ALBUQUERQUE, NM (November 6, 2018) New Mexico United announced today the professional soccer team’s first six signed players, under the guidance of Head Coach Troy Lesesne. Five new players have signed with New Mexico United, joining first-signed, New Mexico native and former Lobo Devon Sandoval. The five players joining Sandoval include Juan Guzman, Cody Mizell, Toni Soler, Las Cruces-native Joshua Suggs, and Austin Yearwood. All player signings are pending United Soccer League (USL) and federation approval.
When signing players, Coach Lesesne is looking for very specific traits. “We are looking to determine if the player has the right mentality to fit in with the culture and environment we are trying to create. We want humble, hard-working players that are open-minded to learning new concepts,” said Lesesne.
“Technically, our players must have a high-level of comfort on the ball, as we will look to retain possession. Tactically, a player's positional understanding both in possession and out of possession will be crucial to fitting in with our overall style of play.”
Devon Sandoval, forward, is a former University of New Mexico soccer alum, hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and joined New Mexico United at the June announcement of the team. Sandoval’s professional career began in 2013, when he was selected by Real Salt Lake in the second round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Sandoval spent four seasons with Real Salt Lake (MLS) and made 74 appearances, scoring seven goals. Sandoval has experience with the USL, having spent time on loan
with Carolina RailHawks, now North Carolina FC, and Real Monarchs.
Sandoval most recently finished a campaign with the United Soccer League’s (USL) Atlanta United 2, playing 25 games, 1,487 minutes and 14 starts. In August of this year, Sandoval won the USL Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week with a bicycle-kick finish against Bethlehem Steel FC.
“Devon brings a high level of attacking intelligence, along with a tremendous presence in the final third. He has a way of showing up in important moments and he is committed to bringing success to this club and our community,” said Lesesne. I'm thrilled that Devon was our first ever signing and look forward to working with him.”
ALBUQUERQUE, NM (November 6, 2018) New Mexico United announced today the professional soccer team’s first six signed players, under the guidance of Head Coach Troy Lesesne. Five new players have signed with New Mexico United, joining first-signed, New Mexico native and former Lobo Devon Sandoval. The five players joining Sandoval include Juan Guzman, Cody Mizell, Toni Soler, Las Cruces-native Joshua Suggs, and Austin Yearwood. All player signings are pending United Soccer League (USL) and federation approval.
When signing players, Coach Lesesne is looking for very specific traits. “We are looking to determine if the player has the right mentality to fit in with the culture and environment we are trying to create. We want humble, hard-working players that are open-minded to learning new concepts,” said Lesesne.
“Technically, our players must have a high-level of comfort on the ball, as we will look to retain possession. Tactically, a player’s positional understanding both in possession and out of possession will be crucial to fitting in with our overall style of play.”
Devon Sandoval, forward, is a former University of New Mexico soccer alum, hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and joined New Mexico United at the June announcement of the team. Sandoval’s professional career began in 2013, when he was selected by Real Salt Lake in the second round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Sandoval spent four seasons with Real Salt Lake (MLS) and made 74 appearances, scoring seven goals. Sandoval has experience with the USL, having spent time on loan
with Carolina RailHawks, now North Carolina FC, and Real Monarchs.
Sandoval most recently finished a campaign with the United Soccer League’s (USL) Atlanta United 2, playing 25 games, 1,487 minutes and 14 starts. In August of this year, Sandoval won the USL Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week with a bicycle-kick finish against Bethlehem Steel FC.
“Devon brings a high level of attacking intelligence, along with a tremendous presence in the final third. He has a way of showing up in important moments and he is committed to bringing success to this club and our community,” said Lesesne. I’m thrilled that Devon was our first ever signing and look forward to working with him.”
Juan Guzman, midfield, born in Bogota, Colombia, played four years of college soccer at Liberty University, where he was twice selected to NSCAA All-South Atlantic Region team, as a sophomore in 2007, and as a junior in 2008. During his college years, Guzman also played for the Southern California Seahorses in the USL Premier Development League.
Guzman began his professional soccer career in 2010, when he signed with the USL Second Division team, Charlotte Eagles. In 2015, Guzman played for Louisville City FC, and in 2016, Guzman signed with Colombian team, Patriotas F.C. In 2017, Guzman signed with the Oklahoma City Energy FC, with 29 appearances and 2 goals.
