TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signed
LAFC announced on Monday that they have rewarded one of the surprises of 2018 with a new contract.
Midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye has signed a three-year contract extension through 2021 with a club option for 2022. Kaye appeared in 20 regular season contests (all starts) for LAFC during their inaugural season, logging two goals and five assists. The midfielder suffered a season-ending injury on July 26 during LAFC’s 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy at Banc of California Stadium. Kaye is expected to return to full training in 2019.
“Mark is a really important player for us,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said in a statement. “From the start - he was open, he listened, and he applied our ideas. Before the injury, he was improving week by week. He has a bright future and I believe he will be back better than ever next year.”
Kaye signed with LAFC prior to the 2018 season and immediately captured a starting role that he did not relinquish until his injury despite the presences of Benny Feilhaber, Eduard Atuesta and Lee Nguyen.
Prior to joining LAFC, Kaye appeared in 19 regular season matches for Louisville City FC (USL) in 2017, tallying four goals and one assist in their championship season. In his two seasons with the club, Kaye saw action in 39 matches (31 starts), adding five goals and four assists in 2,605 minutes.
“It’s an honor to wear the Black & Gold and I’m forever grateful for this opportunity,” Kaye said. “I believe this is an important step and the right direction in my career. I look forward to coming back even stronger in 2019.”
Internationally, Kaye has made six appearances for the Canadian men's national team (three starts), logging 275 minutes total. The midfielder made his senior team debut on June 13, 2017 in a friendly against Curacao. Kaye made one appearance in 2018 during Canada’s 1-0 friendly against New Zealand on March 24.
