Another new defender joins the LA Galaxy roster | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy have not stopped adding talent to their roster. With a month left until the regular season is underway, the general manager for the defending champions is at it again.

Earlier in the week, Eriq Zavaleta was re-signed to a one-year deal with the team. He is also the nephew of head coach Greg Vanney.

Adding another young defender was key since the LA Galaxy sent Jalen Neal to CF Montreal earlier this winter. They filled his roster spot by promoting Ascel Essengue from the Galaxy Academy squad.

The Yaoundé, Cameroon native is another player who is capable of filling in multiple positions. The Galaxy have utilized this approach with Julian Aude last season, too.

What to know about Essengue?

Since 2021, Essengue has played for Ventura County FC. He has appeared in 16 games for the team.

The six-foot one-inch defender turns 22 at the end of April. Essengue also represented his country when he played for the U16 squad for Cameroon.

General Manager Will Kuntz offered a two-year deal through the 2026 to the Academy product. The contract also contains a club option through the 2028 season.

The Los Angeles Galaxy also brought back their captain, Maya Yoshida. The veteran defender will turn 37 during the season.

Thus, adding Essengue provided another young talent to develop and grow among international stars like Yoshida, Miki Yamane and more.

Carlos Garces and Mauricio Cuevas are 25 years old or younger, as is Aude. John Nelson is 26 entering this season. Blending youth with older stars is goal for an aging backline that saw a major improvement in 2024 compared to the year before.

The Los Angeles Galaxy won just eight games in 2023 and failed to make the playoffs. One year later, the team not only returned to the postseason but won their first title in ten years.

Essengue joins the Galaxy for the league's 30th season and their title defense. The team's regular season opener is on February 23 in Carson, California against San Diego FC.