selected by the league in consultation with team representatives from around MASL 2.