New Mexico Rush’s own Sergio Rivas (NM Rush 98B) signed with the New Mexico United of the USL Championship for the 2021 season. Sergio was the 26th overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. He spent the last two years playing with the Earthquakes' USL Championship affiliate Reno 1868 FC. Reno captured the 2020 USL Championship regular season crown with Rivas appearing in 16 matches starting in 14 of them. Over the course of his time in Reno, Rivas made 30 appearances scoring five goals in all competitions anchoring the Reno 1868 FC midfield.
Sergio played most of his youth career from age 10 to 18 for New Mexico Rush Soccer Club. During his time with NM Rush 98B he and his teammates won four New Mexico Youth Soccer Association State Championships, participated in 2 USYS Far West Regional Quarterfinals, participated in 1 USYS Far West Regional Semifinals, were USYS Far West Regional League Finalists and captured a US Club Soccer WCDA Finals Champions. At the age of 15, Rivas played in the 2014 U.S. Youth Soccer U19 Far West Regional Finals with NM Rush 95B starting every game of the tournament playing three years above his USYS registered age. That same year Rivas was also named the New Mexico High School Gatorade Player of the Year.
Following Sergio’s youth career with NM Rush he went on to star for four years with NCAA Powerhouse Seattle University under Coach Pete Fewing. While playing for Seattle, Rivas appeared in 85 matches scoring 21 goals adding 27 assists and leading the team to three NCAA Div. I Men’s Soccer Tournament appearances and an Elite 8 appearance his Junior season.
Sergio is the third NM Rush Soccer Club product to sign a professional contract with NM United following Justin Schmidt (NM Rush 94B), Josh Goss (NM Rush 95B). Ben Spencer Jr. (NM Rush 95B) is currently playing professionally with the San Diego Loyal of the USL Championship.
Sergio and his family moved to Albuquerque from Mexico when he was nine years old.
PHOTOGRAPH AND MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
WHAT: Sergio will be signing autographs at his former youth club’s(NM Rush) headquarters
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Monday, December 28, 2020
WHERE: The NM Rush Center 4495 Prospect NE Suite 155