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Real Monarchs Add Juan "Gio" Villa Ahead of 2024 Season

January 4, 2024 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Real Monarchs News Release


HERRIMAN, Utah - Real Monarchs have signed defender Juan Gio Villa to a MLS Next Pro professional contract. Villa, currently with the RSL academy, eyes a call up to the Monarchs for the 2024 season.

Villa, 15, joins Real Monarchs from the RSL Academy where he appeared for the U15s during the 2022-23 season, before moving up to the U17 squad for the 2023-24 season. The dual-national right back was acquired from the Chicago Fire FC Academy in 2022 as a free transfer.

"During his time on our campus Gio has been an exemplary footballer and citizen. His determination on the field is complemented well by his choices off, as he continues to excel in all areas of challenge. It is the Club's privilege to congratulate Gio and his family on this step forward and to continue to support his development in the years ahead, said Tony Beltran, RSL's assistant GM.

Villa has been a regular participant for his countries national teams during his career, appearing twice for the Mexican Youth National U15 team before making nine appearances for the United States Youth National U15 team. Most recently Villa was called up to the U16 USYNT with two other academy players Camron Estala and Axel Uriostegui for the team's week long training camp in Carson, California this November.

TRANSACTION: Real Monarchs sign midfielder Gio Villa to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on December 2, 2023

Player Information

Name: Juan Giovanni Villa

Position: Defender- Right-Back

Height: 5' 5"

Date of Birth: January 3, 2008

Age: 15

Birthplace: Chicago, IL

Citizenship: United States & Mexico

How Acquired: RSL Academy

Real Monarchs concluded the season at 8-5-15 (31 points) in their second season in MLS NEXT Pro under the leadership of Head Coach Jamison Olave. The Monarchs look to build on their late success of the 2023 season in 2024 empowered by the league's youngest roster (by average age) in the entire league. Tickets for Real Monarchs can be purchased by calling 844.Real.Tix or visiting www.RSL.com/tickets.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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