“Juan is one of the most reliable players in the USL,” said Lesesne. “He's calm and composed in possession and has an incredible ability to break things up defensively and intercept passes. He's a leader by example and I'm excited to work with him.”
Juan Guzman, midfield, born in Bogota, Colombia, played four years of college soccer at Liberty University, where he was twice selected to NSCAA All-South Atlantic Region team, as a sophomore in 2007, and as a junior in 2008. During his college years, Guzman also played for the Southern California Seahorses in the USL Premier Development League.
Guzman began his professional soccer career in 2010, when he signed with the USL Second Division team, Charlotte Eagles. In 2015, Guzman played for Louisville City FC, and in 2016, Guzman signed with Colombian team, Patriotas F.C. In 2017, Guzman signed with the Oklahoma City Energy FC, with 29 appearances and 2 goals.
“Juan is one of the most reliable players in the USL,” said Lesesne. “He’s calm and composed in possession and has an incredible ability to break things up defensively and intercept passes. He’s a leader by example and I’m excited to work with him.”
Cody Mizell, goalkeeper, from Woodstock, Georgia, attended Clemson University, where he was first choice goalkeeper for all three seasons, winning numerous All-American and All-ACC awards. In 2013, Mizell signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL). He went on to help Atlanta win the NASL Spring season title and a berth in the 2013 NASL Soccer Bowl. Mizell made his debut with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2014. In 2015, Mizell played internationally for Knattspyrnufélagið Fram in Iceland, and was sold in 2016 to USL team Charlotte Independence, where he was nominated for the USL Goalkeeper of the Year award at the end of the regular season.
In 2017, Mizell was signed by the Colorado Rapids (MLS) on loan from the Charlotte Independence, before being recalled by the Independence to start the 2017 USL season. Mizell began his second stint with the Rowdies in January of 2018, ending the season with 15 appearances, 41 saves, and four clean sheets.
“Cody is one of the most competitive players I've coached at the professional level. What I love about his mentality is that it raises the standard for the entire team,” said Lesesne. “He solidified himself in 2017 as one of the top goalkeepers in the league, and I'm looking forward to seeing him achieve this level again in 2019.”
Cody Mizell, goalkeeper, from Woodstock, Georgia, attended Clemson University, where he was first choice goalkeeper for all three seasons, winning numerous All-American and All-ACC awards. In 2013, Mizell signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL). He went on to help Atlanta win the NASL Spring season title and a berth in the 2013 NASL Soccer Bowl. Mizell made his debut with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2014. In 2015, Mizell played internationally for Knattspyrnufélagið Fram in Iceland, and was sold in 2016 to USL team Charlotte Independence, where he was nominated for the USL Goalkeeper of the Year award at the end of the regular season.
In 2017, Mizell was signed by the Colorado Rapids (MLS) on loan from the Charlotte Independence, before being recalled by the Independence to start the 2017 USL season. Mizell began his second stint with the Rowdies in January of 2018, ending the season with 15 appearances, 41 saves, and four clean sheets.
“Cody is one of the most competitive players I’ve coached at the professional level. What I love about his mentality is that it raises the standard for the entire team,” said Lesesne. “He solidified himself in 2017 as one of the top goalkeepers in the league, and I’m looking forward to seeing him achieve this level again in 2019.”
Toni Soler, midfield, from Valencia, Spain played for Adelphi University from 2015-2017, where he was the 5th player in Adelphi University history to earn All-American First Team honors from the United Soccer Coaches Association, and was named NE10 Player of the Year.
Soler finished his college soccer career at University of Tampa in 2018, with 14 appearances and 1 assist. From 2017 to 2018, Soler player for South Georgia Tormenta FC, where he helped them earn a playoff berth.
“Toni is a player coming off a very successful collegiate and PDL career. He's a cerebral player who understands how to bring his teammates into the game, and he knows how to control the tempo of a match,” said Lesesne. “I'm excited to see Toni make a big impact in his rookie season with our club.”
Toni Soler, midfield, from Valencia, Spain played for Adelphi University from 2015-2017, where he was the 5th player in Adelphi University history to earn All-American First Team honors from the United Soccer Coaches Association, and was named NE10 Player of the Year.
