Jordan Harvey signs with LAFC

Update, Jan. 2:

LAFC formally announced Harvey’s signing on Tuesday. The length of his deal was not announced, but the club touted the addition as their first ever free agent signing.

“Jordan has established himself in MLS, and his knowledge of the league is going to be invaluable to us as we build our club,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said in a team statement. “I look forward to his leadership and the stability he provides both on and off the pitch.”

“Jordan is a solid, reliable defender with so much experience in our league,” said EVP and general manager John Thorrington. “I have seen first-hand the strong veteran presence he will bring to our Club as he returns to Southern California.”

Original story, Dec. 22:

Los Angeles Football Club picked up a new player on Friday, as defender Jordan Harvey announced he’ll be joining the MLS expansion team for the 2018 season on his Twitter account.

Harvey, 33, is joining LAFC as an MLS Free Agent, a designation for players who are at least 28 years old and have at least eight seasons of MLS experience. Having played for the Vancouver Whitecaps since 2011, he was a key fixture in their backline throughout his tenure there, and played with LAFC general manager John Thorrington in Vancouver’s MLS expansion season in 2011.

Prior to that, the left back played in MLS for the Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids, and had a spell on loan with the Seattle Sounders in their pre-MLS days.

Harvey is a Mission Viejo native, and played club and college soccer in Southern California. His wife, Kimberly Caldwell, is a former American Idol contestant, a singer and television presenter, so while Vancouver is a lovely city, heading back to Harvey’s hometown and being in Los Angeles may have been an attractive option to both of them on the career front.

Harvey’s version of the now-trademark “LAFC reveal,” with his daughter, was a terrific twist on the original:

Harvey’s signing means LAFC can sign one more MLS Free Agent for the 2018 season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they do fill the full complement there.

We did suggest Harvey in a look at the potential Free Agents for LAFC a little while back — will there be another one from that list (or just in general)? Stay tuned.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!