JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sporting Club Jacksonville announced on Friday it had acquired goalkeeper Christian Olivares on loan from St. Louis CITY SC of Major League Soccer ahead of the club’s inaugural 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Olivares joins Sporting JAX having spent the past three seasons within the St. Louis CITY organization, recording 45 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro for St. Louis CITY2. The 23-year-old is coming off a campaign in which he recorded 15 appearances and 40 saves at a save percentage of 70.2 percent while posting three shutouts and recording a 1.13 goals-against average. His performances saw him nominated as a finalist for the MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year award.

“Christian brings a competitive edge, strong shot-stopping ability, and valuable experience from a top professional environment,” said Sporting JAX Head Coach Liam Fox. “He’s a goalkeeper who understands what it takes to win at this level and fits well with the long-term vision we’re building here.”

A graduate of the Real Salt Lake Academy, Olivares has recorded 11 shutouts in 39 starts overall in his career with St. Louis CITY2 and helped the side reach the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2025 MLSNP Playoffs.