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Real Monarchs SLC officially announced the signing of midfielder Damian German and forward Lionel Abate Eoundi for the 2019 USL Championship season today. German, a 23-year-old midfield player who had a number of successful season at the RSL Academy had already announced his signing through his personal twitter account back on January 4th.
I have signed my first professional contract with @RealMonarchs ... https://t.co/6oevTBi896
— Damian German (@Damiaann_11) January 5, 2019
While at the academy Damian featured in the U15/U16 championship team which also included current Real Salt Lake players Justen Glad, Sebastian Saucedo and Brooks Lennon and started the championship match against Solar Chelsea. German scored a total of 31 goals in his 40 matches with the academy before electing to attend college at Grand Canyon University near his his Phoenix home under coach Schellas Hyndman. During his three seasons with the Roadrunners, German made 52 appearances and scored 11 goals. In an effort to increase his exposure, Damian moved to San Diego State University for his senior season in 2018 where he added five more goals in his 18 appearances as a Aztec.
General Manager Dan Egner expressed excitement to have Damian back with the RSL Family:
“He had a very productive and impressive college career at Grand Canyon and San Diego State, and we jumped at the opportunity to sign him. He gives us another attacking option on the wings as well as up top centrally, and based on what he has shown throughout his college career, we expect Damian to contribute to the Monarchs from day one.”
Etoundi has featured for the Cameroon U-17s, U-20s, and for the U-23s during their qualification campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations despite being only 18 years of age. The Cameroon U-23 will face Sierra Leon in the 2nd round of qualifying for the Cup of Nations during March of 2019 and will likely be called in for those matches.
Etoundi express his desire to push himself as a player lead to the signing:
“In reality, Real Monarchs is a club where I see an excellent beginning of my career. That is why I decided to sign and serve with honor and bravery for this big family which is giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents. I am honored to be a part of this team at such a big club”
For those of you wishing to watch a little soccer as we want for the 2019 seasons to begin, the championship match from the 2013 Development Academy Finals is available on YouTube: