Monthly Archives: February 2018

Philadelphia, PN – January 21, 2018, this year’s MLS draft started with Los Angeles FC and ended four rounds and 81 picks later bringing in new talent from across the country and the world. This year LUFC tallied four former Reds being picked up in the MLS draft in the pursuit of joining their new senior sides.

Amer Sasivarevic – FC Dallas – FC Dallas selected Sasivarevic in the 3rd Round of the 2018 MLS draft.  Sasivarevic was an integral  part of LUFC’s defensive unit for two seasons.  Amer joined the Reds from Grand Canyon University where he had a stellar career, playing in 50 matches between 2014-2017.  Amer’s technical and attacking abilities should feature well within FC Dallas’ playing style under head coach Oscar Pareja.  The RSL Academy product will look to sign his first professional contract in 2018. “Amer is such a wonderful young man, a gifted left footed player who loves to get forward.  I wish him the best of luck as he pursues his professional career.  He has all the tools to be successful at the next level” said LUFC Head Coach John Galas.

Highlights of Amer

Ricky Lopez-Espin – Real Salt – After trading the club’s first round pick for to the Chicago Fire in exchange for $85,000 general allocation money,  RSL took their 33rd overall draft pick to select Creighton University Forward and LUFC standout, Ricky Lopez-Espin.  Lopez-Espin scored 30 goals and had 7 assists in 74 appearances at his alma mater. During his senior season, Lopez-Espin scored 12 goals in 18 matches. The 6’2 striker was a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Great Lakes Region, Big East Conference Player of the Year, and First Team All-Big East Conference selection in 2017. “Ricky is a talented player.  His quality was evident the first training session he had with Lane United in 2016.  He can not only create goals, he is a proven finisher.  He is built for MLS and we expect great things from him at the next level” said Coach Galas.

Highlights of Ricky

Timmy Mueller – Portland Timbers – Post Falls, ID native who attended OSU was drafted in the 3rd round by the Portland Timbers. After being drafter, Mueller decided to pursue his professional career in Switzerland with SR Delemont.  Mueller was Pac12 freshman of the year with 23 goals and 10 assists in 67 games in his college soccer career. During his time at LUFC Mueller was named PDL All-League first team after leading the Northwest division with 9 goals in 11 games and was also voted as the 2015 “Young Player of the Year “.  “Timmy is prolific goal scorer.  He proved that in the PAC-12, and in the PDL while playing with LUFC.  I think he can do exceptionally well in Europe as a professional, and we wish him all the best” said Coach Galas.

Jordan Jones – Los Angeles FC – With the 47th overall draft pick LAFC selected Oregon State forward Jordan Jones. After being drafted by LAFC, Jones was not signed and is now in preseason with NY Red Bulls. Jones scored 29 goals with 4 assists in his college soccer career. Jones was selected to the second team all PAC-12 conference team over the last two seasons while playing for OSU.   During his two seasons with Lane United, Jones solidified himself as one of the conferences’ premier strikers.  “Jordan, much like Mueller is a terrific athlete first and foremost.  He is such a tremendous competitor, and a proven goal scorer.  He too can score in a variety of ways, from the simplest of tap-ins to the spectacular.  I am looking forward to seeing how he performs with his new club.” said Coach Galas.

Highlights of Jordan

“Having four young men drafted in this year’s MLS draft is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the game.  We are fortunate to be able to attract some the top talent in the country year in and year out and help them on their respective journey to the professional level” – John Galas

Keep checking back in for updates of our former Reds. Good luck to all our boys!

The 2018 Schedule is now up and can be found HERE.

The Reds will open with a friendly on May 4th against Northwest Christian University. That match will feature a handful of players who will be invited to participate after the open tryouts in April, details of which will be announced shortly.

Additional friendlies are currently being scheduled and will be posted as soon as those have been arranged. After that, tickets will be made available here on the website, and at a ticket launch party to be announced soon.