Diego Abarca Explained

Diego Abarca (born June 19, 2005) is an American professional soccer player who plays for Austin FC II in MLS Next Pro.

Career

El Paso Locomotive

As part of the El Paso youth academy, Abarca signed a USL Academy contract allowing him to play in professional games in 2021.^{[1] [2]} He made his professional debut on March 24, 2022, against Las Vegas Lights.^[3] He started and played 58 minutes.^{[4] [5]}

He scored his first professional goal against Hartford Athletic on June 5, 2022,^[6] three minutes after coming on as a substitute for fellow Academy member Venancio Calderon.^[7] This goal later won Locomotive Goal of the Year.^[8] He also became the youngest player to score a goal for Locomotive.^[9] On October 28, 2022, Abarca signed a fully professional contract with El Paso ahead of the 2023 season.^{[10] [11] [12] [13] [5]}

Austin FC II

On 20 June 2024, Abarca was signed by Austin FC II through the 2024 season with two two-year options.^[14]

Personal life

Born in the United States to Chilean parents, his father, José, was a footballer for Unión Española and his mother, Sandra Ramírez, is the cousin of the former Chile international footballer, Jorge Acuña.^[15]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
El Paso Locomotive FC	2022	USL Championship	8	1	0	0	–		–		8	1
	2023		5	0	1	0	–		0	0	6	0
	2024		3	0	0	0	–		–		3	0
	Total		16	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	17	1
Austin FC II	2024	MLS Next Pro	15	2	–		–		–		15	2
Career total			31	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	32	3

Notes

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2021-09-22 . Youth Soccer Academy Signings . 2022-10-20 . El Paso Locomotive Youth Soccer Club .
2. Web site: How El Paso Locomotive found success without Diego Luna. July 12, 2022. Backheeled.
3. Web site: El Paso Locomotive Ends Dramatic Match Against Las Vegas Lights, 4-5 . 2022-10-20 . El Paso Locomotive FC .
4. Web site: El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC - Football Match Summary - March 23, 2022 - ESPN . 2022-10-20 . ESPN.com . en.
5. Web site: Locomotive sign eight local youths to Academy contracts, can play USL games. El Paso Times.
6. Web site: Diego Abarca Stuns with First Professional Goal . 2022-10-20 . El Paso Locomotive FC .
7. Web site: 2022-06-05 . Go, Go, Diego! El Paso's Abarca grabs memorable first goal . 2022-10-20 . USL Championship .
8. Web site: End of Year Awards 2022 . 2022-10-20 . El Paso Locomotive FC .
9. Web site: 2022-06-05 . El Paso Locomotive vs Hartford Athletic ends in 1-1 Draw - El Paso Herald Post . 2022-10-20 .
10. Web site: Locomotive FC makes landmark signings, Academy products Abarca, Maldonado turn pro. October 28, 2022. USL Championship.
11. Web site: Locomotive FC signs pair of Academy players to pro contracts for first time in club history. October 28, 2022.
12. Web site: 11 Young Players to Know ahead of this USL Championship season. Nicholas. Murray. March 8, 2023. USL Championship.
13. Web site: Locomotive sign eight local youths to Academy contracts, can play USL games. Yahoo News. 22 March 2023 .
14. Web site: Austin FC II Signs Midfielder Diego Abarca . June 20, 2024 . AustinFC.com . Austin FC II . July 13, 2024.
15. Web site: Vega . Diego . El sobrino del ‘Kike’ Acuña que juega en Estados Unidos y sueña con la Roja . . 15 September 2024 . es . 13 May 2022.