1 OF 3 VALLEY PRO SOCCER PLAYERS RETURN HOME TO PLAY FOR FUEGO FC USL LEAGUE ONE 2022 INAUGURAL SEASON
Fresno, CA, January 4, 2022 – Central Valley Fuego Fútbol Club is excited to announce Anthony Velarde has officially signed for Central Valley Fuego FC’s USL League One team. Velarde is 1 of 3 players who is being announced this week and is a Central Valley native with an impressive professional soccer career.
“I am happy to welcome Anthony Velarde to Central Valley Fuego FC. Anthony brings to us three years of experience at the USL Championship level with lots of minutes played, goals and assists,” said Head Coach and Director Deportivo, Jaime Ramirez. “His experience will be invaluable to our inaugural season. He has local roots with Reedley HS, Fresno Pacific University, and Fresno Fuego. Welcome home Anthony!”
Anthony Velarde, 25, a first generation Mexican- American was raised in Reedley, California. Velarde played for Reedley High School’s Varsity team and California Odyssey. During which he earned NYL Most Valuable Player, All-League First Team, All Valley, Athlete of the Month and won league and valley championships 2010-11. He completed his senior year having scored 33 goals and 12 assists. He joined Fresno Pacific University (FPU) and redshirted his junior year. Velarde broke the PacWest record for career assists by earning 10 goals and 10 assists during his last season with the Sunbirds. He also appeared in 7 matches with Freno Fuego USL PDL. Velarde was named All American by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and United Soccer Coaches, earning him a professional contract in the USL Championship League. Velarde joins after 3 successful seasons with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC totalling 74 professional games played, 11 goals and 9 assists.
“Coming back to play in the Central Valley feels like everything I’ve been working for all these years has paid off,” said Anthony Velarde. “I started my soccer journey here and being able to have the opportunity to come back home is honestly my dream coming true. I’m looking forward to being a part of professional soccer coming back to the Valley and getting to play in front of my family, friends and the fans!”