ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Tuesday that club legend Devon Sandoval had announced his retirement from the game. The New Mexico native, who served as the club’s first signing in 2018 ahead of its inaugural season the following year, scored the first goal in the club’s USL Championship history and helped lead the side to three playoff appearances in its first four seasons.
A graduate of El Dorado High School and the University of New Mexico, Sandoval recorded 22 goals and six assists in 87 appearances across the regular season and playoffs for United. In addition to scoring the first regular season goal in club history in 2019, he also notched the first playoff goal as well against Sacramento Republic FC that October. Sandoval’s goal after 13 seconds remains the fastest goal in USL Championship Playoffs history.
Sandoval also scored the first goal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the club’s history, scoring twice in the Second Round of the 2019 edition of the tournament as New Mexico advanced past Phoenix Rising FC after a penalty shootout.
Prior to joining New Mexico United, Sandoval had competed across the U.S. soccer landscape. Selected by Real Salt Lake in the Second Round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, he made 87 appearances and scored 11 goals and five assists for the top-flight club in his career. Sandoval also competed for North Carolina FC and Atlanta United 2, and ended his Championship career with 27 goals in 121 appearances across the regular season and playoffs.
United plans to honor Sandoval on social media throughout the day on Tuesday, and will do so at a match during the 2023 season.