SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced on Monday the club had acquired midfielder Kevon Lambert on loan from Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer for the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval and per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lambert returns to USL Championship after being acquired by Real Salt Lake via transfer from Phoenix Rising FC last August. The 26-year-old left Rising FC as the club’s all-time appearance leader, having played in 161 games across all competitions. In six seasons, he posted 15 goals and 10 assists while leading Phoenix in multiple defensive categories, solidifying himself as one of the league’s best defensive midfielders. Lambert helped Rising FC reach the USL Championship Final twice in five total playoff appearances with the club. Since joining RSL, he has appeared in three MLS matches.

“We're thrilled to add current Jamaican international Kevon Lambert, and we're grateful to Salt Lake for facilitating the loan,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “This signing speaks volumes as Kevon has proven himself to be one of the most dominant players in the USL. His abilities align perfectly with our evolved game model, and his enthusiasm to contribute underscores our ambition to contend for championships.”

Lambert made his senior international debut in 2017 and has recorded 27 caps for the Jamaican National Team. He has featured in three Concacaf Gold Cups for the Reggae Boyz, reaching the final in the 2017 tournament for the second time in the country’s history.

Analysis

Kevon Lambert’s arrival at San Antonio FC is a high-profile addition for the 2022 Championship title winners and offers a question as to how he might be used in Head Coach Alen Marcina’s system. The Jamaican made his reputation as a central midfielder at Phoenix Rising FC and for Jamaica’s national team, but he showed the versatility to be part of the back line for both before his transfer last season.

Lambert’s ability in the back line – especially in San Antonio’s typical three-man system – will be worth keeping an eye on. His ball-winning and passing ability out of the back could be a valuable asset to a team which says it wants to be more possession dominant this season. At the same time, as an out-and-out No. 6 playing in front of a back four including Mitchell Taintor and Kendall Burks, Lambert could be a major influence as well.