Sergio Cordova joined Real Salt Lake in a historic loan from FC Augsburg, signifying the official start of a new era under the leadership of David Blitzer and Ryan Smith. The young forward comes to Utah as the first addition to the roster since the change in ownership was announced earlier this month. Perhaps more importantly, he is the first player to sign from one of Blitzer’s network of professional soccer teams around the world, pointing towards the ability for the Club to capitalize on the sharing of talent and assets.
Here is everything you need to know about Cordova’s career prior to joining RSL:
- Cordova, 24, was born in Calabozo, Venezuela.
- He began his professional career in his home country of Venezuela with Caracas FC in 2013, where he scored four goals in 34 matches.
- The forward gained global notoriety in 2016 when he won the U-20 Copa de los Andes with Venezuela and was subsequently named Player of the Tournament.
- The following year he went on to help Venezuela mount a historic run at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, finishing as runner-up to England. During the tournament he earned the Goal of the Tournament (see below) for his goal against Mexico.
- As the leading scorer at the FIFA U20 World Cup he gained European interest and ultimately signed a five-year-deal with FC Augsburg on July 4, 2017, competing in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top flight of soccer. He made his debut just a month later on August 13, 2017.
- The same month he made his debut in Germany he received his first call-up to the Venezuela National Team, making his debut against Colombia on August 31, 2017 before registering his first assist at the senior level on September 5, 2017, a 1-1 draw against Argentina.
- Cordova spent the 2020-21 season on loan in the Bundesliga with newly-promoted side Arminia Bielefeld where he scored two goals in 24 matches.
- At the competition of his loan he returned to FC Augsburg where he scored two goals in 13 matches this season.
- Throughout his professional career he has tallied 10 goals and five assists in 124 matches. Meanwhile, he has recorded one assist with the Venezuela National Team in 15 appearances.
Fast Facts:
- At 6’2” Cordova is tied with Zac MacMath, David Ochoa and Marcelo Silva as the tallest player on RSL’s roster.
- Cordova made his Venezuela National Team debut the same summer as former RSL standout Jefferson Savarino. The two have continued to play alongside one another while with their national team.
- The 24-year-old is one of three Venezuelans in Real Salt Lake’s history, joining Jefferson Savarino and Jeizon Ramirez.
What he is Saying About RSL:
“My arrival to RSL has been very nice, everything is well-organized. We have everything to bring out the best version of us, to get in form for the best performances of your career. I think the Club is very good, the style of play, with a good group of guys. From day one I could see this group is a family by the way my teammates received me. I don’t want to talk too much about it, because as they say, ‘Those who talk a lot, do little,’ but I want to compete with my teammates, fight for the badge and make big achievements here in the MLS. I think anything is possible when you see the group of guys we have and their capacity. We know we can get very far this season.”
