The El Paso Patriots are pleased to formally announce the return of a pair of
veterans to lead the team into its 18th season of play this weekend.
Midfielder/Forward Enrique “Kiki” Cervantes returns for his sixth season with
his hometown team. A product of
Cathedral
High School , Cervantes actually
began his Patriots career before playing collegiately for Texas Christian University.
Sámano is in
El Paso for his fourth season. The veteran middle defender played
in the Mexican First Division with C.F. Monterrey, as well as the old Cobras de
Cd. Juárez and San Luís of First Division-A. He was also a member of the U-17
Mexican National Team and while in was twice selected as an all-star.
Sámano anchors a solid three-man back line for the Patriots, who usually play a
3-5-2 formation. The wily veteran may resemble a distance runner, but opposing
forwards soon learn to respect his skill both on and off the ball.
Both players were part of the 2005 Patriots team that finished second in the
Premier Development League and both are looking to take the extra step to win
a league title in 2008 under new coach Miguel Murillo.
The Patriots start the PDL season against the Austin Aztex this Saturday, May
3rd, at Patriot Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. MDT and fans can take
advantage of two-for-one admission for the game, plus a free clinic for young
soccer players under the age of 13 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. inside the stadium.
The first four matches are also a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifiers. The
Open Cup is a separate competition that runs concurrently with the
professional soccer season in the . League play through each
team’s first four matches against different opponents will determine who
advances to the first round of the Open Cup.
For more information and season tickets, contact the Patriots at 915.771.6620
.
