IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Friday night the club had acquired forward Monday Bassey Etim on loan from  the club’s Major League Soccer partner, Los Angeles FC. The 18-year-old becomes the second player to join Orange County SC on loan from LAFC following the arrival of Carlos Alvarez earlier in the year.

Etim, born Calabar, Nigeria, arrives at the club following a year long spell at the Montverde Academy in Florida, where he competed against some of Europe’s finest youth academies such as Feyenoord and AS Roma, in which he scored on both occasions. Prior to his time with Montverde, he played for the famed youth academy Kadji Sports Academy in Cameroon who most notably produced Cameroon’s all-time leading goal scorer, Samuel Eto’o.

LAFC’s General Manager and Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations, John Thorrington is excited by Etim’s potential. 

“LAFC are excited to announce the signing of Monday Bassey Etim as we believe he is a player of incredible promise,” said Thorrington. “We know his development is in good hands with the technical staff at Orange County.”

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Etim can operate as either a winger or as a forward, he is known for his explosive pace and power and is a player who will look to run at the opposition defence at every opportunity. Orange County SC General Manager and Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss believes this is an important signing for the club.

“We are delighted to announce our second LAFC signing,” said Wyss. “Monday will give the squad a different dimension and we look forward to aiding his development.”

Etim has been cleared in time to be eligible to make his debut his against the LA Galaxy II this Saturday. The signing adds additional intrigue to the fixture as Orange County prepares to debut its brand new 5,000-seat stadium at the Orange County Great Park in the club’s USL 2017 home opener.