From Screen to Stadium
Cristo Fernandez, best known for his heartfelt portrayal of Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ hit "Ted Lasso," has taken a surprising turn onto the soccer pitch, signing a professional contract with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC.
The agreement follows a two‑month trial that included appearances in preseason friendlies, during which Fernandez impressed coaching staff with his work ethic and technical ability.
Trial By Fire Leads to a Contract
Club president Junior Gonzalez lauded the new signing, describing Fernandez as a player who brings "passion, leadership and a winning mentality" to the squad, and expressed confidence that the midfielder will contribute both on and off the field.
The deal is pending approval from the league and the United States Soccer Federation, a procedural step that is standard for USL acquisitions but underscores the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level of American second‑tier soccer.
A Hollywood‑Inspired Homecoming
Fernandez, who began his athletic career in youth soccer before a injury redirected him toward acting, said he is grateful for the opportunity to return to the sport he loves and to do so in front of the club’s passionate fan base in El Paso.
The move also highlights the growing appeal of the USL Championship, which sits just below Major League Soccer in the American soccer pyramid and has become a fertile ground for talent development and international signings.