It took a while, but the prodigal son has returned to San Diego where he played college soccer in 2008 signing with San Diego Loyal SC. The team made the official announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Joe Corona played his freshman year at SDSU (2008-2009) before entering the professional ranks with the Xolos in 2010. He also had the opportunity to play with other Liga MX teams such as Tiburones de Veracruz, Dorados de Sinaloa, and Club América.

Despite only playing his freshman year with the Aztecs, those who had the pleasure of coaching him knew his talents and passion for the game would take him very far. The two-time Gold Cup winner in 2013 and 2017 with the USMNT, Corona signed with the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer in March of 2019 where he made 47 appearances before moving on to the Houston Dynamo in December of 2020 where he made 30 more.

He was loaned out to GIF Sundsvall of the Swedish first division where he made 22 appearances for the club last year.

“I am so happy to see the Loyal remaining good on their word by bringing another Aztec soccer elite player to their squad,” said former SDSU men’s soccer head coach Lev Kirshner. “Joe Corona is a consummate pro and will be a great addition to the locker room and, of course, the field. Kudos to the Loyal staff and front office.”

Kirshner was the SDSU head coach from 2000 to 2020 and led them to three NCAA tournaments.

Corona earned four letters at Sweetwater High School and was the 2008 San Diego Union-Tribune Player of the Year. He also garnered 2008 Mesa League Player of the Year honors and was a three-time all-league first-team selection (2006-08). He was also a first-team all-CIF performer who captained the Red Devils to a 2008 league championship and played club ball for the San Diego Nomads.

Photo courtesy of San Diego Loyal