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USL New Mexico United

New Mexico United Signs 4 Trialists Including Former Lobo Josh Goss

February 21, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Mexico United News Release


ALBUQUERQUE, NM New Mexico United announced today the professional soccer team's latest player signings, under the guidance of Head Coach Troy Lesesne. Midfielder Ken Akamatsu, former Lobo Josh Goss, Saalih Muhammed, and Ethen Sampson join New Mexico United's roster for its 2019 opening season.

Akamatsu, Goss, Muhammed, and Sampson join a roster of 15 recently signed New Mexico United players. With the addition of Goss, New Mexico United has now signed four native New Mexicans, Devon Sandoval, Justin Schmidt and Josh Suggs, in addition to the roster of players including Ben Beaury, David Estrada, Kevaughn Frater, Juan Guzman, Sam Hamilton, Cody Mizell, Santi Moar, Toni Soler, Rashid Tetteh, former Lobo Chris Wehan, Ryan Williams, and Austin Yearwood. All player signings are pending United Soccer League (USL) and federation approval.

Ken Akamatsu, midfielder hails from Niigata, Japan and joins New Mexico United after a successful college career with the University of Denver. From 2015 - 2018, Akamatsu made 77 appearances, 18 starts, 7 goals, and 13 assists. Additionally, Akamatsu was named Summit League 2nd Team and Summit League All-Tournament Team.

"Kenny joined us in the first week of preseason and made an immediate impression," said Lesesne. "He thinks the game through, is very good in combination play, and dangerous in 1v1 attacking situations. Beyond his ability on the field, he's the type of personality we want representing our club."

Josh Goss, midfielder, is a hometown-player, hailing from Albuquerque, NM. Goss' professional experience comes from USL League 2, playing in 2018 with the Albuquerque Sol, and played the 2017 season with the Colorado Rapids U23 team with 12 appearances, 4 goals, and 3 assists.

Goss spent four years playing for the University of New Mexico Lobo Men's soccer team from 2013 to 2016, netting 67 appearances, 44 starts, 9 assists, and 2 goals. In addition to his play time, Goss was named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week in September 2014, Third Team All-Conference USA in 2015, and C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2016.

"Josh persevered through our open trial, invite trial, and the first 2 weeks of our preseason to earn his opportunity with New Mexico United," said Lesesne. "He's a versatile player, with a great mind for the game and each week he's grown more and more comfortable with our group. I'm looking forward to seeing him continue to progress in his first USL season."

Saalih Muhammed, midfielder hails from Richmond, CA, and most recently played for Penn FC in 2017, the San Francisco Deltas (NASL) in 2017, Croatia ?akovo in 2016 and HASK from 2015-2016.

"Although Saalih is only 23 years old, he brings a wealth of professional experience to our club. If you've spent any time with him, the first thing that stands out is his character," said Lesesne. "He is selfless, eager to learn, and very competitive. His mentality fits in seamlessly with our group and I'm looking forward to working with him this year."

Ethen Sampson, defender, hails from Mitchell's Plain, South Africa, and last played with Ubuntu Cape Town FC from 2017-2018. From 2014 -2015, Sampson played for the Vancouver Whitecaps, after spending 2013 with the Vancouver Whitecaps U23 team. Prior to his time with the Whitecaps, Sampson played on the South Africa U20 National Team from 2011-2013, and the South Africa U17 National Team from 2009-2010.

"Ethen has a tenacity to his game that's hard to describe but is evident every time you watch him play. He enjoys making life hard for attacking players," said Lesesne." "Our paths crossed when we were both with the Vancouver Whitecaps and I always respected how focused he was on doing the simple things right. Fast forward five years and I'm thrilled that I get to work with Ethen again." work with Ethen again."

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