New Mexico United is thrilled to announce the re-signing of forward Albuquerque-native Devon Sandoval, the club’s first player, first goalscorer, and all-time appearances leader, following his incredible effort to recover from heart issues in 2021. Sandoval has been a force for United since the club’s inception, leading Black & Yellow through the club’s first three seasons. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
“I’ve worked really hard to get to this point where I can step on the field again,” said Sandoval. “I’m extremely grateful for the experiences I’ve had, what I’ve learned the past seven months, and to the people that have helped me get to this point. To continue playing this game is a gift and I can’t wait to be back on the field with you all again.”
Sandoval is a graduate of El Dorado High School and the University of New Mexico. He was the first signing, announced when the club was in 2018. Sandoval has been a champion, a captain, a community advocate, and a leader. He has scored 25 goals in all competitions for New Mexico United, and assisted another seven. He is United’s all-time appearances leader (79), and has played more than 5,500 minutes for the club.
In 2019, Sandoval came home – scoring the first goal in New Mexico United history, the first playoff goal in club history, the club’s first goal against MLS opposition, earning United’s Offensive MVP award, and leading United to a playoff berth in their first season. In 2020, he was named a captain, scored a goal of the week and goal of the month, and led United to the Conference semifinals. 2021 saw Sandoval named a captain once again.
Sandoval will be available for questions from the media at today’s press conference at noon at the New Mexico United Training Facility.