Chicago Mustangs Add Another Five Players
Published on October 28, 2013 under Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Chicago Mustangs News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - The Chicago Mustangs of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) continue to prepare for their season kick-off this Saturday, November 2 at the Odeum in Villa Park. Today the team announced the addition of five players, all in their early twenties, to an already stellar roster. Luis "Pee Wee" Ortega (21), Adrian Ortiz (24), Bryan Velazquez (20), Victor Hugo Sanchez (20), and Alexis Camarena (20) will take the field for the Mustangs on November 2 when the Mustangs face league new comers Tulsa Revolution. Although these players are young in age, none of them are short in tooth. Team President Armando Gamboa stated in a brief press event on Monday at the Mustangs home training facility, Grand Sports Arena in Hoffman Estates, "the talent that these players bring is way beyond their years." He went on to add, "not only can these players compete at the highest level, they all have the ability to take this opportunity and grow from it."
No one knows what good exposure playing in the PASL can do for their career better than Alexis Camarana. The suburban Chicago native has spent his entire life dreaming of playing soccer at its highest level. Last year Camarena made his professional debut with the Mustangs in December, after spending the first half of the season developing on the Mustangs premier level team. "It was amazing to have other young players look up to me, it made me work that much harder to develop as a player" said Camarena. Eventually, his dedication was noticed by other teams, and at the conclusion of the Mustangs 2012-13 season, he was invited to try out for Toluca in the Liga MX (Mexican First Division). "As more opportunity builds for this young player, I am happy that he continues to give one hundred and ten percent to the Mustangs," said Gamboa.
Victor Hugo Sanchez has amassed a resume that would be remarkable for a seasoned veteran, however he is only twenty years of age. In fact, when many of his peers were just getting involved in high school soccer, Sanchez was already representing his country on a national level. In 2008 Sanchez made his first international appearance for the Mexican National U15 team. Shortly after that, at just 15 years of age, he was brought onto Club Santos of the Liga MX and continued with them for two seasons. Upon his return stateside in 2010, Sanchez spent time with the Sockers Academy (Chicago Club) and just last year he made his professional arena soccer debut signing with the Rockford Rampage (PASL)." I am excited to play for this team, and to showcase my ability at the top level," said Sanchez about signing with the Mustangs. In regards to turning a rival player into a Mustang, Gamboa said, "I have watched [Victor] Sanchez develop as a player, and am excited to have the chance to help him continue to grow his career."
"A player like Bryan Velazquez comes along once in a million years," said Gamboa about his star forward. Mustangs' fans will remember Bryan Velazquez from his clutch goals last season, including his game-winning goal to serve the Dallas Sidekicks their first loss in an amazing overtime battle between the two teams. The future is bright for this twenty-year-old Texas native, who hopes to continue to develop this season. In time, there is no doubt that a talent like Valzquez's will be showcased at a higher level.
The eldest of the five players announced in today's conference is Adrian Ortiz, who in his second season on the Mustangs has emerged as a team leader and vocal inspiration to his younger counterparts. Most training sessions end with a team stretch, and Ortiz is one of the players that initiates and leads this activity. "It is very encouraging to have a player with the dedication and drive that [Adrian] Ortiz brings to the team," preached Gamboa. He continued 'it is not like this is a team that is short on leaders, but it is important that we have a younger player involved in the leadership to set the example." And an example is exactly what Ortiz was last season, playing more minutes per game than any other midfielder on the roster.
Don't think that you are going to get under Luis "Pee Wee" Ortega's skin by referring to him by his nickname. Actually, he prefers to be called "Pee Wee". "Guys think I am going to be offended when they call me "Pee Wee", instead it just makes me want to play harder against them," he said when asked about his nickname. More important than what people call him, is what he is capable of. In Just 9 games with the Mustangs last season, "Pee Wee" averaged a goal per game played, and became a driving force in the Mustangs high-powered offense. "I am very excited to be here at the beginning this season, and to see a lot of familiar faces makes me think that this team will be even better this season," said "Pee Wee" about signing to play with the Mustangs.
"All of these players will contribute to our teams ultimate goal of winning the Ron Newman Cup this season," finished Gamboa's statement about these signings. The team is in the final stages of preparing for what is sure to be a standout season for the team. The public will get its first glimpse this Saturday, November 2, 2013 when the Mustangs begin their second season. Tickets are still available for the match that will take place at the Odeum in Villa Park, and can be bought by visiting the teams website at www.chicagomustangspro.com.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from October 28, 2013
- Chicago Mustangs Add Another Five Players - Chicago Mustangs
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