LAFC announces three Homegrown signings

LAFC made three Homegrown signings on Wednesday, the franchise announced.

Defenders Erik Duenas and Antonio Leone and forward Christian Torres all signed contracts, becoming the first players to join the MLS side from its academy.

Our first-ever Homegrown signings. ✊

Tony Leone, Erik Dueñas, and Christian Torres join LAFC's first team from @LAFCAcademy.https://t.co/VxJbog7zR4

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 8, 2020

Duenas is an outside back who impressed with the first team during the preseason. He is capable of playing either right or left back, but figures as a right back in the future. His hustle and competitiveness are among his best attributes. 

Leone is a center back who has been a key figure with the U.S. Youth National Teams as well as drawn call-ups to the Mexico Youth National Teams. He is a physical presence who was imposing at the youth levels for LAFC. His passing and vision are among his best attributes. 

Torres became the first academy player to score for the first team at Banc of America stadium during the preseason. The forward was prolific in the Development Academy last season with 11 goals in 19 appearances. Torres played for the Galaxy Academy in 2017/2018.  

Earlier this year, LAFC signed midfielder Bryce Duke to a Homegrown contract earlier this year after trading for his rights from Real Salt Lake. Duke appeared for LAFC in the Concacaf Champions League and MLS league play already this season, as head coach Bob Bradley seemed eager to utilize the new addition. 

Duenas, Leone, and Torres were all born in 2004. They join Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (Toronto FC) Fred Emmings (Minnesota United), and Juan Castilla (Houston Dynamo) as 2004s who have signed with MLS in 2020.