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Monterey Bay FC signs forward Ilijah Paul

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 02/03/25, 4:00PM EST

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22-year-old recorded 10 goals, three assists in 37 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro across past two seasons


Monterey Bay FC has signed forward Ilijah Paul, who appeared nine times for Real Salt Lake over the past two season, including in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Las Vegas Lights FC.

SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay FC announced on Monday the club had signed forward Ilijah Paul to a one-year contract with a club option for the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Paul was the seventh overall selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake and made nine appearances for the club across all competitions over the past two seasons. In addition, he recorded eight goals and two assists in 30 appearances for the club’s MLS NEXT Pro reserve side Real Monarchs.

The 22-year-old also went on loan outside the RSL organization twice, first with Larne of Northern Ireland’s Premiership, where he recorded one goal and two assist in five appearances across all competitions, and more recently with Ventura County FC, where he recorded two goals and added one assist in eight appearances for the LA Galaxy’s MLSNP reserve team.

“It’s a great blessing from God to sign with this club and have wonderful people around me,” said Paul. “I am expecting goals and great memories to be created amongst the team, staff, and fans.”

Prior to the draft, Paul spent two seasons at the University of Washington. In his final campaign with the Huskies, Paul led the Pac-12 with 11 goals and four assists enroute to being named the 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and featuring in the Pac-12 All-Conference First Team. In addition, Paul was named as a semifinalist of the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy.

“Ilijah is a dynamic talent with great pace, strong technical ability, and a keen eye for goal,” said Monterey Bay FC Head Coach Jordan Stewart. “He plays with a lot of energy, creativity, and versatility and will bring it all to the squad this season. He’ll be a key player in attack, creating chances and making things happen on the field. We’re excited to have him.”

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