Canutillo High School sophomore Diego Abarca has proven to be quite the formidable competitor on the professional soccer field. The 16-year-old midfielder recently made history with his first professional goal, making him the El Paso Locomotive Club’s youngest goal scorer.
Abarca’s left-footed stunner during the Locomotive game against Hartford Athletic, captured the attention of spectators and coaches alike and propelled the young soccer phenom into the national spotlight.
The USL Championship Network nominated it as Goal of the Week calling it a ‘brilliant finish.’ ‘That thing had a vapor trail on it,’ touted ESPN SportsCenter commentators and Soccer America referred to the first pro goal as a ‘golazo.’
“I’m kind of shocked, to be honest,” Albarca said in an interview with the Locomotives. “It’s my second appearance at home and I get a goal. It was very shocking.”
The CHS Eagle is part of the El Paso Locomotive Academy that provides training for young soccer players to prepare for professional soccer careers. Abarca has been a critical driver in the success of the U-19 squad. This past spring, the team was invited to play the prestigious Dallas Cup where their victory resulted in a trip to the semi-finals. Albarca scored during each of those games to help the Locomotive squad achieve a clean sweep.
“We are incredibly proud of Diego,” said CHS Principal Teresa Clapsaddle. “He successfully juggles his obligations as a student with his participation in the Locomotive Academy and to see his hard work pay off makes us all at Canutillo High School excited for him and his future in the pros.”