Perez was selected in the First Round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by NYCFC; Defiance roster now sits at 16 players ahead of 2020 season.

Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has signed midfielder Jesús Pérez. The signing is pending league and federation approval. Pérez was a first-round selection (22nd overall) of New York City FC in January’s 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The signing brings the Defiance roster to 16 players ahead of the 2020 season.

“Jesús is a left-footed midfielder that can play multiple positions across the front four,” said Sounders FC General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “He is a savvy passer that can score and set up his teammates and we’re excited to see how he fits in with our club.”

Pérez, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, was named the Horizon League Player of the Year while earning First Team All-Horizon honors after his junior and senior seasons. The 22-year-old led the Horizon League and was 12th in the nation in assists in 2019 with eight after leading the NCAA in assists with 12 in his junior season of 2018. Pérez also garnered First Team All-Horizon League recognition after his sophomore season in which he led his team with eight assists and scored five goals.

Tacoma Defiance opens its 2020 season at home on Friday, March 6 against Reno 1868 FC at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT and the match will be livestreamed on ESPN+.

Transaction: Tacoma Defiance signs midfielder Jesús Pérez on February 19, 2020.

Name:Jesús Pérez

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-10

Weight: 145

Born: October 1, 1997 in Waukegan, Illinois

Hometown: Waukegan, Illinois

Citizenship: USA

College: University of Illinois at Chicago

The Defiance current roster is listed below by positional breakdown.

CURRENT TACOMA DEFIANCE ROSTER

Defenders (6): Antonee Burke-Gilroy, Abdoulaye Cissoko, Nick Hinds, Taylor Mueller, Danny Reynolds, Sam Rogers

Midfielders (5): Josh Atencio, Jesse Daley, Collin Fernandez, Jesús Pérez, Danny Robles

Forwards (5): Alec Diaz, Azriel Gonzalez, Shandon Hopeau, Ray Serrano, Marlon Vargas

Single match tickets are now available. Wave the flag for our defiant crew on opening night or join us for the full season as our players explore the region and test their mettle.