ALBUQUERQUE, NM (January 9, 2018) New Mexico United announced today the professional soccer team’s latest player signings, under the guidance of Head Coach Troy Lesesne. Defender Rashid Tetteh and midfielder Ryan Williams join New Mexico United’s roster for its 2019 opening season.

Tetteh and Williams join a roster of twelve recently signed New Mexico United players, including three New Mexicans, Devon Sandoval, Justin Schmidt and Josh Suggs, as well as Ben Beaury, David Estrada, Kevaughn Frater, Juan Guzman, Sam Hamilton, Cody Mizell, Santi Moar, Toni Soler and Austin Yearwood. All player signings are pending United Soccer League (USL) and federation approval.

“I am blessed to sign my first professional contract with New Mexico United,” said Tetteh. “I am excited to get started and looking forward to working harder to bring the best in me and the club. I can't wait to represent the club and make ‘The Curse’ proud."

Rashid Tetteh, defender, hails from Accra, Ghana. Tetteh most recently played with the 2018 USL League Two Championship team, Des Moines Menace. Prior to his season with the Menace, Tetteh played two seasons with the League Two team Carolina Dynamo. During his 4-year college career at High Point University, Tetteh made between 16 and 19 appearances in every season, finishing his final season with 18 appearances and starts, securing honors including Big South All-Tournament Team, NCCSIA All-State Recognition and All Big-South First Team.

“Rashid is a defensive presence. The two things that stood out to our staff during the scouting process were his ability to read the game out of possession and how comfortable he was in 1v1 defensive situations,” said Lesesne. “He’s a humble young man that’s determined to make the most of this opportunity. I’m incredibly happy he is joining New Mexico United.”

For more information on Rashid Tetteh, visit the New Mexico United roster page.

"I am grateful to start my professional career at New Mexico United,” said Williams. “I am excited for the opportunities to learn, because know I will be surrounded by players who are experienced in the professional environment, a great coaching staff, and a great culture. Most of all, I’m excited to bring my abilities and help further the team the best I can.”

Ryan Williams, midfielder, comes from Mililani, Hawaii, and most recently played for the USL League Two team Charlotte Eagles from 2016-2018, where they won the League Two Championship in 2017, and Williams was the 16th of 50 players named as USL’s League Two 2017 Top Prospect. During his four-year career with John Brown University, he started in nearly every game in which he appeared, finishing his final season with 18 appearances, 18 starts, 8 goals, and 6 assists. Additionally, Williams’ accolades include being named the Sooner Athletic Offensive Player of the Year, NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, All-Conference First Team, All-Academic Team and Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

“I was able to watch Ryan during his time with the Charlotte Eagles, when he helped lead them to the League Two Championship in 2017,” said Lesesne. “He’s a young, hard-working player that possesses a high level of intelligence for the game. I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing him take the next step in his career with our club.”

More information about Ryan Williams can be found on the New Mexico United roster page.