SEATTLE, WASH. - Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has signed defender Alex Villanueva. The Sounders FC Academy product joins the USL side ahead of tonight's match at Las Vegas Lights (7:30 p.m. PT / ESPN+), which was re-scheduled from last Wednesday due to a positive COVID-19 test within the Nevada club. The 18-year-old started four of five appearances for Defiance last season after signing a USL Academy deal, and he now signs his first professional contract.
GAME NOTES FOR WEDNESDAY’S MATCH AT LAS VEGAS: https://sndrs.com/mzbwy
Villanueva was integral to the Sounders FC U-17 squad that became the first MLS academy team to win the Champions Division at the Generation adidas Cup last year, defeating the likes of River Plate, Valencia and West Ham United. The Lancaster, California native has also received callups to the U.S. U-17 Youth National Team, in addition to periodic training and preseason stints with Sounders FC and Defiance.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Match: Tacoma Defiance at Las Vegas Lights - Wednesday, August 19 (7:30 p.m. PT)
Venue: Cashman Field I Las Vegas, Nevada
Live Stream: ESPN+
