Sam Garza

Samuel Cruz Garza (born October 17, 1989) is an American soccer player for Denton Diablos FC in the National Premier Soccer League.

Early life and education Garza was born on October 17, 1989, in Carrollton, Texas. After his father's job moved him to New Mexico, he returned to Highland Village, Texas, to attend Edward S. Marcus High School and play on the school's varsity soccer team from 2005 to 2008. Garza would win back-to-back Texas Class 5A State titles with the team and was named as the 2008 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year and a NSCAA All-American.

Garza transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara, joining up with the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's soccer team ahead of the 2010 season. He was the first United States U20 team player to join the Gauchos.

Playing career San Jose Earthquakes Following his junior year, Garza was signed by Major League Soccer to a Generation Adidas contract and forwent playing his senior season at UCSB. He was drafted in the first round, sixth overall, by San Jose Earthquakes in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, two spots behind Gaucho teammate Luis Silva.

San Antonio and Arizona In February 2014, San Jose sent Garza on loan to North American Soccer League side San Antonio Scorpions. Garza, on his loan to San Antonio, stated "When I got loaned to San Antonio Scorpions, it was one of the worst times of my life. I was not enjoying my football."

Garza joined USL PRO side Arizona United SC for the remainder of the 2014 season. While playing for Arizona United, he caught the attention of Ezra Hendrickson and a conversation with Sigi Schmid ensued, leading Garza to Seattle. His trial was successful and he signed with the club in March 2015. He appeared in 23 games, adding 4 goals and 2 assists, but he was not retained for the following season.

Return to Arizona Arizona United re-signed Garza in February 2016 for the 2016 USL season. He later represented his country at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Garza was named to the U-20 team by Thomas Rongen for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, but had to be replaced due to his knee injury suffered with Denver Pioneers. He made a total of 7 appearances with 1 goal for the U20 side.