OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland Roots SC announced on Monday it had signed Spanish center back David Garcia ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Garcia most recently featured for Spokane Velocity in USL League One, where he helped the club reach the League One Final in the past campaign, and was voted the League One All-League First Team after recording 225 clearances, 77 recoveries and 17 interceptions in 30 appearances while winning 156 duels at a 64.5 percent success rate and 18 tackles at a 75 percent success rate across the regular season and playoffs.

“David is a defender with real presence. He’s a leader and a competitor who never hesitates to put his body on the line for the team,” said Loudoun Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He’s hard in the tackle, strong in the air, and has the passing range to help us build from the back. He’s continued to improve year after year, and we believe he’ll be a tremendous asset to the club. We’re excited to bring him to Oakland and confident he’ll make an immediate impact.”

Garcia has recorded 79 appearances in USL League One over the past three seasons, and helped North Carolina FC claim the league title in the 2023 season. The 25-year-old has recorded six goals and three assists in 6,744 minutes of action while posting career marks of a 60.9 percent duel success rate and 64.4 percent tackle success rate.