SOCKERS SIGN DEFENDER EMMANUEL AGUIRRE
SAN DIEGO (August 7, 2019) - The San Diego Sockers today announced the signing of defender Emmanuel Aguirre to a Major Arena Soccer League contract for the 2019-20 season and beyond, pending visa approval. The five-year contract will secure Aguirre’s rights to the Sockers through the 2023-24 campaign. As per team and league policies, terms of the contract will not be disclosed.
“When I faced San Diego last year I noticed the importance of this club, its history and its fans,” said Aguirre of the decision to join the Sockers going forward, “I thank God to be given this opportunity by the Sockers, and will leave it all out on the floor to defend our crest and help protect our goal.”
Aguirre, 25, made his professional indoor debut last season with the Rio Grande Valley Barracudas, earning MASL Honorable Mention honors for his play. He started all 24 regular season matches in 2018-19, as well as both of the club’s playoff fixtures. A left-footer, Aguirre netted five goals with three assists (5-3=8 points), while leading the MASL with 41 blocked shots. Aguirre added ten more blocks in two playoff contests.
“Aguirre is a big, strong defender who never loses a one-vs-one battle,” said Sockers director of player personnel Chiky Luna, “He stood out last year with the presence he has on the field, and a very good left foot. We feel we have secured the talents of one of the top up-and-coming defenders in the league.”
Born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX, Aguirre developed his soccer skills in the Liga MX academy of Club Atlas F.C., for whom he played from age 12 to 19. During his time with Atlas, Aguirre made his way from the U17 to the second premier division, while helping his U17 side capture international tournament championships in Holland, Germany and Italy.
Aguirre spent three years subsequently playing for Club Toluca F.C., where he rose from the second premier division to make his Liga MX First Division debut as a left back, featuring for Toluca in COPA MX play vs. Club Tijuana on July 19, 2016.
Emmanuel is the third of six children, with a brother and four sisters. He is currently single.
The Sockers will renew their quest for a MASL championship in the 2019-20 season, with the league’s official start date scheduled for November 22. The league schedule is expected out soon. For information on the Sockers, season ticket memberships and more, please visit SDSockers.com.