Eric Wynalda is boosting his roster six weeks into a long 2019 USL Championship season by agreeing to terms with Memphis 901 FC for the transfer of midfielder Junior Sandoval.
The 28-year-old Honduras native made four appearances with Memphis 901 FC this season. Sandoval was credited with an assist on the first goal in history for the USL Championship franchise owned by legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard.
“He’s someone I’ve known about for a long time, he’s a player I’m very familiar with,” said Lights FC manager Eric Wynalda about his new player. “When we made an assessment of what the needs of this team were, he really fit the bill. We’re fortunate to get him, we’re very thankful with the cooperation from Memphis throughout the process.”
His nearly 10-year career as a professional player is highlighted by his stints with Jaguares de Córdoba and C.D. Marathón, first division teams in Honduras and Colombia, respectively.
Sandoval became the third Honduran in history to play in the Colombian top flight during his time with Jaguares de Córdoba. In his stint with 9-time Honduran title holders Marathón, Junior received the opportunity to play in the CONCACAF Champions League against MLS opponent Seattle Sounders, facing now teammate Sammy Ochoa in a match that Seattle won in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
“It was a great move for the club, he’s a very versatile player, he can play several positions for us,” stated Wynalda. “More so than anything, he’s a winner, he has a lot of heart. We were fighting through a lot of adversity right now, his insertion into this team and eventually into the lineup is going to help us immensely.”
Sandoval has joined the Lights at practice this week and is eligible to play immediately.
