USL1 One Knoxville SC

Academy Player Leo Santos to Join First Team Squad on Road Trip

July 28, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
One Knoxville SC News Release


One Knox Academy player and Knoxville native Leo Santos will join the One Knox 18-man roster against Central Valley Fuego FC in California on Saturday night.

"I'm excited and thankful for the opportunity," Santos said. "The opportunity to play at such a high level and with really good players is exciting. It's a big step for achieving my goals."

It will be the Alcoa junior's first appearance with the senior squad since being the first-ever One Knox Academy signing on March 15. Since signing, he has trained with the senior team throughout the season and played five games with the academy. With three months of experience practicing with senior players, he's already grown as a player and is ready for the chance.

"The intensity [of training] is different from anything I've ever played in," Santos said. "Just learning from the older guys that are more experienced has helped me so much."

For Alcoa, the midfielder scored 16 goals and 13 assists in the Tornadoes' run to the Class A state championship match. He was named to the 2023 All-5Star Prep's Team as one of only three sophomores given the award. He also played for NPSL Emerald Force SC and was an MLS side Nashville SC's U-15 team member.

"Leo is a fantastic young man with a great passion and love for soccer, which is displayed in the way he plays," head coach Mark McKeever said. "His technical ability and creativity are unique attributes that make him a very natural footballer. He has a massive ceiling in the sport with great potential."

"The first makes it tangible for the rest. We're thrilled to see Leo progress through the One Knox Academy and earn an opportunity with the first team," Executive Director of One Knox Collective and One Knox Youth Club Sam Weisbrod said." In doing so, he'll show the rest of Knoxville what's possible."

Leo will be wearing #15. His first team debut will be Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. against Central Valley Fuego FC. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.

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