7 Latina Soccer Players You Need To Watch
Women’s soccer is growing worldwide, which is helping the sport become a unifying factor for people. Diversity and equality still have a long way to go in women’s soccer, but it’s great to see an increase of women from different backgrounds playing here in the U.S. and abroad. Here’s our spotlight for seven Latina soccer players that have progressed through the ranks of their respective clubs, leagues, and national teams. These players lead by example and make an impact on their teams. You should be following these powerful women:
Amy Rodriguez
First on our list of Latina soccer players is Amy Rodriguez. Amy Rodriguez came to fame as the first and only Latina on the USWNT during her international career from 2005 to 2018. Rodriguez was instrumental in the USWNT winning the 2015 World Cup, creating the assist to Carli Lloyd’s epic game-winning goal. Now retired from international play, Rodriguez plays for the North Carolina Courage as a forward. Her former teams include Utah Royals F.C., F.C. Kansas City, and the now-dissolved Boston Breakers and Philadelphia Independence.
Viviana Villacorta
A fresh face to the NWSL this season, Viviana Villacorta was selected ninth in the first round of this year’s College Draft. Selected by the Orlando Pride, she was the first Latina selected in the 2021 draft. A senior at UCLA, Villacorta opted to finish her final NCAA season before joining the Orlando Pride for their next season. Unfortunately, Villacorta tore her ACL in UCLA’s opener in February. However, the injury didn’t stop this powerhouse for long. Villacorta underwent surgery, recovered beautifully, and actively practicing with her team, sporting number 32 for the Pride.
Sofia Huerta
Sofia Huerta made waves a few years ago on an international scale. In 2012, Huerta was a member of the USWNT U-20 team. After not making the cut for the main USWNT roster, she decided to represent Mexico instead. Huerta represented Mexico for one international season. When the USWNT called her up in 2017, Huerta became the first female player to play for both the USWNT and the Mexico Women’s National Team. She has made seven appearances for the USWNT and currently plays midfield for the O.L. Reign.
Katie Johnson
Katlyn Alicia Johnson Carreón, better known as Katie Johnson, has been active in the NWSL for four years and internationally since 2015. During her senior year at USC in 2016, Johnson was named Most Outstanding Player on Offense after scoring the only goal in the semi-finals of the College Cup and two goals in the final. These goals and Johnson’s skill were instrumental in USC clinching their second national championship. While still in school, Johnson was called to play for the Mexico Women’s National Team, for which she made 23 appearances. Currently a forward for the Chicago Red Stars, her former NWSL teams include the Seattle Reign and Sky Blue F.C.
María Sánchez
This former Idaho State Bengal has most of her credits in international play. Making the U-17 roster for the Mexico Women’s National Team in 2010, Sánchez made her way through the ranks. Then, she played for the U-20 team for a year before coming to the main roster of the Mexico Women’s National Team in 2015. Drafted 15th overall in 2019 to the Chicago Red Stars, Sánchez stayed for only one season before moving to C.D. Guadalajara of the Liga MX Femenil in Jalisco, Mexico. Early this season, she was on loan to the Houston Dash, but Sánchez’s main club team is the Tigres UANL of the Liga MX Femenil.
Janelly Farías
Janelly Farias is a force on and off the field. Playing primary in Mexico for her professional career, Farías graduated from UC Irvine. She played for the now-dissolved L.A. Galaxy O.C. She has played for the Mexico Women’s Soccer Team since 2007 on and off and the Liga MX Femenil team, América. Farías is openly gay and uses her platform to be an advocate for LGBTQ+ issues. She came out in college; however, this put a huge strain on her relationship with her family, and she ultimately quit soccer for a while. Fortunately, her love for the game was reignited after the 2015 World Cup, and she came out of retirement, having also finally been accepted by her family.
Monica Gonzalez
Our last Latina soccer player is Monica Gonzalez. While not a current player, Monica Gonzalez is still a player you must know in the soccer world. Born in Corpus Christi, Gonzalez played for the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame before joining the Boston Breakers of the Women’s United Soccer Association, the NWSL’s predecessor. Gonzalez also played for the Mexico Women’s National Team for a number of years before retiring and becoming a commentator for ESPN. In addition, she was an assistant coach for the Houston Dash from 2019 to 2020. As a player, Gonzalez noticed a lack of diversity on and off the field and decided to do something about it by founding the Gonzo Soccer Academy. This academy is a non-profit designed to reach girls aged eight to 16 in Chicago and Houston.
These women are incredible. But, there aren’t nearly enough Latina soccer players in the league right now, and diversity and equity are still an issue. But, there is a whole generation of young girls out there ready to make that change. So, may these women and the women like them inspire you to keep playing!
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