The Blues have not held a formal partnership prior to their agreement with the MLS newcomer. While players had been acquired on loan from MLS organizations, including 2012 USL All-League selection Bright Dike, a full-time partnership never came to fruition.

With the addition of LAFC to the Southern California soccer landscape, however, the opportunity arose. For Blues General Manager and Executive VP of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss, the move marked a major step forward in the club’s plans. Wyss has already been in discussions with LAFC Executive VP of Soccer Operations John Thorrington as to how the partnership will unfold.

“It’s been first-class,” Wyss said. “Everything he wants to accomplish falls into the mission we want to accomplish, so together we feel we can build a very, very strong base at the USL level, and I think that will trigger into MLS as well. He’s been first-class, and we share very common goals and a vision for our organizations.”

The partnership is similar to that struck by 2017 MLS expansion club Atlanta United FC and historic USL club the Charleston Battery, but with one key difference. While Atlanta sent players such as Alex Tambakis on a season-long loan to Charleston, others like Junior Burgos got playing time elsewhere. According to Wyss, the partnership between the Blues and LAFC is exclusive, which means any talent signed in the upcoming year should arrive soon after in Orange County.

“All of the players they’ll be signing for the U.S. market next year will be playing for us in the USL,” said Wyss. “Obviously, the players will be on season-long loans and they’ll be showcasing their talent for us for one year and then move on to MLS and excite people in 2018 in Los Angeles.”