On Tuesday, LAFC continued building their roster with an eye towards their inaugural season in 2018 as they selected five players in the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft. Find out more about the five players below.
1. Tyler Miller
Goalkeeper — Drafted from Seattle Sounders
Tyler Miller was the backup goalkeeper for the Seattle Sounders over the past two seasons. The 24-year-old made two regular season appearances with the club and added another one in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, starting the first leg against the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference Championship.
2. Latif Blessing
Forward — Drafted from Sporting Kansas City
Latif Blessing is a diminutive, quick attacking piece who joined Sporting Kansas City prior to the 2017 season. The Ghanian scored three goals during the regular season for Sporting, and added three more in U.S. Open Cup play as he helped his club win the trophy. He recently received his green card meaning he will not occupy an international roster slot for U.S.-based MLS clubs.
3. Marco Ureña
Forward — Drafted from San Jose Earthquakes
The Costa Rican forward, Marco Ureña, became a villain for USA fans after he scored both goals in the Ticos' 2-0 win against the US in Hexagonal Qualifying last September. The 27-year-old forward scored five goals for the Earthquakes in 2017, including the goal that sent the Quakes through to the playoffs on Decision Day.
4. Jukka Raitala
Defender — Drafted from Columbus Crew SC
Jukka Raitala is a Finnish left back who joined Columbus prior to the 2017 season. The 29-year-old played 1,920 minutes for Crew SC, and added two more appearances in the playoffs under Gregg Berhalter.
5. Raheem Edwards
Defender/Midfielder — Drafted from Toronto FC
Raheem Edwards is a versatile, young player who was a contributor for a Toronto FC team that recently became the first to win the treble in MLS history. Originally a forward, the 22-year-old has proven he can play almost any wide position on the field including left wingback.
* = Raitala and Edwards were later traded to the Montreal Impact for center back Laurent Ciman
Los Angeles Football Club |
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<strong>ROSTERED PLAYERS (as of Dec. 12, 2017):</strong> |
<p><strong>GK (1):</strong> Tyler Miller<br><strong>DEF (3):</strong> Laurent Ciman (INT'L), Omar Gaber (INT'L), Walker Zimmerman<br><strong>MID (1):</strong> Carlos Alvarez<br><strong>FWD (5):</strong> Latif Blessing, Bassey Etim (INT'L), Rodrigo Pacheco (INT'L), Marco Urena (INT'L), Carlos Vela (DP, INT'L)</p> |
<p><strong>DESIGNATED PLAYERS (DP):</strong> Carlos Vela<br><strong>HOMEGROWN PLAYERS (HG):</strong> --<br><strong>INT'L ROSTER SPOTS FILLED (INT'L):</strong> 5<br><strong>GENERATION ADIDAS PLAYERS (GA):</strong> --</p> |
