LAFC filled its sercond designated player slot on Thursday.
By Ivan Yeo
The roster building continues for LAFC.
Shortly after adding four players through the expansion draft, LAFC filled its second designated player slot on Thursday with the addition of Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi.
“We believe he will be a great asset on and off the field for LAFC and MLS,” LAFC general manager John Thorrington said in a statement of Rossi’s addition. “Diego is a player with great promise and international interest. It is another powerful statement from LAFC and our league that Diego is choosing to take the next step of his career in Los Angeles.”
The 19-year old Rossi comes from Penarol, where he scored 10 goals and led the club to its 51st league title. Rossi has also been representing Uruguay’s U-17 and U-20 teams, scoring 10 goals total and help Uruguay win the U-20 South American Championship.
“Diego is a young and exciting attacking player,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said. “His experiences at Peñarol and his ability fit perfectly with our vision of the team we are building at LAFC. We believe Diego will mature into a top-class player.”
Rossi will occupy the team’s second designated slot, with the first DP slot going to Carlos Vela, who signed with LAFC back in August. However, at age 19, Rossi will count as a young designated player who is 20 years old or younger, meaning Rossi will count just $150,000 against the salary cap. Rossi is also the second youngest DP in MLS, with the honor of youngest DP going to Fabian Castillo, who was 18 when he signed with FC Dallas back in 2011.
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