PATRIOTS RE-SIGN PAIR
El Paso Welcomes Back Veterans Cervantes, Sámano as Team Readies for Season Opener


The El Paso Patriots are pleased to formally announce the return of a pair of veterans to lead the team into its 18th season of play this weekend.

Midfielder/Forward Enrique “Kiki” Cervantes (right in picture) returns for his sixth season with his hometown team. A product of Cathedral High School, Cervantes actually began his Patriots career before playing collegiately for Texas Christian University.

Sámano (left in picture) is in El Paso for his fourth season. The veteran middle defender played in the Mexican First Division with C.F. Monterrey, as well as the old Cobras de Cd. Juárez and San Luís of First Division-A. He was also a member of the U-17 Mexican National Team and while in Mexico was twice selected as an all-star.

Sámano anchors a solid three-man back line for the Patriots, who usually play a 3-5-2 formation. The wily veteran may resemble a distance runner, but opposing forwards soon learn to respect his skill both on and off the ball.

Both players were part of the 2005 Patriots team that finished second in the Premier Development League and both are looking to take the extra step to win a league title in 2008 under new coach Miguel Murillo.

The Patriots start the PDL season against the Austin Aztex this Saturday, May 3rd, at Patriot Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. MDT and fans can take advantage of two-for-one admission for the game, plus a free clinic for young soccer players under the age of 13 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. inside the stadium.

The first four matches are also a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifiers. The Open Cup is a separate competition that runs concurrently with the professional soccer season in the United States. League play through each team’s first four matches against different opponents will determine who advances to the first round of the Open Cup.

For more information and season tickets, contact the Patriots at 915/771.6620 or go the team website, www.elpaso-patriots.com.