Midfielder Justin Portillo Recorded 33 Starts and 2,906 Minutes Played for New Mexico United in the 2023 Season
TULSA – In a move to fortify its midfield prowess, FC Tulsa has signed USL Championship veteran, Justin Portillo, for the highly anticipated 2024 USL season.
“Justin is a proven talent that fits what we are trying to build,” FC Tulsa head coach Blair Gavin said, “His winning mentality plus his on field qualities will help us improve our club’s playing style. We are thrilled to have him at FC Tulsa and look forward to working together soon.”
Portillo joins FC Tulsa after spending two years with New Mexico United. During the 2023 season with New Mexico United, Portillo finished first in the team in chances created with 56.
While recording 33 starts, Portillo also finished second on the team with an impressive 2,906 minutes played.
Portillo’s impact doesn’t stop there, he was also tied first on the squad with 5 assists in the 2023 season, underscoring his role as a catalyst for team success.
Portillo recorded 14 goals and 10 assists in two years with New Mexico United.
“It’s been clear to see the progress and vision of the club going forward,” said Portillo, “After speaking with Blair and Sam, the decision to be a part of what is going on in Tulsa was an easy decision for me.”
Previous to New Mexico United, Portillo spent three seasons with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.
Portillo contributed to Real Salt Lake with 472 minutes and a 81.53% accurate pass percentage in three seasons.
Before joining Real Salt Lake, Portillo spent two seasons with its affiliate Real Monarchs where he played 2,697 minutes in his first season and 1,785 minutes in his second year. Portillo was voted Real Monarchs SLC Team MVP in 2018. In two seasons, Portillo made 52 appearances while making 49 starts.
Making his professional debut in 2014 and playing three seasons with USL Pro team Charleston Battery, he earned USL All-League second team honors for the 2017 season as he notched four goals and six assists in 2,970 minutes.
Portillo has made 142 appearances since the start of the 2014 season in the USL Championship, tying him for fifth-most in the league.
Before playing professionally, Portillo played at Coastal Carolina where he concluded his college career as the all-time leader in matches played with 89 and matches started with 87.
