Apodaca Scores First Professional Goal
7/30/2018 11:48:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After becoming the first California Baptist University player drafted by Major League Soccer, Aidan Apodaca scored his first professional goal with Bethlehem Steel FC on Sunday.
Apodaca's score doubled the lead of the Steel, which is the United Soccer League affiliate of the MLS' Philadelphia Union, in the 36th minute of a 4-1 win over Atlanta United 2. A pair of passes from James Chambers and Brenden Aaronson set up Apodaca's goal.
Chambers lifted a ball into the box to Aaronson, who charged toward the goal and drew in the defense before he laid off a pass to Apodaca in the middle of the box. Apodaca gave it a quick touch and then perfectly placed a left-footed shot high and out of the goalkeeper's reach for his first career goal and a 2-0 advantage for Bethlehem.
So far this season, Apodaca has played in 11 games and made five starts for the Steel. Lancer fans can also now vote for the goal as the Steel FC's Goal of the Month in July.
Apodaca, a Rancho Cucamonga native, finished a phenomenal career as a Lancer in 2017. He enjoyed a prolific senior season where he became the program's all-time leading scorer, with 48 goals, and set new single-game (five) and single-season scoring records. He was named the PacWest, West Region and NCAA Division II Player of the Year after leading all three divisions in scoring, with 29 goals.
Put it in the books! Aidan Apodaca has recorded his first professional goal!#BSTvATL pic.twitter.com/HKi2LlAvnQ
— USL (@USL) July 29, 2018
