LAFC signs midfielder to Homegrown contract

by J.R. Eskilson

January 26, 2020

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) signed Bryce Duke to a Homegrown contract on Saturday, the franchise announced. The Southern California team acquired Duke’s player rights from Real Salt Lake in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money.

Duke made his unofficial debut for the team on Saturday during LAFC’s 2-0 preseason friendly win over Peñarol, a South American club. Duke played in the second half of the victory.

The 18-year-old midfielder recently played for Barca Academy Residency in Arizona in the Development Academy. He scored five goals in 13 games this season.

“We have monitored Bryce’s progress closely and we believe that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level,” LAFC EVP & GM John Thorrington said in a press release. “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 is a skillful midfielder who influences the game with his passing and prowess for scoring long range goals. He was influential with the Real Salt Lake teams during runs in the Development Academy playoffs over the last two seasons. He found his footing early with Barca Academy as well.

Bryce Duke is Black & Gold. @BarcaAcademyAZ ➡️ #LAFC

📰 https://t.co/EophXGAXeU pic.twitter.com/3PP3gTWW1a
— LAFC (@LAFC) January 26, 2020

The teenager was earned the title as the first Homegrown signing for LAFC. He will not be the last. LAFC head coach Bob Bradley featured five academy players in the win over Penarol over the weekend. Outside back Erik Duenas and forward Christian Torres appeared in the first half in the victory. Antonio Leone, Diego Rosales, and Armando Avila appeared in the second alongside Duke.