May 5, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Los Angeles FC News Release
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) today announced that Las Vegas Lights FC has signed four of its LAFC Academy players to Academy contracts. Each player will continue to retain their NCAA eligibility while being registered to compete in USL Championship matches with the Lights. The signings include players Armando Avila, Christopher Jamie, Diego Rosales and Paul Son.
“We are incredibly excited for Armando, Chris, Diego and Paul, and today’s announcement is testament not only to the players’ hard work and commitment but also that of our Academy staff,” said LAFC Co-President and GM, John Thorrington. “We are also encouraged by the fact that we know today’s announcement is the first of many as more talented local players continue on a professional pathway here at LAFC.”
Avila, 17, is a Torrance , CA native, joined the LAFC Academy U15’s in the 2018-19 season. In his four years in the Academy, the defender has appeared in 40 matches, starting 35 and tallying one goal. The 17-year old was selected in 2019 as part of the U-15 US Youth National Team for the Concacaf U-15 Boys’ Championship.
Jaime, 17, has been with the LAFC Academy for two years after joining from Nomads SC of San Diego in collaboration with their Director Derek Armstrong.
Rosales, 15, was part of the inaugural U12 LAFC Academy group in the 2016-17 season. Since then, the South Gate, CA native has made 106 appearances with 45 starts and eight goals across the U12 – U16/17 age groups.
Son, 18, is an Irvine, CA native who joined the LAFC Academy two years ago from Strikers FC of Irvine originally to compete with the Club in the 2020 Adidas GA Cup. He is a powerful, attack minded left back and dangerous winger.
VITALS:
Armando Avila
Position: Defender
Born: 03/09/2004 (17 years old)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 150 lbs.
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Birthplace: San Pedro, CA
Citizenship: USA
Instagram: @ArmandoAvila_10
VITALS:
Christopher Jaime
Position: Midfielder
Born: 03/20/2004 (17 years old)
Height: 5-9
Weight: 135 lbs.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Birthplace: San Diego, CA
Citizenship: USA
Instagram: @ChrisJaimeee
VITALS:
Diego Rosales
Position: Defender
Born: 11/01/2005 (15 years old)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160 lbs.
Hometown: South Gate, CA
Birthplace: South Gate, CA
Citizenship: USA
Instagram: @Drosales.4
VITALS:
Paul Son
Position: Defender
Born: 01/27/2003 (18 years old)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155 lbs.
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Birthplace: Anaheim, CA
Citizenship: USA
Instagram: @Paul.7.Son
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