MONTEVALLO, Ala. – Former University of Montevallo men's soccer midfielder Edin Hernandez has signed a professional contract with the Los Angeles Force of the National Independent Soccer Association.
 
Hernandez joined the team in early March in Chino Hills, California to begin training for the upcoming season. The Force opens the 2023 campaign on Friday, Mar. 31 at 7 p.m. PT at Championship Stadium in Irvine, California.
 
The Tampa, Florida native wrapped up a three-year career with the Falcons in the fall as he earned several awards in 2022, including First Team All-Conference, CSC Academic All-District, D2CCA All-South Region, CSC Academic All-American, GSC All-Academic, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-South Region and United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America.

Signing his first professional contract was a dream come true for the graduate student. "I wanted to pursue my dream after the fall season ended," said Hernandez. "I started training and eventually went on several trials in the beginning of the year. With God's help, I was fortunate enough to get picked by LA Force."

Hernandez was the team-leader in assists in 2022 with six and played 1,415 minutes. He finished his career at UM with 39 starts, 20 points, 12 assists and 3,377 minutes played. Montevallo went 22-13-5 over the three years Hernandez played, including a Gulf South Conference Championship in 2021.
 
"Montevallo has prepared me for this moment because of the high level of competition within the team as well as in the GSC. Practicing every day with the team as well as individually with the high-class facilities that the school provides has really helped me perform at the highest level", added Hernandez. "The support I have around me including my closest friends has also helped me mentally to keep pushing and pursuing even if odds were against me."
 
With his first professional season on the horizon, Hernandez is both grateful and ecstatic about the opportunity.
 
"I am super excited for this new opportunity. It has been a dream of mine since I could remember to continue playing the sport I love, and thanks to God, I was able to overcome obstacles and sign my first professional contract for LA Force," said Hernandez. "I'm thankful for all the people I have around me, including my closest friends who have stuck by me during this whole process and have supported me through my overwhelming journey. I truly couldn't have done this without them."
 
More information on Hernandez's professional career and the upcoming season can be found at losangelesforce.com.