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One of the surprise names who played in Los Angeles Football Club’s first two preseason games was defender Amadou Dia. The fullback, who had spent time in MLS with Sporting Kansas City and the Montreal Impact, most recently played, and played well, for USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC.
With Dia playing against Toronto FC and then again against Vissel Kobe, it seemed he might be on trial for a depth spot on LAFC’s roster. That still could be the case, but following the Vissel Kobe game, Dia returned to Phoenix Rising.
He's back #UpRising
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) February 1, 2019
: @hjbosch21 pic.twitter.com/Hge1mRFaSX
The player himself took a moment to talk about the time spent with LAFC on Twitter:
Grateful to be a part of a club that allows me to keep taking chances and gaining experience in the beautiful game @phxrisingfc •
— Amadou Dia (@Amadou_iT11) February 2, 2019
•
Big thank you to @lafc for having me, had an incredible week and an unforgettable night! Until next time ! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/VncYvS2UJi
Dia then played in Phoenix’s preseason game against Minnesota United on Saturday.
So it looks like Dia had a look in with LAFC, they got to see him up close, and he may or may not be an option to sign at some point. I think if he was definitely joining LAFC for the start of the season, he’d stay in camp with them, but they may opt to bring him in down the line if there’s an injury or they free up some money or something. Alternately, he may have gotten a look in, LAFC saw what they needed to, and he’s back for good with Phoenix Rising. We’ll see, and we’ll let you know what happens with the other unsigned players in LAFC camp.
What do you think? Leave a comment below!