The loan agreement was for the 2011 season, but the terms allowed Puerto Rico to recall Sandoval at any time. The Islanders will look for the 20-yeard-old striker to fill in roster gaps caused by players competing in World Cup qualifying matches.
“Junior is a great young player who came to us recovering from hernia surgery and has made a big impact on this team on and off the field,” said Silverbacks Director of Soccer Rodrigo Rios. “He has strong ties with the Atlanta community, and he was an important part of both the community and the team. We would love to have him back in a Silverbacks uniform one day.”
During his time with the Silverbacks, Sandoval appeared in 15 games and started 10, recording two goals and two assists. Even before his time with the Silverbacks, he called Atlanta home, having played for Atlanta FC (now the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves) and for Georgia Perimeter College.
“I’m very grateful to the Silverbacks organization and the fans here in Atlanta for embracing me this season,” Sandoval said. “I hope I get to come back and be a part of this team again in the future.”
Sandoval will report to Bayamón, Puerto Rico immediately and will not be available to play for the Silverbacks in this weekend’s match against the Montreal Impact.
