Weekly Recap

by Nicole Alaniz-Estrada ​

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Staff

​We would like to introduce our coaching staff as we end our preseason and begin the
regular season. Our coaching staff has been working tirelessly to get UDA NMSU into shape
for this season's games. Let's welcome back head coach and technical director Ody
Economides! Born in Baton Rouge, LA, and having lived in Cyprus and England, Ody has a
rich international background. He played for Northampton Town FC's youth and reserve
teams before becoming a student-athlete at Saint Leo University in Tampa, FL. With 14
years of coaching experience across the USA, UK, and Europe, Ody has held various
coaching and director roles at prestigious organizations, including New York Red Bulls,
Watford FC, Tactalyse, and Olympiakos Nicosia FC. His credentials include a UEFA B
License, an NSCAA Premier Diploma, and a Master's Diploma in Football Coaching and
Sporting Direction from the Real Madrid Graduate School.

We would also like to introduce Assistant Technical Director Joseph “Joe” Benninger! A St.
Louis native with deep roots in the city’s soccer culture, Joseph Benninger brings a wealth
of coaching experience spanning youth, collegiate, and semi-professional levels. He has
coached with top youth programs like St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC, led East Central College
to multiple championships and in 2022 was named Coach of the Year. He also worked in
USL League Two and the Midwest Premier League with Ehtar FC. Ehtar’s inaugural season
in the MWPL resulted in a conference championship. At UDA NMSU, Joseph serves as
Assistant Technical Director, Second Team Head Coach, and Head of Recruitment, helping
student-athletes develop on and off the field in a unique 10-month university-level
academy environment.
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Last but certainly not least, Head Goalkeeper Coach Juan Jose Perez! Juan was born and
raised in Mexico, where his love for soccer grew. This will be his first year with UDA, and
we are delighted to welcome him. Previously, he was a goalkeeper coach for Centennial
High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Centennial High School is the NM State Division
5A District Champion 2022-2024, and State Champions 2024. Around the field, you can
always catch Coach Juan saying, “Don’t you ever give up!”
We are excited to bring together this exceptional coaching staff. We look forward to what
the season holds!

Preseason Recap

As the 2025 season approaches, UDA has been hard at work during preseason, preparing to build on last year’s successes and tackle new challenges ahead.

The team kicked off preseason focusing heavily on fitness, tactical drills, and team cohesion. Head Coach Ody emphasized endurance, ball control, and defensive organization, ensuring the squad is physically and mentally prepared for the season's demands.

​The team played 3 preseason games, finishing with a record of 2-1.

New Members

This season, UDA welcomes a talented group of newcomers eager to make an impact. Hailing from various high schools and backgrounds, these newcomers bring fresh energy and potential to the team. As they integrate with the returning squad, their presence adds depth and competition, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

​Daniel Arellano (Chapin HS - El Paso)

• 2nd team all district
• Academic all district
• Engineering Completion Certificate for Magnet Program

Israel Arellano (El Paso HS)

• Named in the 2nd team, all district

Haziel (DaVinci HS - El Paso) 

• Hall of Fame Athlete of the Year in El Paso
• State champ in soccer/baseball and football (all-state on all three teams)

Dylan Tiscareno (Bel Air - El Paso) 

• District Champs

Abraham (Socorro HS - El Paso) 

• 1st Team All District

Ihab Mesbah (Clovis HS - Clovis, TX)

• Honors all 4 years
• Top goalscorer and assists junior year, breaking the school record, next year broke own record again with double the assists, being the top goalscorer and assists.
• Junior year, I finished top 10 goal scorers, senior year I finished 2nd in state goal scorers, and 3rd in total points earned.
• First team all-district junior and senior year.
• First team all-state senior year.
• Invited to the New Mexico star game, where he was also the MOTM.
• Triple jump state champion for track, senior year, as it was my first year doing it.
• State jumper in long jump as long as a state qualifier for the 4x2 and 4x4.

Andrew Fouts (Coronado HS freshmen, sophomore, and senior year. Saguaro HS junior year - Scottsdale, AZ) 

• Freshman year MVP and top goal scorer for JV
• Sophomore year, 1st team all-region and top goalscorer on Varsity
• Junior year 2nd team all region
• Senior year 1st team, all region, and top goalscorer and top assists

Highlighting Returners

​Returning to the squad this season are several key players who have been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and success. These returners bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and consistency that will be crucial as UDA looks to make a strong push this season. Having already adapted to the rigors of college competition, they serve as mentors for the newcomers and set the standard in training and match situations. Their continued dedication on and off the field will foster team chemistry and drive the program forward.

Julio Coca

• 4 years with UDA
• Junior in college
• Majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Captain since Freshman year

Jesus Villela

• 3 years with UDA
• Majoring in Business
• Has kept a 4.0 throughout college

Caden Grubelnik

• 2 years with UDA
• Sophomore in college
• Majoring in Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law
• Kept a 4.0 last semester

Upcoming Events

Nov 1 — UDA NMSU at Next Level Soccer
Don’t miss the chance to support the team at HIghley High School in Arizona. The squad will be looking to build momentum with a key matchup against Next Level Soccer.. Match time: 7:00 PM.

Nov 5 — UDA NMSU at Irish FC Green
The team heads on the road to face off against Irish FC Green in El PAso Texas. Follow the action and cheer on our players as they battle for victory. Match time: 7:00 PM.

Nov 15-16 — November College ID Camp
Join us for our first College ID Camp at NMSU — an excellent opportunity to connect with players and show your talents in front of UDA NMSU coaches and coaches from around the country.

Dec 6 — Conference Tournament Begins
As the regular season wraps up, the team will compete in the [Conference Name] Tournament starting this date. Stay tuned for updates as we aim to bring home the championship.