ALBUQUERQUE, NM (February 21, 2019) New Mexico United announced today the professional soccer team’s latest player signings, under the guidance of Head Coach Troy Lesesne. Midfielder Ken Akamatsu, former Lobo Josh Goss, Saalih Muhammed, and Ethen Sampson join New Mexico United’s roster for its 2019 opening season.
Akamatsu, Goss, Muhammed, and Sampson join a roster of 15 recently signed New Mexico United players. With the addition of Goss, New Mexico United has now signed four native New Mexicans, Devon Sandoval, Justin Schmidt and Josh Suggs, in addition to the roster of players including Ben Beaury, David Estrada, Kevaughn Frater, Juan Guzman, Sam Hamilton, Cody Mizell, Santi Moar, Toni Soler, Rashid Tetteh, former Lobo Chris Wehan, Ryan Williams, and Austin Yearwood. All player signings are pending United Soccer League (USL) and federation approval.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM (February 21, 2019) New Mexico United announced today the professional soccer team’s latest player signings, under the guidance of Head Coach Troy Lesesne. Midfielder Ken Akamatsu, former Lobo Josh Goss, Saalih Muhammed, and Ethen Sampson join New Mexico United’s roster for its 2019 opening season.
Akamatsu, Goss, Muhammed, and Sampson join a roster of 15 recently signed New Mexico United players. With the addition of Goss, New Mexico United has now signed four native New Mexicans, Devon Sandoval, Justin Schmidt and Josh Suggs, in addition to the roster of players including Ben Beaury, David Estrada, Kevaughn Frater, Juan Guzman, Sam Hamilton, Cody Mizell, Santi Moar, Toni Soler, Rashid Tetteh, former Lobo Chris Wehan, Ryan Williams, and Austin Yearwood. All player signings are pending United Soccer League (USL) and federation approval.
I am so excited to start my professional soccer career with this team,” said Akamatsu. “Playing professional soccer has been my dream since I was young, so I really appreciate this opportunity and I will keep chasing my dream. Stay humble and keep working.
Ken Akamatsu, midfielder hails from Niigata, Japan and joins New Mexico United after a successful college career with the University of Denver. From 2015 – 2018, Akamatsu made 77 appearances, 18 starts, 7 goals, and 13 assists. Additionally, Akamatsu was named Summit League 2nd Team and Summit League All-Tournament Team.
“Kenny joined us in the first week of preseason and made an immediate impression,” said Lesesne. “He thinks the game through, is very good in combination play, and dangerous in 1v1 attacking situations. Beyond his ability on the field, he's the type of personality we want representing our club.”
For more information on Ken Akamatsu, visit the New Mexico United roster page.
I am so excited to start my professional soccer career with this team,” said Akamatsu. “Playing professional soccer has been my dream since I was young, so I really appreciate this opportunity and I will keep chasing my dream. Stay humble and keep working.
Ken Akamatsu, midfielder hails from Niigata, Japan and joins New Mexico United after a successful college career with the University of Denver. From 2015 – 2018, Akamatsu made 77 appearances, 18 starts, 7 goals, and 13 assists. Additionally, Akamatsu was named Summit League 2nd Team and Summit League All-Tournament Team.
“Kenny joined us in the first week of preseason and made an immediate impression,” said Lesesne. “He thinks the game through, is very good in combination play, and dangerous in 1v1 attacking situations. Beyond his ability on the field, he’s the type of personality we want representing our club.”
For more information on Ken Akamatsu, visit the New Mexico United roster page.
I am a huge supporter of all things positive in New Mexico and this club’s vision means a lot to me,” said Goss. “I am honored to be a part of this inaugural season, March 9th can’t come soon enough.
Josh Goss, midfielder, is a hometown-player, hailing from Albuquerque, NM. Goss’ professional experience comes from USL League 2, playing in 2018 with the Albuquerque Sol, and played the 2017 season with the Colorado Rapids U23 team with 12 appearances, 4 goals, and 3 assists.
Goss spent four years playing for the University of New Mexico Lobo Men’s soccer team from 2013 to 2016, netting 67 appearances, 44 starts, 9 assists, and 2 goals. In addition to his play time, Goss was named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week in September 2014, Third Team All-Conference USA in 2015, and C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2016.
“Josh persevered through our open trial, invite trial, and the first 2 weeks of our preseason to earn his opportunity with New Mexico United,” said Lesesne. “He's a versatile player, with a great mind for the game and each week he's grown more and more comfortable with our group. I'm looking forward to seeing him continue to progress in his first USL season.”
More information about Josh Goss can be found on the New Mexico United Roster page.
I am a huge supporter of all things positive in New Mexico and this club’s vision means a lot to me,” said Goss. “I am honored to be a part of this inaugural season, March 9th can’t come soon enough.
Josh Goss, midfielder, is a hometown-player, hailing from Albuquerque, NM. Goss’ professional experience comes from USL League 2, playing in 2018 with the Albuquerque Sol, and played the 2017 season with the Colorado Rapids U23 team with 12 appearances, 4 goals, and 3 assists.
Goss spent four years playing for the University of New Mexico Lobo Men’s soccer team from 2013 to 2016, netting 67 appearances, 44 starts, 9 assists, and 2 goals. In addition to his play time, Goss was named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week in September 2014, Third Team All-Conference USA in 2015, and C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2016.
