Having wrapped up its preseason schedule for the upcoming NISA regular season that included games against Xolos de Tijuana and LA Galaxy, Albion San Diego is bringing back a familiar face as it recently announced that midfielder and forward Misael Mendoza will be returning for 2023.
The 17-year-old homegrown talent came through the ranks of the Albion academy system and was the first teenage player signed by the professional team that played its inaugural NISA season in 2022.
“I’m feeling way more confident since the team was very good last year,” said Mendoza. “A lot of the players are new so we’re learning and adapting, which is why we’ve been playing these matches, in order to get to know each other.”
When it comes to teenagers signing professional contracts these examples are few and far between. Arguably the most famous one when it comes to soccer occurred in 2004 when then-14-year-old Freddy Adu signed with D.C. United of Major League Soccer and, most recently, there was the signing of 15-year-old forward Melanie Barcenas by the San Diego Wave of the National Women’s Soccer League this week.
“It’s rare in the United States and it’s rare in the world,” said Albion San Diego CEO and executive director Noah Gins. “We have found a rising star for sure.”
Mendoza joined the Albion developmental system when he was 8 years old scoring nine goals in a game once while also shattering that tournament’s record of 14 goals scored by a single player after finishing with 19 and helping his team take the championship trophy that year.
Mendoza will be joined by some familiar faces this 2023 NISA season including midfielder Jonathan Bazaes along with new teammates like Daniel Bedoya and Shinya Kadono who were both standout players in their respective professional clubs last year.
“I’ve learned from great coaches ever since I’ve been part of Albion,” Mendoza added. “Albion is definitely a good route that provides a lot of options for young players to reach their goal of becoming a professional soccer player.”
His parents, Ivone and Misael Sr. have always been supportive in helping the young star become a success as he hopes to play a major role in Albion San Diego’s new season, including the upcoming US Open Cup game versus San Diego Loyal on April 5 at the SDSU Sports Deck.
Albion San Diego made it to the championship game in 2022 after beating the top-seeded Cal United Strikers in the semifinal round.
“It’s a really good motivation for the players seeing the crowd and the fans because it pushes us even more,” Mendoza concluded. “My goal for this season is to get better as a player and help the team as much as I can to win.”
Photo courtesy: Albion San Diego
