Etsgar Cruz’s representation, FC 23 Sports Group, announced their client has transferred from Oakland Roots to Club América of Liga MX.
It represents a hallmark moment for the organization, becoming the first time Oakland Roots transferred a player they’ve developed from its academy, Project 51O. He was the first player in club history to rise through their pathway to earn a pro contract, now being sold to a marquee Liga MX franchise in Club América for a possible fee.
The club could not be reached for comment on Cruz’s transfer.
For any soccer organization, the name of the game for any front office is to move players on to greater heights after investing time in developing them. His transfer could be taken as a moment of triumph, showing the club can identify and nurture talent from an early age.
He marks the third outgoing transfer of teenage talent in club history following the brief stints of Drew Murray and Ethan Kohler in 2022, who went to SC Freiburg II and Werder Bremen II. Cruz will likely be going to Club América’s developmental team as well.
His departure opens up a spot for depth on the offensive side, notably the winger roles and the Central Attacking Midfielder spots behind Panos Armenakas.
Cruz, 19, is a native of Modesto and initially signed an academy contract with Project 51O in 2022 after being discovered by the club’s Roots Recognize Initiative program. He was a member of the USL League Two Division title in 2022 and signed a long-term deal with the club in November 2023.
He made his debut for the first team in 2023 against Detroit City when coming off the bench. Cruz finished 2024 with two shots on target, created two scoring chances, and completed two long balls.
For his two-year professional career, Cruz has appeared in 16 USL Championship matches with four starts for 431 minutes, to go along with two U.S. Open Cup appearances and one start.