Spanish forward Xairo Villalon has signed with West Texas FC, the club announced Wednesday.
The addition of Villalon brings a new attacking option to the team for the upcoming summer season. The club said his versatility and ability in front of goal will be important assets.
The 6-foot-3 Villalon completed his freshman season with the Lenoir-Rhyne University men’s soccer team, West Texas FC said. A starter in 14 of the Bears’ 15 matches, Villalon, who hails from Madrid, Spain, earned both South Atlantic Conference All-Conference and All-Tournament recognition. “Powerful, relentless and a cunning eye for goal – Villalon’s versatility and attacking ability will be invaluable for us this summer,” the team said according to West Texas FC.
Prior to moving to the U.S. to attend Lenoir-Rhyne, Villalon played in the Spanish sixth division for four years. While in Spain, he attended Nuevo Equipo for high school according to West Texas FC.
According to head coach Scotty Murray, the Spaniard is one of the most explosive, influential attacking players he has seen at the college level. “He’s a powerful guy with an instinctive eye for the goal. [I’m] really excited to see him apply his trade in summer ball. He’ll be key for us this season,” Murray said according to West Texas FC.