John Soler, the captain of the Sliema ASC waterpolo team, has reached an important milestone in his career after scoring his 1,000th goal in the top flight for the club during this week’s league game against San Ġiljan.

Soler netted four goals but Sliema went down 12-7 to the Saints to remain third in the standings on 12 points with seven games played.

“A product of the club’s academy, John was first promoted to the senior squad in 1995 and played his first game that year against Ta’ Xbiex,” Sliema ASC said in a statement.

“John’s first goal with the senior squad came in 1997 against Sirens and he never looked back. He was Sliema’s top scorer for 14 years.”

Soler has won all major waterpolo honours, including the league and KO competition eight times, the Winter League and President’s Cup seven times and was also a member of the Blues team that captured the quadruple crown in 1998.

In his career, Soler has been voted waterpolo player of the year three times and represented the national team between 1998 and 2013.

“Total dedication, commitment and a true Sliema character have been the basis of his success,” Sliema added.

“Sliema ASC and all its supporters would like to thank John for this outstanding achievement and augurs that he continues to increase his tally of goals to bring more successes to the most decorated club in Malta.”