HERRIMAN, Utah (Thursday, January 24, 2019) – Real Monarchs SLC have acquired DFM Ricardo Ávila on loan from Liga Panameña de Fútbol side CD Universitario through the 2019 season, General Manager Dan Egner announced today. Terms of the loan agreement were not disclosed with Avila’s signing pending league and federation approval.
“When the opportunity to bring Ricardo in for the season on loan arose, we couldn’t put the pen to paper fast enough,” Egner said. “We have been monitoring Ricardo since he was 18, and unfortunately missed out on him when he made the move to Belgium. It’s not every day that you can add a player at his age with recent World Cup experience to your roster. Ricardo has an opportunity to make a big impact with the club, and we believe he will be a key piece in our already strong midfield.”
Ávila arrives in Utah on the back of a career year on the international stage where he featured for Panama at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. During the World Cup, Ávila played 105 minutes including 78 minutes against Tunisia and 27 minutes against England. He has also spent time with the Panamanian U-20s where he has scored four goals.
Beginning his professional club career and playing two seasons with Chorillo of Liga Panameña de Fútbol, Ávila made 31 appearances across three seasons with the team, scoring five goals. After a short stint in Slovenia with FC Koper, Ávila made the move to Belgium where he featured for the KAA Gent reserve squad. Moving to CD Universitario prior to the 2018 season, the 22-year-old played 362 minutes, making four starts during the season.
“I will work very hard from the beginning to be able to perform well in the USL to be able to reach my personal goals and those of the club,” Ávila said. “My mind is focused and I must work very hard this season to earn my place in the team. My dream is to play in the MLS, I have the references in the league from my Panama teammates, Roman Torres and Anibal Godoy, and I think that this opportunity can become a springboard to achieve that goal. I do not hesitate to accept this opportunity as we know that this is the first step of the path to success.”
Player Information
Name: Ricardo Ávila
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 165 lbs
Born: 2/04/1997 (21 yo)
Hometown: Panama City, Panama
Last Club: CD Universitario (Panama)
Real Monarchs SLC will face Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 9 to open its fifth campaign in the USL Championship. The Monarchs will then return home the following weekend to host league newcomer El Paso Locomotive FC at Zions Bank Stadium on March 16, a venue in which the Monarchs earned a league-best home record of 13-2-2 in 2018.
Real Monarchs SLC season tickets and single-match tickets are set to be announced and be available for purchase in the near future.
