El Paso Locomotive FC adds former Gadsden star Memo Diaz

El Paso Locomotive FC has added a former Gadsden High School star, the club announced Thursday.

Guillermo “Memo” Diaz was born in Gadsden and played in high school for the Panthers, becoming the 2013-14 Gatorade New Mexico Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Diaz, a midfielder, impressed the Locomotive in an invitational tryout and then continued to perform well throughout the preseason, earning himself a spot on the roster.

“When I got into the office and was offered a contract, I felt very thankful to the club and to coach Mark Lowry for giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Diaz. “Getting to play for the professional team in your home town is every kid’s dream.”

After playing at Gadsden, Diaz would go on to play junior college soccer in Arizona before transferring to UNLV.

Diaz also spent time in the National Pro Soccer League with the Laredo Heat, and his performance there put him on the radar of the Locomotive coaching staff.

The team will play its first match March 9 at Southwest University Park against Oklahoma City Energy FC.