ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Tuesday it had added three New Mexico natives and United Academy players Yuto Oketani, Jace Sais, and Jackson DuBois as USL Academy signings for the 2024 USL Championship season. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.

As USL Academy signings, players can train and compete in First Team matches, while maintaining their NCAA eligibility. These three players have earned this opportunity through their hard work and talent and have been participating in First Team training and preseason matches ahead of the start of the season this Saturday against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

“This opportunity wasn’t gifted to these players,” said United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “Jace, Yuto, and Jackson fought hard through months of training to earn this spot, and before that spent much of their lives playing club soccer. This day is a testament to their efforts, and the incredible sacrifices of the families and clubs that have supported them for years.”

Oketani is a 17-year-old Santa Fe native who played his high school soccer at Santa Fe Prep. He helped lead the Griffins to a share of the district title in 2021. Oketani’s favorite player is Lionel Messi, and his favorite club is Paris St. Germain. When he grows up, he hopes to be an entrepreneur.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Yuto on our New Mexico Rush 04B ECNL team,” said Oketani’s former club coach Justin Sells. “Yuto is a fantastic player, and an absolute joy to coach. He was an important part of our team winning multiple championships. I look forward to him breaking into New Mexico United’s first team during the 2024 season.”

Sais is a 16-year-old Albuquerque native who plays midfielder and defender. He played his high school soccer at La Cueva, and club soccer at Rio Rapids and Albuquerque United. His favorite player is Lionel Messi, and his favorite club is Manchester United. When he grows up, he hopes to be a professional soccer player.

DuBois is also a 16-year-old Albuquerque native. Like Sais, he has played his high school soccer at La Cueva. The center-back has played club soccer at Rio Rapids. DuBois’s favorite soccer player is Marcus Rashford, and his favorite club is Manchester United. When he grows up, he wants to be a professional soccer player.