A native of San Jose, California, Joya signed for Mexican powerhouse Santos Laguna in 2011 at age 18. He quickly progressed through the club’s youth ranks and made his Liga MX debut with the senior team in September 2012.
Santos Laguna loaned Joya to the Chicago Fire in 2014, where he started nine of 12 regular season appearances. The midfielder scored a goal just one minute into his MLS debut on March 9, coming off the bench in a 3-2 loss at Chivas USA. Joya spent most of 2015 and 2016 on loan at Club Necaxa in the Mexican second division.
At the international level, Joya featured extensively for the United States U-20s. He captained the side to a second-place finish at the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship and was a member of the U.S. squad at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. He also made four appearances for the U.S. U-23s.
2016: Started one match in all competitions (90 minutes played). MLS regular season: Did not feature. Open Cup: Did not feature. CONCACAF Champions League: Made his Sporting KC debut on Oct. 19, starting and playing 90 minutes in a 3-1 win over Central FC. MLS Cup Playoffs: Did not feature.
