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USL Austin Bold FC

Local Youth Standouts Join Austin Bold FC for 2020 USL Championship Season

August 19, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Bold FC News Release


Austin, TX - Austin Bold FC is excited to announce the signing of local youth standouts Derreck Espinal and Alan Rivera to academy contracts for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending federation approval. Both Espinal and Rivera represented The Bold during the 2019 USL Academy Cup tournament in San Antonio, TX. Per club policy, contract terms will not be released.

"I've said it many times, but I will keep saying it. As an organization, we want to be an integral part of growing soccer in Austin. We love Austin because of its uniqueness, inclusiveness, and the love of other cultures. You cannot easily find this in other cities in this country." said Austin Bold FC Head Coach Marcelo Serrano. "Every professional team should have at least 35% of the academy players in the pros, so talented young players like Dereck and Alan can have the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional environment. Being around players who played in some of the best leagues in the world is an invaluable experience for players of their age."

Espinal began his youth career at Lonestar SC, with the youth club's U13 DA side. The Austin native then moved to Lonestar SC partner club APPA Aguilas and trained under APPA director and Bold midfielder Sonny Guadarrama before joining FC Westlake. Espinal also played for Kipp Austin Collegiate Varsity Boys Soccer team, where he won TCSAAL Division 1 State Championship in his sophomore year recording 27 goals and 12 assists.

"We are tremendously excited for Dereck and the work he has put in to earn this opportunity," said FC Westlake Boys Competitive Director Conor Edmondson. "He embodies what FC Westlake is all about and has shown our players a blueprint to reach a professional environment."

Round Rock, TX local Rivera joined youth club Austin Texans SC at a young age and represented the club in their U12 through U16 sides before becoming a part of the Lonestar SC organization. While at Stony Point High School, Rivera set a school record with 24 goals and 18 assists. He went on to win District 13-6A MVP honors in his sophomore year.

The addition of Espinal and Rivera continues Austin Bold FC's mission to facilitate the growth of soccer in Austin by giving players the ability to develop in a professional team environment. The players join other Austin locals Sonny Guadarrama, Kris Tyrpak, Beto Avila, Nathaniel Adamolekun, Zachary Kos, and Edward Alonzi at Austin Bold FC.

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