Sockers Sign Mitchell Cardenas to Bolster Back Line

SAN DIEGO, CA—The San Diego Sockers today announced the signing of free agent defender Mitchell Cardenas to a three-year Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) contract. As per league and club policy, no further contract details will be revealed. Cardenas will report to San Diego for the start of training camp in January. 

“We have been looking to add depth to our corps of defenders, and have had our eyes on Mitchell Cardenas for some time,” said Sockers director of player personnel Chiky Luna, “We believe he brings the strength and skill we need to compete against the top forwards in the league.”

Cardenas, who will turn 30 by the start of training camp, played in Texas the past two MASL seasons, competing for the Mesquite Outlaws in 2019-20, and the Rio Grande Valley Barracudas in 2018-19. Exhibiting an offensive touch from the back line, Cardenas has netted 16 goals and 16 assists (16-16=32 points) in 43 career MASL matches. His best season came with RGV in 2018-19, when Cardenas accrued (10-9=19) points in 22 matches. In addition, Cardenas has blocked 63 shots the past two seasons, including a career-high 34 with Mesquite in 2019-20.

Mitchell joining the Sockers extends a family tradition; his father Alejandro played for Sockers II from 2001-2003. 

“San Diego is a franchise that is always aiming for the championship,” said Cardenas of his decision to sign with the Sockers, “When I was young and my dad played there, I saw first-hand what the franchise means to the city, and how the fans rally around the club on match days. I’m excited to meet everyone involved and get our prep work started for the season.”

A Mexico City native, Cardenas played Division I college soccer in the United States at Campbell University in North Carolina, leading the NCAA in assists his senior year (2011-12). Selected by Sporting KC in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, Cardenas signed in Mexico with Atletico Coatzacoalcos, helping the team to be promoted to Ascenso MX in 2013-14. Mitchell’s career continued in the Mexican second division with Reynosa FC in 2014-15, before signing in Guatemala’s top division with Sacachispas in 2015. He has also featured in the NPSL, PDL, and played for Grythyttan IF in Sweden in 2017. 

The San Diego Sockers will compete as a road-only club in the MASL 2021 season, with the first two matches scheduled for January 29 (at Kansas City) and January 31 (at Dallas). The league is utilizing a pay-per-view platform via Facebook and Facebook Watch for all regular season and postseason contests. Find out more at the Major Arena Soccer League Facebook page.