The Fire's midfield competition got a little more interesting with the addition of Santos Laguna's Benji Joya via an MLS lottery draw. The US youth player was made available after signing with the league on a one year loan with a transfer option. Seattle and Real Salt Lake were also interested in acquiring him but the Fire had the best odds due to a lower finish in 2013.

Joya was born in San Jose and joined Santos Laguna in 2012. He has played mostly with their U-20 side but has made 4 appearances in Liga MX matches. He is also a US youth international who participated in the U-20 World Cup last summer. Victor Pineda was also a part of that squad although he did not appear in any games.

In Joya, the Fire have added a 20 year old midfielder with a big upside who can play in various spots. His first position is in central midfield where he can play box to box and has the potential to be a playmaker. He has also played out wide and in the holding role.