Soler finished his college soccer career at University of Tampa in 2018, with 14 appearances and 1 assist. From 2017 to 2018, Soler player for South Georgia Tormenta FC, where he helped them earn a playoff berth.
“Toni is a player coming off a very successful collegiate and PDL career. He’s a cerebral player who understands how to bring his teammates into the game, and he knows how to control the tempo of a match,” said Lesesne. “I’m excited to see Toni make a big impact in his rookie season with our club.”
Joshua Suggs, defender, joins Devon Sandoval as a native New Mexican, born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Suggs attended and played for Humboldt State University from 2007 to 2010, where he let the team in shots and shots on goal in 2008 and 2009, finished 7th in the conference in goals and finished his career in 2010 as the 6th ranked scorer in Humboldt State University history.
Since college, Suggs played for the Los Angeles Blues in 2011 and 2012, the San Jose Earthquakes in 2012, the Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan in 2012, the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2013 and the Orange County Blues from 2014 to 2015.
Suggs has been playing with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks since 2016, ending his 2018 season as Team Captain, playing every minute of every game, with 34 appearances, 34 starts, 64 clearances, 11 blocks and 48 interceptions.
“Over the last four seasons in the USL, Josh has started and played virtually every minute, so he's an extremely dependable and important signing for our club,” said Lesesne. “I love his ability to time his arrival into attacks and defensively he makes the opponent work for everything. He's a leader that looks to put the club first, and I'm so happy to have him joining New Mexico United.”
Joshua Suggs, defender, joins Devon Sandoval as a native New Mexican, born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Suggs attended and played for Humboldt State University from 2007 to 2010, where he let the team in shots and shots on goal in 2008 and 2009, finished 7th in the conference in goals and finished his career in 2010 as the 6th ranked scorer in Humboldt State University history.
Since college, Suggs played for the Los Angeles Blues in 2011 and 2012, the San Jose Earthquakes in 2012, the Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan in 2012, the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2013 and the Orange County Blues from 2014 to 2015.
Suggs has been playing with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks since 2016, ending his 2018 season as Team Captain, playing every minute of every game, with 34 appearances, 34 starts, 64 clearances, 11 blocks and 48 interceptions.
“Over the last four seasons in the USL, Josh has started and played virtually every minute, so he’s an extremely dependable and important signing for our club,” said Lesesne. “I love his ability to time his arrival into attacks and defensively he makes the opponent work for everything. He’s a leader that looks to put the club first, and I’m so happy to have him joining New Mexico United.”
Austin Yearwood, defender, hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he attended and played for High Point University from 2012 to 2015, where he was named First-team All-Big South, Millis Scholar- Athlete, named to Big South All-Academic Team, Big South Presidential Honor Roll, and Big South Preseason Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Yearwood played for the Carolina Dynamo from 2013 to 2014, the Charlotte Eagles in 2015, the Charlotte Independence from 2016-2017, and most recently ended his 2018 season with the Richmond Kickers, with 21 appearances and starts, 47 clearances, 2 blocks and 33 interceptions, and an 80% tackling success rate.
“Austin brings a mix of athleticism, versatility, and quiet competitiveness that will add serious value to our team each and every day. He is very difficult to beat 1v1, and his ability to recover is off the charts,” said Lesesne. “I had the pleasure of working with him in Charlotte in 2016 and 2017, and to be able to work with him again is an honor.”
Austin Yearwood, defender, hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he attended and played for High Point University from 2012 to 2015, where he was named First-team All-Big South, Millis Scholar- Athlete, named to Big South All-Academic Team, Big South Presidential Honor Roll, and Big South Preseason Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Yearwood played for the Carolina Dynamo from 2013 to 2014, the Charlotte Eagles in 2015, the Charlotte Independence from 2016-2017, and most recently ended his 2018 season with the Richmond Kickers, with 21 appearances and starts, 47 clearances, 2 blocks and 33 interceptions, and an 80% tackling success rate.
“Austin brings a mix of athleticism, versatility, and quiet competitiveness that will add serious value to our team each and every day. He is very difficult to beat 1v1, and his ability to recover is off the charts,” said Lesesne. “I had the pleasure of working with him in Charlotte in 2016 and 2017, and to be able to work with him again is an honor.”
