Runners Sign Goalkeeper Casey Gasson as First Player on the Roster

Rio Rancho, N.M. (August 29, 2018) – Getting a strong team put together is the next priority for the Runners after the hire of Head Coach Steve Famiglietta. That is where arena soccer veteran Goalkeeper Casey Gasson plays a role in the foundation of the New Mexico Runners as the first player signed to the team.

Ezequiel “Casey” Gasson is a local soccer sensation with experience and a long history in playing soccer at almost every level.

He was born in El Paso, Texas and started playing soccer at the age of 6. Gasson moved to Albuquerque at 12 years old playing club soccer with organizations including United, Rush, Rio Vista and others. He attended as well as played soccer at Eldorado High School and transferred to La Cueva High School where he graduated in 2007.

Gasson started his indoor career at 16 years old playing at the semi-pro level, but went on to play soccer at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona as well as in the National Premier Soccer League.

With the motivation and drive to gain as much soccer experience as possible, Gasson made it a point to play with multiple teams in multiple leagues including the United Premier Soccer League, Premier Arena Soccer League, and Premier Development League (PDL).

Gasson’s indoor soccer skillset was put to good use as he joined the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) in 2017 as a rookie where he played with the Kansas City Comets.

Playing on a world stage is a great accomplishment and Gasson did just that by manning the nets for the US National Arena Soccer Team at the 2017 World Minifootball World Cup in Tunisia. He secured his spot with the team as a walk-on from a tryout.

It was very important for the standout goalkeeper to make a huge homecoming splash by returning to New Mexico and play in the PDL for the respected Albuquerque Sol FC in their 2018 season.

When the Runners announced that arena soccer was coming to town, Gasson was the first athlete to call Owner & President, Andres Trujillo and inquire about playing for the team.

With a chuckle Trujillo said, “Casey called me right before our press announcement ready to talk about the formation of the team and wanted to bring his skills to play for us! We want to put the best team we can right out of the gate and Casey has proven he can help make that happen.”

It was important for Casey Gasson to stay at home in New Mexico and help build a soccer tradition that no one in the community has ever seen before.

Head Coach Famiglietta stated with excitement, “I’m elated to have such an outstanding athlete and ambassador of the game on our squad. All I can say is… get ready for some intense soccer!”

The 29 year old goalkeeper is sponsored by Outlaw Gloves which is one of the newest glove companies on the market.

Gasson will also act as an assistant and goalkeeper coach this year.

“It is so exciting to finally be a part of a team in the indoor soccer game I love! I’m ready to put on a show and get the Runners to a champion status the community can take pride in!” says Gasson.

New signings for the Runners are expected to be announced within the next couple of weeks with signings from more local soccer standouts.