LANCASTER, Calif. - AV ALTA FC today announced it has signed 24-year-old midfielder Sebastian Cruz, pending league and federation approval.

Cruz, a native of Kerman, Calif., developed in the Sporting Kansas City Academy from 2016-18. He joined former USL Championship side Sporting Kansas City II on a USL Academy contract in 2018 and made nine appearances with the side across all competitions. He was named Sporting KC's Bob Gansler Academy Player of the Year in 2018.

Between 2019-22, Cruz returned to California to play collegiately at California State University, Fullerton. In 56 appearances with the Titans, Cruz totaled 17 goals and 13 assists. Following his junior season in 2022, Cruz was the first Titan to be named Big West Midfielder of the Year outright and also earned First Team All-Big West honors.

Cruz returned to Kansas City in 2023, signing his first professional contract with SKC II. Through the 2023 and 2024 MLS NEXT Pro seasons, Cruz registered 10 goals and seven assists across 49 appearances with the developmental side. Following the 2024 season, Cruz was named SKC II's Most Valuable Player.

The midfielder made his senior team debut with SKC in a 2023 U.S. Open Cup Third Round contest against Tulsa Athletic. He was an unused substitute for Sporting's first team in a pair of Leagues Cup matches in 2024.