HERIMMAN, Utah (Thursday, May 20, 2021) – The Real Monarchs announced the signing of 16-year-old centerback Jaziel Orozco from the Real Salt Lake Academy on Thursday.
“In his time within the academy Jaziel Orozco has consistently shown an unrivalled conviction for his craft. Paired with his fantastic technique and appetite for growth, there is a clear path in front of Jaziel for him to become a top level footballer,” Assistant General Manager Tony Beltran said. “We look forward to his continued development in our organization and congratulate Jaziel on the signage of his first professional contract with Real Monarchs.”
Orozco, 16, joined the RSL Academy last year and quickly established himself as a starter, appearing in 14 matches at the U-16/17 level. The El Paso, Texas native recently made his professional debut with the Monarchs on May 8 in a 2-2 draw with San Antonio FC and played his first match at Zions Bank Stadium on May 14 against LA Galaxy II, totaling 180 minutes.
“Jaziel is a great young soccer player that has shown the ability to have a promising future as a centerback with this organization,” Head Coach Jamison Olave said. “He is one of the best young soccer players from the academy and is someone who is confident in himself with a strong mentality. At 16 years old he has a lot of games still to play and a lot to learn, but he is on the right path.”
Orozco joined RSL during the preseason and appeared in the team’s match against Phoenix Rising FC during the 2021 Sun Cup, logging 83 minutes in the team’s 1-0 win.
The son of former professional player Alberto Orozco, the young defender has dual citizenship and has received recognition from the Mexican Youth National Team system and has been invited to their identification camps.
Real Monarchs host Austin Bold FC on Friday, May 21 at Zions Bank Stadium with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. MT. Tickets can be purchased by calling 844.REAL.TIX or visiting RealMonarchs.com.
Player Information
Name: Jaziel Orozco
Pronunciation: HA-see-el OROZ-CO
Position: Defender
DOB: 06/02/2004
Height: 5’9”
Real Monarchs current roster as of 5/20/21
Goalkeepers: Jimmy Slayton
Defenders: Kyle Adams, James Moberg, Jaziel Orozco, Kevin Saucedo, Timi Sobowale
Midfielders: Ibrahim Bance, Julio Benitez, Sam Brown, Brayan Gomez, Josimar Quintero
Forwards: Aris Briggs, Malik Johnson, Max Mata, Juan Vidal
