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Los Angeles Football Club announced over the weekend they have signed midfielder Bryce Duke. The 18-year-old is a Homegrown signing, but not from LAFC’s Academy, but rather from the Barça Residency Academy in Casa Grande, Ariz., the successor to Real Salt Lake’s academy. As a result of his time spent in the RSL Academy, LAFC sent $50,000 in General Allocation Money in 2021 to RSL for the player’s MLS rights.
“We have monitored Bryce’s progress closely and we believe that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level,” said LAFC EVP & General Manager John Thorrington in a team statement. “We are delighted that he has chosen to start his professional career with LAFC as he continues to develop as a person and player.”
Duke made his first appearance for LAFC on Saturday in their preseason opener against Uruguayan club Peñarol, which LAFC won 2-0. He played the entire second half for the black-and-gold at The Banc.
Duke has been called up to the U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team, as well, we’ll see if he gets some calls at the U-20 level the coming year or so.
All in all, this is a player who is largely a mystery, but Top Drawer Soccer’s J.R. Eskilson, based out west and someone who has watched a lot of youth soccer, he was bullish on Duke’s pro prospects with LAFC:
Really like this move for LAFC. Duke has been really impressive every time I’ve seen him. He can take over the game from midfield. He’s also scored some great goals in the DA. His game kind of reminds me of Djordje Mihailovic https://t.co/eLEaj5qDwa
— J.R. Eskilson (@JREskilson) January 26, 2020
We’ll see the playing time the youngster will get on a stacked roster but welcome aboard, Bryce.
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