PORTALES, N.M. – A pair of former Eastern New Mexico Men's Soccer student-athletes,
Daniel Letherby and
Hugo Sacco, have both signed professional contracts with clubs in the Maltese Premier League. Letherby joins Santa Lucia F.C., and Sacco has signed Hibernians F.C. Recently, Letherby completed his sophomore season with the Greyhounds, while Sacco took part in his first season with ENMU.
"We are so proud of both Daniel and Hugo for signing their first professional contracts," said Eastern New Mexico Head Men's Soccer Coach Brandon Misuraca. "After watching them both perform well in the u19 Euros and getting called up for u21 Euro Qualifiers, we knew it would be only a matter of time before they inked deals. While we will miss having them with the side, we are excited to watch them both take this next step in their footballing careers!" said Misuraca.
A Lusaka, Zambia native, Letherby has spent two seasons with the Greyhounds making 15 appearances with 12 starts. The sophomore provided a goal and an assist this past season for ENMU, with both coming against #16 St. Mary's (10/7) in the Greyhounds 4-2 win. Letherby provided multiple roles for the Greyhounds, playing as a midfielder or as part of an attacking front three. This past season Letherby finished with 12 shots and six shots on goal, averaging 65.4 minutes per game, with two games playing the whole 90 minutes. Letherby has represented Malta at the international level, competing in the U-19 UEFA Championships, and has earned a call up to the U-21 squad for the UEFA Under-21 Championships qualifiers.
"We are thrilled for Daniel to sign his first professional contract," said Misuraca. "During his two years with us, he's seen both personal successes and setbacks. However, through it all, his professionalism and commitment remained exceptionally high. It is without question that these traits will guide him in his professional career," said Misuraca.
Sacco made an impact in his first season with ENMU, playing seven times in net for the Greyhounds. The freshman kept one clean sheet during the season, with 1.62 goals against average, 21 saves, and a 0.677 save percentage, holding a record of 1-3-3. Originally from Marseille, France, Sacco made an immediate impact during his debut, holding a shutout against DBU in a 1-0 win. The performance led to being selected as the Lone Star Conference Goalkeeper of the Week (9/26). Sacco has been a constant for the Malta National Team setup, playing in the U-19 UEFA Championships starting all three games in goal. Additionally, Sacco has played in all five of Malta's U-21 Championships qualifiers.
"We are happy for Hugo on signing his first professional contract. While his time here was brief, he has showcased all the marks of being a top goalkeeper" said Misuraca. "We are pleased to have been a part of his journey to pro and are excited to watch his career continue to flourish in the years to come".
MORE ABOUT SANTA LUCIA F.C.
Santa Lucia F.C. is a professional soccer team in the Maltese Premier League, based in Santa Luċija. The club was founded in 1974 and earned promotion to the Maltese Premier League in 2019, it's first time reaching the top-flight.
MORE ABOUT HIBERNIANS F.C.
Founded in 1922, Hibernians F.C. is a professional soccer club in the Maltese Premier League in Paola. The Peacocks are 13-time league champions, recently winning the title in 2021-22. Additionally, Hibernians F.C. has won the Malta FA Trophy 10 times and the Malta Super Cup four times.
