Juan Salazar Signs Five-Year Contract Extension

The San Diego Sockers - presented by Kaiser Permanente - today announced the five-year contract extension signing with forward Juan Salazar. As per MASL and club policy, the terms of the deal were not announced. 

A left-footed striker, Salazar tallied four goals and two assists in 14 regular season matches last year.

“Juan made a terrific impression last season and has shown the character and desire needed to be a Socker,” said Sockers general manager Chiky Luna. "We are very proud to keep him in the Sockers family and look forward to what he can contribute to our club.”

A 25-year-old born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, Salazar moved to San Diego at age 16, enrolling at Mission Hills High School. He went on to play soccer at CSU San Marcos before transferring to Point Loma Nazarene University in 2023, where he led the Sea Lions in goals (8) and assists (8), receiving First Team All-PacWest as well as PacWest Newcomer of the Year.

“I’m excited and grateful for the San Diego Sockers organization for this amazing opportunity,” said Salazar, “Since I was four years old, playing pro soccer has been my dream.”

The Sockers open their 2024/25 MASL season on Saturday, December 7 in Tacoma, before returning home to open their new venue - Frontwave Arena - in Oceanside on Saturday, December 14 against Utica City FC. Kickoff is at 7:05pm.