May 9, 2013

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Former University of New Mexico Soccer standout Devon Sandoval continues his rise among the MLS ranks as he achieved another milestone last night for Real Salt Lake. Sandoval scored his first career MLS goal in the second half against the New England Revolution to tie the match up in the 77^th minute.

 "Sebastian [Velasquez] made a big shot and I was right there waiting for the keeper to drop it and pretty much dropped it right at my feet. I just had to hit it in. There was someone on my back, but I was closer to the goal then he was. I don't think he was anticipating the keeper to drop the ball," Sandoval explained in the press conference after the match.

Sandoval's goal came in just his eighth appearance for Real Salt Lake and his fourth career start. It's been a whirlwind of success for the Albuquerque native since he and fellow Lobo, Blake Smith, both signed MLS contracts in January. Within a matter of weeks, Sandoval went from scoring a game-winning goal in a MLS reserve game to getting his first career start to scoring the first goal of his professional career.

The center forward's goal on Wednesday night was the first goal by a Lobo in a MLS match since Andrew Boyens scored for Chivas USA versus the Columbus Crew on May 28, 2011.

Ironically, Devon Sandoval's next match will be against the Montreal Impact and fellow Lobo Soccer alumnus Blake Smith on Saturday, May 11^th.

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