by Taylor Sorrels (@AbGatorade)

Dalton Main at WDRB broke the story today that USSF approved the signings of defender Enrique Montano, 22, and holding midfielder Tarek Morad, also 22. That puts LCFC’s roster at 12, probably about halfway to full! Still no goalkeepers, but who needs one of those anyway?

Montano comes to us from San Jose State, where he started 35 of 37 games for the Spartans. Montano seems to play mainly as a number six, who sits in front of the back four and is strong in the tackle and in distribution to the forwards or wingers in front of him. He may be more of a development project at this point, but without having seen him in training or scrimmages yet, he’s got an opportunity to become an important part of the team.

Tarek Morad comes to us from Oklahoma City Energy FC as a defender. USL’s website at one time kept player stats, but that seems to presently be under construction. Thus the only thing we really know about him is that he’s 6’2″ and kind of skinny. MLS’s scouting report indicates that he converted to centerback from defensive midfielder, so he has strong, technical on-ball skills, and he’s “pretty good in the air,” a good quality for a central defender. LCFC coach James O’Connor echoes what other reports have indicated, that Morad possesses some strong leadership skills as well, which is key for coordinating the back four.

I think we can expect some more signing news in the next few days ahead of our preseason friendlies, so stay tuned!