The 2021 MLS SuperDraft has quickly come and gone, and LAFC now has three new names vying for a coveted spot on the 2021 roster in the 14th overall pick Daniel Trejo, 41st overall pick CC Uche, and 68th overall pick Alvaro Quezada.
It is always difficult for MLS SuperDraft players to make an impact, but the hard-working Trejo is ready for his shot.
TREJO: I'm very happy and excited to start this new journey with LAFC. My dream has always been to play for an MLS team, and a good team. I believe that LAFC is one of the best teams in MLS and I'm just very happy to be a part of this team now.
With the pandemic shortened college soccer season, are you ready for MLS?
TREJO: For myself, I already finished school. My goal was always to graduate early and make sure I get a chance to play professionally. So, I'm ready. I graduated from CSUN, so now I’m able to go on and start my professional journey.
Can you tell the LAFC fans a little about your game and what you can bring to a team?
TREJO: I believe I’m an attacking player. Obviously, I know there are various responsibilities, but my main strength is attacking. I believe that I’m able to take on any player if I’m able to get into any space, just like how LAFC plays. I feel like once I’m put into a position where I’m 1v1, or with space coming at a defender, I think that’s what makes me special and I know that I can make things happen for a team.
Have you ever met your namesake - LAFC fan and Los Angeles native, the actor Danny Trejo?
TREJO: I have not met him, no. I always get questions asked about him though!
[The actor Trejo did record this special video message for LAFC’s first round pick]
With the start of LAFC training camp still uncertain, how do you plan on preparing for training camp?
TREJO: You know that's obviously something I have in mind. We know that preseason starts pretty early, we don't know the exact date, but they're saying that we might start in a few weeks. So, my job right now is just to stay ready. Train every day and stay committed to the game and once the opportunity comes when we're all checking into preseason, I'm at the best shape possible and I'm able to help the team right away.
Unlike many younger MLS hopefuls that spend years honing their craft in the upper echelons of high visibility Academy systems, you spent your formative playing years with your local school programs. How do you think that affects you as a player? [The Mendota High School grad owns the California High School state goal scoring record with 200 goals in his scholastic career]
TREJO: Yeah, I had a pretty different way of making I here. I grew up in a small town here [Mendota, CA, population: 11,500], so there wasn’t really any Academy. But I always made sure to stay playing. I grew up playing with my friends. I grew up playing in school, schools always had teams, so that’s where I was able to play. Then coming into high school, I started playing a little bit of club, but never really played Academy because there weren’t any Academies out here close by – I would have to drive two hours. So, I just wanted to make sure that wherever I was playing I was trying my best and learning the game. Then I was able to attend CSUN. CSUN was a great school for me, they helped me a lot and I feel like a lot of my success was due to the coaches that were able to help me and develop me.
As a California native and someone who played close to L.A. at CSUN, what does it mean to you to be able to stay in Southern California to begin your professional journey?
TREJO: Obviously, it’s a great opportunity. I feel like for a lot of kids, a dream is to be able to play for a club that is close to home. If you get a chance to be able to represent that club, it’s a great feeling. The way I’m feeling right now, I’m just very happy. LAFC was able to give me a chance, and it’s just a great chance for me.