“Josh persevered through our open trial, invite trial, and the first 2 weeks of our preseason to earn his opportunity with New Mexico United,” said Lesesne. “He’s a versatile player, with a great mind for the game and each week he’s grown more and more comfortable with our group. I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to progress in his first USL season.”
More information about Josh Goss can be found on the New Mexico United Roster page.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining a club with such a wonderful organization, and a group of guys with kind personalities and desire to win,” said Muhammed.
Saalih Muhammed, midfielder hails from Richmond, CA, and most recently played for Penn FC in 2017, the San Francisco Deltas (NASL) in 2017, Croatia Đakovo in 2016 and HAŠK from 2015-2016.
“Although Saalih is only 23 years old, he brings a wealth of professional experience to our club. If you've spent any time with him, the first thing that stands out is his character,” said Lesesne. “He is selfless, eager to learn, and very competitive. His mentality fits in seamlessly with our group and I'm looking forward to working with him this year.”
More information about Saalih Muhammed can be found on the New Mexico United Roster page.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining a club with such a wonderful organization, and a group of guys with kind personalities and desire to win,” said Muhammed.
Saalih Muhammed, midfielder hails from Richmond, CA, and most recently played for Penn FC in 2017, the San Francisco Deltas (NASL) in 2017, Croatia Äakovo in 2016 and HAŠK from 2015-2016.
“Although Saalih is only 23 years old, he brings a wealth of professional experience to our club. If you’ve spent any time with him, the first thing that stands out is his character,” said Lesesne. “He is selfless, eager to learn, and very competitive. His mentality fits in seamlessly with our group and I’m looking forward to working with him this year.”
More information about Saalih Muhammed can be found on the New Mexico United Roster page.
I’ve never learnt to give in, with God all things are possible. Can’t wait to get started with this special group of players we have,” said Sampson. “Looking forward for the journey with our fans and players. Thank you, New Mexico, for this opportunity.
Ethen Sampson, defender, hails from Mitchell’s Plain, South Africa, and last played with Ubuntu Cape Town FC from 2017-2018. From 2014 -2015, Sampson played for the Vancouver Whitecaps, after spending 2013 with the Vancouver Whitecaps U23 team. Prior to his time with the Whitecaps, Sampson played on the South Africa U20 National Team from 2011-2013, and the South Africa U17 National Team from 2009-2010.
“Ethen has a tenacity to his game that's hard to describe but is evident every time you watch him play. He enjoys making life hard for attacking players,” said Lesesne.” “Our paths crossed when we were both with the Vancouver Whitecaps and I always respected how focused he was on doing the simple things right. Fast forward five years and I'm thrilled that I get to work with Ethen again.”
More information about Ethen Sampson can be found on the New Mexico United Roster page.
I’ve never learnt to give in, with God all things are possible. Can’t wait to get started with this special group of players we have,” said Sampson. “Looking forward for the journey with our fans and players. Thank you, New Mexico, for this opportunity.
Ethen Sampson, defender, hails from Mitchell’s Plain, South Africa, and last played with Ubuntu Cape Town FC from 2017-2018. From 2014 -2015, Sampson played for the Vancouver Whitecaps, after spending 2013 with the Vancouver Whitecaps U23 team. Prior to his time with the Whitecaps, Sampson played on the South Africa U20 National Team from 2011-2013, and the South Africa U17 National Team from 2009-2010.
“Ethen has a tenacity to his game that’s hard to describe but is evident every time you watch him play. He enjoys making life hard for attacking players,” said Lesesne.” “Our paths crossed when we were both with the Vancouver Whitecaps and I always respected how focused he was on doing the simple things right. Fast forward five years and I’m thrilled that I get to work with Ethen again.”
More information about Ethen Sampson can be found on the New Mexico United Roster page.
About New Mexico United
New Mexico United, the state’s first professional soccer franchise, brings the most popular sport in the world home to the Land of Enchantment. Fueled by a passion for community, New Mexico United’s promise is to provide a platform that brings New Mexicans together for a unique sporting experience, celebrating the unity and excitement inherent in world-class soccer.
https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/newmexicoutd
About USL
The USL is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million and fueling the growth of the game across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications, and sponsorship.
The USL has a national media partnership with ESPN, wherein all league matches are broadcast on ESPN+, ESPN3 and across linear channels. The league also operates USL Productions, which includes a state-of-the-art facility that produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates and international markets throughout the 2018 season.
About New Mexico United
New Mexico United, the state’s first professional soccer franchise, brings the most popular sport in the world home to the Land of Enchantment. Fueled by a passion for community, New Mexico United’s promise is to provide a platform that brings New Mexicans together for a unique sporting experience, celebrating the unity and excitement inherent in world-class soccer.
https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/newmexicoutd
About USL
The USL is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million and fueling the growth of the game across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications, and sponsorship.
The USL has a national media partnership with ESPN, wherein all league matches are broadcast on ESPN+, ESPN3 and across linear channels. The league also operates USL Productions, which includes a state-of-the-art facility that produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates and international markets throughout the 2018 season.
