TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signings
LAFC announced on Thursday the signing of three players: goalkeeper Phillip Ejimadu, defender Lamar Batista, and forward Adrien Perez. All three players joined the club as trialists in preseason.
“Phillip, Lamar and Adrien have all impressed during preseason and are well-deserving of an opportunity with LAFC," said general manager and EVP of soccer operations John Thorrington in a team statement. “We’re excited to see how all three players fit into our group, and we look forward to seeing each of them develop and eventually reach their potential.”
Ejimadu, 19, comes to LAFC from the youth ranks of Brazilian team Nacional Atletico Clube. Born in Minnesota, he's a US U-20 youth international, and will likely serve as a backup in goal.
Batista, 20, joins after spending two years in the Portland Timbers organization, playing primarily for Portland Timbers 2. He made one appearance for the Timbers' first team, in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup, and was ranked No. 8 on the USL's 20 Under 20 list in 2017. Batista played one year of collegiate soccer at UC Santa Barbara, and is likely to be center back depth for the Black & Gold.
Perez (pictured above), 23, signs with LAFC after most recently playing indoor soccer in the MASL with the Ontario Fury. A native of Ontario, Calif., Perez played collegiate soccer for Loyola Marymount. He will likely serve as depth for LAFC's attacking corps.
LAFC open the 2019 MLS regular season on March 3 at home against Sporting Kansas City.
