Lynn Men’s Soccer Player Signs a Professional Contract: International Midfielder, João Delgado, Joins a Team in the USL League One
Former Lynn Men’s soccer player, João Delgado, signed with FC Tucson to play in USL League One in Arizona.
Delgado, originally from Riachos, Portugal, helped Lynn’s men’s soccer team win the Sunshine State Conference regular-season and championship in 2019. Before Lynn, he played for two years at Bluefield College in Virginia.
“It was a big and different step for me. I barely spoke English and had no idea what I was going to get in the U.S. I just took the opportunity and have been enjoying the journey,” said Delgado.
The midfielder played in 19 games for the Lynn men’s soccer team, making 17 starts. During his two seasons at Bluefield College, Delgado scored 21 goals, including nine game-winning goals and five assists, and was named a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American.
“Lynn is a great place to be. Besides the title and the wins we got, my favorite thing about it was the bonding with the group,” said Delgado. “That was our strength, the team spirit. And being honest, I believe that is what makes Lynn different from the other programs.”
During his collegiate playing years, he also played USL League Two for Reading United AC and Myrtle Beach Mutiny. As a talented soccer player, his potential was recognized early and was developed within the União Desportiva de Leiria, a professional academy in Portugal.
“The USL Two helped me a lot to prepare for my college experience and also to expose myself to different opportunities around
the pro world in the U.S.,” said Delgado.
“Working with all coaches, teammates, and the people involved in those teams helped me to grow and enjoy my experience as an international player in the U.S.”
After college, Delgado has been working for ASM Scholarships for a year as a soccer director, helping people worldwide get the same chance to reach their dreams to play and study in the United States. He has continued playing soccer and is excited to join FC Tucson.
“I am very happy with this opportunity. I look at it as just another step forward in my journey that is far from over,” said Delgado. “Working hard for what I want and love is the best bet on my life and career. That is just what I try to convince myself every day.”
Delgado is excited to continue to play soccer competitively for USL League One in Arizona.
