CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 25, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Josue Cartagena. Transaction pending league and federation approval.
Cartagena was born and raised in Panorama City, California and played college soccer for College of the Canyons, Taft College, and California State University, Dominguez Hills. Cartagena transferred to Cal State, Dominguez Hills his junior year and made 30 appearances for the Toros over two seasons. Most recently as a captain of the Toros, Cartagena landed a spot on the California Collegiate Athletic Association’s all-conference team – earning first team honors. The midfielder played all but one game and logged an impressive 1,251 minutes of playing time to close out his senior year.
Cartagena is excited to sign his first professional contract. “It feels great starting a new chapter in my life as a professional football player,” said the young midfielder. “It’s something you work hard for day in and day out. To be able to sign my first professional contract with the Chattanooga Red Wolves is the perfect way to start my career.”
“It means a lot to me to work alongside great players and the staff. [Red Wolves] have created an environment that has set high standards and goals for the upcoming season. I’m excited to get to work and give my all to contribute to the team, win games, and ultimately the championship.”
Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, has seen Cartagena’s career flourish at Cal State. “He’s a young player who we see being able to come in and contribute right away to what we do here at the Red Wolves,” said Obleda. “Great vision, great ability to defend, very good with the ball at his feet and his ability to win the ball and distribute the ball to his teammates. Really looking forward to having him on the team. We’re excited the most about his work rate and his mentality of wanting to do well. Very happy with the signing of Josue Cartagena.”
For Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel, Cartagena’s work ethic is what sets him apart from the competition. “One of our main objectives at the Red Wolves invitational combine in early December last year was to find young players that are ready to move seamlessly from a collegiate playing background to a new professional career,” said McDaniel. “Josue demonstrated all the characteristics we were looking for in an emerging pro and we expect to see quite a bit of him this season.”
Cartagena is the sixth confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomers Pedro Hernandez, Jonny Guadarrama, Carlos Avilez, DJ Benton, Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.
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