Benji Joya


Héctor Benjamín "Benji" Joya Jiménez is an American soccer player.

Club career

Santos Laguna

Joya, who grew up in the Bay Area of California, played in the USSF Development Academy for De Anza Force. In early 2012, he joined Santos Laguna's organization. He began playing during the 2012 Clausura with the club's U-20 team. In September 2012, the midfielder made his first team debut in a Liga MX match.

Chicago Fire

Joya was loaned to Chicago Fire with an option to buy ahead of the 2014 MLS season. In the 2014 season opener, he made his MLS debut as a 63rd-minute substitute with his side was down 2-0. Seconds after making his way onto the field, a shot deflected by the Chivas USA keeper landed in front of him. He scored a left-footed shot inside the six yard box to put the Fire on the board, making it 2-1. That was Joya's first MLS touch and only league goal of the season.

Club Necaxa

Joya was loaned to Club Necaxa of the Ascenso MX for 2015-16.

Sporting Kansas City

Joya signed with Sporting Kansas City on September 15, 2016, before the MLS roster freeze.

Irapuato

On January 10, 2018, Joya signed with Mexican club Irapuato.

Oakland Roots SC

In April 2019, Joya signed with NISA expansion club Oakland Roots SC. He played in six of the team's games during both the Fall and Spring seasons. On September 8, 2019, Joya scored his first goal for Oakland against Liga MX side FC Juárez in an international friendly at Laney College, which the Roots lost 4–2.
On April 16, 2020, while the NISA season was on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joya was released from Oakland following an arrest the previous day.

International career

Joya was a member of the United States U-20 squad at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.