New home for former SMU star Gabriel Costa

[PonyPride]

From SDSockers.com:

San Diego Sockers sign MASL Newcomer of the Year Gabriel Costa

The San Diego Sockers announced June 21 the signing of forward Gabriel Costa to a three-year Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) free-agent contract. As per league and club policy, the financial details of the deal will not be revealed.

In 2022-23, Costa played in 19 games with the Empire Strykers. He scored 18 goals and had 22 assists for a total of 40 points in his rookie season, earning him MASL Newcomer Of The Year honors.

"We are very excited to have one of the best young talents in the league join San Diego," said Sockers Player Personnel Director Chiky Luna. "Our goal is always to build a championship team, Costa will fit very well within our team and help bring the championship back to San Diego. We are looking forward to seeing what Costa can do in a Sockers uniform."

He played in 55 games collegiately at Southern Methodist University between 2019-2021. In his senior season, he led the Mustangs with eight goals, including three game-winners. Prior to playing at SMU, Costa totaled 14 goals and 13 assists in 20 games at Azusa Pacific University.

In addition to playing professionally in the MASL, Costa scored the championship-winning goal for Newtown Pride FC in the inaugural $1,000,000 winner-take-all The Soccer Tournament in Cary, NC. on June 3. Nearly 90 MASL players participated in the international five-day event.

Costa stated, "I am very excited to be joining the Sockers! This franchise has a history of championships and players that I am excited to work with. I am ready for this new challenge and will work hard to bring the championship back to San Diego."

The Sockers will return to Pechanga Arena San Diego for the upcoming season beginning in December. The full MASL schedule is expected to be announced this fall. Season ticket memberships are available by calling (866) 799-GOAL, or online at sdsockers.com/memberships.