MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced the signing of Belizean international and experienced forward Michael Salazar on Monday pending league and federation approval.
Born in New York City, Salazar spent the majority of his childhood living with his parents in their native Belize before moving to Moreno Valley, Calif. to finish high school. Salazar played collegiate soccer first for Cal Baptist where he led the Lancers to a 2011 PacWest Conference championship and back-to-back National Christian College Athletic Association Division I national championship victories. After being named to the All-PacWest Second Team and deemed PacWest Freshman of the Year in 2011, Salazar transferred to UC Riverside in 2013.
At UCR, Salazar was named to the All-Big West First Team twice during his two years in Riverside. In addition to playing with the Highlanders, Salazar played with amateur clubs OC Pateadores Blues (now Orange County SC U-23) of the USL PDL (now USL League Two) in 2014 and PSA Elite of the USASA in 2015. With PSA Elite, Salazar was named TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for his efforts during the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup which included leading PSA Elite to the fourth round of the tournament and scoring three goals in four games including one to open the scoring against the LA Galaxy.
Following his time in college, Salazar was drafted 24th overall by the Montréal Impact in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Salazar spent two years in Canada, playing with the Impact as well as their USL affiliates FC Montréal and later Ottawa Fury FC on three separate loan stints. With the Montréal Impact, the forward appeared in 36 matches and recorded six goals and two assists in all competitions.
Following a knee injury that sidelined him for eight months, the Belizean signed with Rio Grande Valley FC in 2019. With RGVFC, Salazar scored 10 goals in 24 appearances and set a club record with eight goals in his first season in Edinburg. In June 2019, Salazar was signed by RGVFC’s parent club, Houston Dynamo FC, where he would go on to make 11 appearances with the MLS side.
In addition to his time in the USL and MLS, Salazar has 14 caps to his name and one goal with the Belize national team. During his time with the Jaguars, Salazar has appeared in Gold Cup, Copa Centroamericana, the CONCACAF Nations League and international friendlies.
“We’re thrilled to have Michael join us for the 2021 season,” Sporting Director Tim Howard said. “He is a highly talented and experienced international striker and another quality addition to our dynamic attacking group.”
With Memphis 901 FC, Salazar’s experience with his 35 USL Championship appearances will be key as he lines up with Kyle Murphy and Roland Lamah in a developing attacking unit in Memphis.
Additional news and information about the 2021 roster, schedule, tickets and more will be available in the coming weeks.
For the latest information on the team, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced the signing of Belizean international and experienced forward Michael Salazar on Monday pending league and federation approval.
Born in New York City, Salazar spent the majority of his childhood living with his parents in their native Belize before moving to Moreno Valley, Calif. to finish high school. Salazar played collegiate soccer first for Cal Baptist where he led the Lancers to a 2011 PacWest Conference championship and back-to-back National Christian College Athletic Association Division I national championship victories. After being named to the All-PacWest Second Team and deemed PacWest Freshman of the Year in 2011, Salazar transferred to UC Riverside in 2013.
At UCR, Salazar was named to the All-Big West First Team twice during his two years in Riverside. In addition to playing with the Highlanders, Salazar played with amateur clubs OC Pateadores Blues (now Orange County SC U-23) of the USL PDL (now USL League Two) in 2014 and PSA Elite of the USASA in 2015. With PSA Elite, Salazar was named TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for his efforts during the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup which included leading PSA Elite to the fourth round of the tournament and scoring three goals in four games including one to open the scoring against the LA Galaxy.
Following his time in college, Salazar was drafted 24th overall by the Montréal Impact in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Salazar spent two years in Canada, playing with the Impact as well as their USL affiliates FC Montréal and later Ottawa Fury FC on three separate loan stints. With the Montréal Impact, the forward appeared in 36 matches and recorded six goals and two assists in all competitions.
Following a knee injury that sidelined him for eight months, the Belizean signed with Rio Grande Valley FC in 2019. With RGVFC, Salazar scored 10 goals in 24 appearances and set a club record with eight goals in his first season in Edinburg. In June 2019, Salazar was signed by RGVFC’s parent club, Houston Dynamo FC, where he would go on to make 11 appearances with the MLS side.
In addition to his time in the USL and MLS, Salazar has 14 caps to his name and one goal with the Belize national team. During his time with the Jaguars, Salazar has appeared in Gold Cup, Copa Centroamericana, the CONCACAF Nations League and international friendlies.
“We’re thrilled to have Michael join us for the 2021 season,” Sporting Director Tim Howard said. “He is a highly talented and experienced international striker and another quality addition to our dynamic attacking group.”
With Memphis 901 FC, Salazar’s experience with his 35 USL Championship appearances will be key as he lines up with Kyle Murphy and Roland Lamah in a developing attacking unit in Memphis.
Additional news and information about the 2021 roster, schedule, tickets and more will be available in the coming weeks.
For the latest information on the team, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
