The Bakersfield Brigade, Bakersfield’s own Premier Development League (PDL) soccer team, announced today that 2005 Brigade player Fabian Sandoval has signed to play professional with Miami FC, a new 2006 franchise team playing within the United Soccer League’s First Division.

 

Fabian Sandoval played as a Midfielder with the Brigade in their 2005 inaugural season. He suited up for 15 of their 16 season games and finished with one goal on the season. “The experience I gained while playing with the Brigade was great because of all the good teams we played against in the PDL,” stated Fabian Sandoval. “The motivation to work harder to try to get to the next level really paid off,” added Sandoval. This work ethic has helped Sandoval to make the most of himself as a soccer player.  Sandoval played his high school soccer at Ridgeview before graduating in 1999.  At that point, Fabian became a fixture in the starting lineup at California State University, Bakersfield, where he showed his versatility as a central or left-sided player.  This talent was noticed by Brigade Head Coach Jay Gore, who signed the Midfielder in 2005. Head Coach Jay Gore stated “I am very pleased that Fabian has the opportunity to play at the professional level . . . his leadership and abilities will be missed, but our focus is on moving players to the next level.”

 

Sandoval becomes the first Brigade player to join the professional ranks. “The purpose of our club is to develop professional level talent in our community,” stated Bakersfield Brigade owner Jeffrey Thorn. “Fabian’s signing with Miami FC certainly shows that we are headed in the right direction,” added Thorn. Sandoval will be in a familiar situation playing with the expansion Miami FC, because of his experience with the Brigade in their inaugural season. “I look forward to being a part of something special in Miami,” stated Sandoval. “The chance to play with a club in its first year is both an honor and a challenge that I will enjoy,” added Sandoval. Miami FC kicks off its 2006 season at home to the Montreal Impact on April 23. 

 

The Bakersfield Brigade will be conducting their 2006 team try-outs on February 25, 2006.