San Antonio FC has signed midfielder and Texas native Mikey Lopez for the 2018 USL season pending league and federation approval, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lopez joins San Antonio FC from New York City FC (MLS) where he appeared in 27 matches with the club over the course of the 2016-17 seasons. During his time in New York, Lopez made five starts, tallied 1,281 minutes and recorded four shots and one assist. The midfielder also played in two U.S. Open Cup matches with NYCFC, starting and playing 90 minutes in both games.

“We are pleased to have Mikey join San Antonio FC for the 2018 season,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “He has a lot of previous experience in MLS, most recently with New York City FC, as well as experience with the youth national team. We expect him to come in and compete from day one, while helping us grow in 2018.”

Originally drafted by Sporting Kansas City in the first round (14th overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Lopez spent his first three professional seasons with Sporting, making 14 total appearances with the club. From 2013-15, the 24-year-old compiled 964 MLS minutes while adding 10 total shots. Lopez appeared in one Open Cup match with Sporting in 2013, starting and playing 76 minutes in a 2-0 win over the Des Moines Menace.

While with Sporting Kansas City, Lopez also spent time on loan to both Orlando City SC (USL) and OKC Energy FC (USL) from 2014-15. The Mission, TX native appeared in 22 matches with the Energy and Orlando City combined, tallying 969 minutes and adding two goals with OKC during the 2014 season. Lopez also played for USL Premier Development Club Orange County Blue Star while in college in 2011.

“It is an honor to sign for San Antonio FC,” said Lopez. “I am really excited to get back close to home and get to work with the team. They have done a tremendous job the past two years, so I am excited to come here and build off the success they have had. I am coming to try and win trophies, and it is an honor to represent the club and the city of San Antonio.”

Lopez attended the University of North Carolina and played collegiate soccer during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. While with North Carolina, Lopez helped lead the Tar Heels to the 2011 NCAA Championship while also being named the ACC Freshman of the Year. The midfielder also made 17 appearances with the United States U-20 National Team from 2012-13, and was an integral member of the U-20 squad that finished second in the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.

With the addition, the SAFC roster currently stands at 18. Lopez will wear No. 5 for the club.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, which kicks off on March 17 in Sacramento prior to the SAFC home opener on March 24 at Toyota Field vs. Saint Louis FC. Fans can purchase 2018 season tickets by calling the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or by visiting SanAntonioFC.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).