A late addition to the Academica Men’s Soccer Club in 2023, Andres “Andy” Velasquez played sparingly as he was slowed by a groin injury.
The 2017 Central Valley High School grad/former UC Davis standout forward enjoyed a breakthrough year with the Turlock-based semi-professional team in 2024.
“I’m glad I played this season,” said Velasquez, 24. “I loved being out there. It’s not professional. But it’s as close to professional as you can get. It (playing for Academica) brought my love back for the game. I started having a lot more fun. This is how I should be playing. This is the real me.”
Velasquez collected a team-high seven goals.
He had a combined six goals against second-place Project 510, third-place San Francisco Glens SC and fourth-place Monterey FC 2. He scored twice in each match.
“There were a lot of good players out there. I ended up being one of the best players in the league. Hopefully, this is the first step to getting to where I want to be. I’m in contact with a few agents who are trying to get me contracts with pro teams in the United States or Mexico. Last year, I didn’t have representation.”
Academica SC finished the 2024 regular season with a 3-8-3 record and placed seventh in the USL League Two NorCal Division.
“It was good competition. “I ended up helping the team a lot. I always tried to be the best I could be.”
Velasquez and Academica SC played against enjoyed playing against the Chivas de Guadalajara U23 team on June 7 in Turlock.
The two teams battled to a 2-2 draw.
The international exhibition match was staged in front of 2,000 fans at Joe Debely Stadium.
“A lot of people came out for the game,” recalls Velasquez. “The best part was seeing how I matched up against them (Chivas players). I felt like I was just as good if not better.”
Velasquez competed at full-strength for the first time in two years.
He suffered a groin tear during his final season at UC Davis.
“Mentally, it’s tough. I’ve devoted a lot of time to the sport. The injury didn’t allow me to be myself. I’m completely healed from it. I feel healthier and fit.”
“It took over a year to recover from the injury because I kept playing on it. It affected the way I played because I couldn’t generate a lot of power from my right leg so things like shooting, hitting a long ball and crossing were hard for me. I also couldn’t train as much as I usually do because if I had too much activity on it, it would start to hurt again. I was still recovering from my injury when I played last season (2023) with Academica SC. November of last year is when I felt my injury go away completely and this was the first season I’ve had since then.”
Velasquez will continue to chase his dream of playing professional soccer.
He’s attended combines with the San Jose Earthquakes, Sacramento Republic FC and Monterey Bay FC.
“I want to go pro. That’s the plan. I do see myself signing in the near future. A lot of my teammates are living their dreams. I just need an opportunity. I love to win. That’s what I love to do.”
“I have high standards for myself because I’ve done a lot. Every team I’ve played for, I’ve won a championship for them. I’m still learning and trying to figure out my way.”
Velasquez played four seasons of varsity soccer in high school, including his final two at Central Valley.
He had a combined 35 goals and 16 assists his senior and junior years.
He developed into one of the Hawks’ all-time greatest players.
Velasquez’s production earned him Western Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player honors during his final year with the Hawks.
The standout forward led the WAC in scoring with 24 goals. He ranked third in assists (9).
Central Valley amassed a 20-7-3 overall record and advanced to the finals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III playoff tournament.
