HERRIMAN, Utah – The 2019 USL League One Most Valuable Player is coming to the USL Championship for the 2020 season.

Real Monarchs SLC announced on Thursday it had acquired attacking midfielder Arturo Rodriguez from North Texas SC on a season-long loan. The agreement between the clubs includes an option to buy for the Monarchs.

“Arturo is one of the most exciting and productive players in all of USL,” RSL Technical Director Dan Egner said. “When the opportunity to bring him to Monarchs arose, we jumped at the chance to add him. He is goal dangerous, looks to create opportunities for the rest of the front line, and is one of the most technical players in USL. He’ll fit in nicely with our attack and complement the attacking pieces well.”

Rodriguez enjoyed a standout debut season in USL League One. He led North Texas to the league’s inaugural title, scoring the game-winning goal in the League One Final against Greenville Triumph SC last October, and in addition to his MVP award was also named the League One Young Player of the Year as he recorded a league-high 10 assists and eight goals in 30 appearances across the regular season and playoffs.

FRENCH MIDFIELDER JOINS NEW MEXICO: New Mexico United announced on Thursday it had signed midfielder and 2020 MLS SuperDraft selection Joris Ahlinvi for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.

A native of Bordeaux, France, Ahlinvi most recently played for Indiana University, where he recorded two goals in 10 appearances before being selected with the 53rd pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft this January by FC Cincinnati. He will now begin his professional career with New Mexico.

“I am very excited and honored to join the New Mexico United family,” said Ahlinvi. “Ever since Coach Lesesne contacted me, I felt like this club, because of its values and its culture, was the right choice for my future. I have been looking forward to coming here, meeting my teammates and discovering the environment. I am absolutely buzzing and proud to have signed my first professional contract in such a big club with the most amazing fans in the league.”

Prior to competing for the Hoosiers, the 24-year-old played for three seasons at Florida International University, where he made 47 appearances (43 starts) and recorded 16 goals and nine assists. While at FIU, Ahlinvi was named to the All-Conference USA First Team twice, and the All-Southeast Region First Team.

“Joris is a creative, attacking-minded player that understands how to unbalance the opponent. He's very comfortable in 1v1 situations, but also has an ability to combine and bring his teammates into the match,” said NMU Head Coach Troy Lesesne. “I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing him develop in our club during his rookie season.”