March 6, 2013

Antigua, Guatemala - Former University of New Mexico goalkeeper Victor Rodriguez has signed a professional contract with Antigua G.F.C of la Primera Division de Ascenso in Guatemala. His signing with Antigua makes the keeper the third Lobo to sign a professional contract this year.  Rodriguez's former Lobo teammates, Blake Smith and Devon Sandoval, inked MLS deals earlier this year with the Montreal Impact and Real Salt Lake respectively.

"This is a great opportunity that the coach and the club's board members have given me, and I am extremely happy they have trust in me. I hope to adapt as quick as possible to the style of play that the coach wants and to succeed on and off the field here in Guatemala," Rodriguez said.

Antigua G.F.C is in a top league in Guatemala. Los Panzas Verdes, which is the Spanish translation of "Green Bellies", is the team's nickname due to their green and white striped uniforms. Antigua is located in the southern part of the country and is known for its strong Spanish influence that still exists in its architecture and rich history. Its beautiful scenery makes it one of the hottest tourist spots in Central America.

The Las Cruces native left the Lobo Soccer after re-writing many of the program's goalkeeper records. He finished with a career record of 36-4-4, which included a program best 18-0-4 mark in 2011. Rodriguez also holds the lowest career goals against average in Lobo history with a 0.54 mark. His 36 career wins and 17 shutouts rank him among the top five all-time at New Mexico in each category. Rodriguez's other accolades include First Team All-MPSF, MPSF Tournament MVP and TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Week honors. He was also an Academic All-MPSF selection in his Lobo career.

"I couldn't be happier for Victor. He represents what our program stands for. He's an excellent student, a hard worker and a role model in our community. He was able to develop into a professional soccer player but not at the expense of his academics. He's fortunate enough to go Antigua and play for an outstanding coach in Ziggy Korytoski who will help Vic develop even more as a keeper," commented Head Coach Jeremy Fishbein.

Rodriguez graduated with a degree in Sociology in December and has been in Guatemala for a couple of weeks already after spending training camp with Antigua G.F.C.

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