OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland Roots SC announced on Friday homegrown product Etsgar Cruz will join historic Liga MX powerhouse Club América ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season.

Cruz’s move is historic for the club as he becomes the first player developed in Roots’ Project 51O system at the Academy and League Two level to take the next step in his career at a club outside the United States. He is also the third Roots player to make an international move, following Ethan Kohler’s move to Werder Bremen and Drew Murray’s move to Freiberg last year.

“We are extremely proud of what we are building here with Project 51O as a pipeline for young local players into the professional game,” said Oakland Roots SC Technical Director Jordan Ferrell. “Etsgar has been with our club since 2022; identified through Roots Recognize Initiative and developed through our system between 51O and the first team. His progression is a testament to the opportunities we are creating for young talent in Oakland.”

Cruz appeared for USL League Two club Project 51O during the 2022 season, recording one goal in five appearances to help the side reach the postseason. He went on to join Roots as a USL Academy signing in 2023 before turning pro with the club prior to the 2024 season. Over the past two seasons, the 19-year-old has recorded 16 appearances in the league, logging 447 minutes of action while also appearing twice for the side in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.