Gael Sandoval Returns To Mexican Second Division

After Vancouver FC’s marque midfielder Gael Sandoval suffered a short spell in Canada, the 27-year-old has returned to hometown Guadalajara to sign with Mexican second division side Leones Negros UdeG.

The Liga MX veteran had made thirteen appearances for the Canadian Premier League expansion side, bagging one goal through a penalty and providing three assists during his time out west.

Expected to be a key talisman for the club, he never quite hit the heights many had expected of a player with 119 top flight Mexican appearances to bring.

Sandoval had actually signed with Mexican second division side Tepatitlan FC earlier this year, even enjoying an unveiling ceremony in that side’s stadium before he did a u-turn to sign with Vancouver FC instead. Now back in the same league – albeit with a different club – one can expect the reception he’ll get on an away day to Tepatitlan will be quite heated.

With a playing history that includes spells at the likes of Santos Laguna, FC Juarez, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) and Mazatlan FC, his return to Mexico comes at a prime age in his career, even if 2023 has proven to be a bumpy period of time.

Having once lifted the 2015 Apertura title with Bravos de Jaurez back in 2015, he’s no stranger to second division triumphs – and that’s exactly what UdeG is chasing this year.

His former Canadian Premier League club has made several adjustments in the midseason transfer window highlighted by the addition of 2022 CPL golden boot winner Alejandro Diaz, who has scored in both league matches that he’s played thus far.