2025-11-09, 05:59 PM - Word count:
The SSL draft is a celebration of the hard work that the draftees, managers, and SSL staff have put into the SSL Academy season. Its a moment of great anticipation not only for the wide eyed academy graduates but for the millions of SSL fans around the globe who get their first look at the SSL's newest stars. Medellin's Lucas Peioxoto was selected by Hollywood FC with the sixth selection in the 23rd edition of the SSL draft. It was a pick that made a lot of sense for Hollywood as they were missing someone to play at left back for their minors squad, FC Kaapstad, and Peioxoto is one of the better left backs in the class. Undoubtedly Peioxoto will be asked to remain at left back and start for an FC Kaapstad side that will be aiming to contend for the Minor League Trophy.
When Peioxoto touched down in South Africa to begin his training, word around the camp was that he needed to improve defensively as part of the back 4. During his time at Medellín, he was often given the freedom to surge forward, trusting his defense to cover the gaps behind him. The jump to the SSL minors, however, will test a different side of his game, particularly his aerial presence, which was a known weakness at the academy level. Early in the season expect Peioxoto to focus on adjusting to the league’s pace and physical demands.
We have now seen two preseason matches and the debut of Peioxoto in the SSL minors. Kaapstad won both preseason matches and scored 14 goals across the two games. In those two wins Peioxoto earned a 7.8 average matchrating, assisted 3 goals, and led Kaapstad in chances created with 6. Like we expected the defense wasn't perfect, but at the very least he did not allow his matchups on the wing to score. His debut against AS Paris was a little more quiet. He did receive and 7.0 match rating due top solid play but did not create any big chances. The opposing winger Silver Tarandus also managed to get on the end of a deflected cross and finish past the out of position Peioxoto.
There will be an adjustment period for Peioxoto before he starts performing like he did in the academy. Fortunately, Kaapstad’s proven core(four straight top-three finishes in the minors) should provide the structure and mentorship needed to help him settle.
When Peioxoto touched down in South Africa to begin his training, word around the camp was that he needed to improve defensively as part of the back 4. During his time at Medellín, he was often given the freedom to surge forward, trusting his defense to cover the gaps behind him. The jump to the SSL minors, however, will test a different side of his game, particularly his aerial presence, which was a known weakness at the academy level. Early in the season expect Peioxoto to focus on adjusting to the league’s pace and physical demands.
We have now seen two preseason matches and the debut of Peioxoto in the SSL minors. Kaapstad won both preseason matches and scored 14 goals across the two games. In those two wins Peioxoto earned a 7.8 average matchrating, assisted 3 goals, and led Kaapstad in chances created with 6. Like we expected the defense wasn't perfect, but at the very least he did not allow his matchups on the wing to score. His debut against AS Paris was a little more quiet. He did receive and 7.0 match rating due top solid play but did not create any big chances. The opposing winger Silver Tarandus also managed to get on the end of a deflected cross and finish past the out of position Peioxoto.
There will be an adjustment period for Peioxoto before he starts performing like he did in the academy. Fortunately, Kaapstad’s proven core(four straight top-three finishes in the minors) should provide the structure and mentorship needed to help him settle.
![[Image: Lucas-Peioxoto-Signature.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/QCSCbc6y/Lucas-Peioxoto-Signature.png)
![[Image: lisfor-3.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/sDzJYqYM/lisfor-3.png)
