LAFC announced today that the club has signed 18-year-old defender Julian Gaines using the number one spot in the MLS Waiver Order. LAFC acquired the number one spot in the MLS Waiver Order from Toronto FC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2022 and the No. 21 spot in the MLS Waiver Order.
This season, Gaines played 12 games for the Las Vegas Lights of the United Soccer League, and his contract with the Lights was terminated prior to singing an MLS contract.
“Julian is a talented and exciting young player who has played well with Las Vegas,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “We are looking forward to continuing to work with him at LAFC as he continues to develop as a person and a player.”
Gaines totaled 1,014 minutes in 12 starts with Las Vegas in 2021. Prior to signing with the Lights, Gaines was a member of LAFC’s preseason roster ahead of the start of the 2021 MLS regular season.
Gaines previously played for the Barca Residency Academy in Arizona, joining them in 2019 and helping the U-19 team to two successful seasons. LAFC teammate Bryce Duke is also a product of the Barca Residency Academy.
The Austin, Texas native made his professional debut with USL side Austin Bold in 2019, making one appearance and playing 32 minutes. He has also played internationally with the United States U-15 and U-17 National Teams between 2016-2017.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) signs defender Julian Gaines using the number one spot in the MLS Waiver Order. The number one spot in the MLS Waiver Order was acquired from Toronto FC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2022 and the #21 spot in the MLS Waiver Order.
VITALS:
Julian Gaines
Position: Defender
Born: 11/05/2002
Height: 5-10
Weight: 161 lbs.
Birthplace: Round Rock, Texas
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Citizenship: USA
Last Club: Las Vegas Lights FC
Acquired: Signed using the number one spot in the MLS Waiver Order.
