SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed midfielder Eduardo “Lalo” Blancas to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Blancas makes the jump to USL Championship after spending last season with AV ALTA FC in USL League One. Blancas scored 12 goals and added six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for Antelope Valley. The 24-year-old earned USL League One Player of the Month honors in June following an impressive stretch of four goals in four games that included the expansion club’s first hat trick, and was voted to the 2025 USL League One All-League Second Team following the campaign.

“I’m really excited to join the Monterey Bay FC family,” said Blancas. “MBFC is the right fit for me because I know it’s an environment where I can continue to grow and be challenged every day. I’m looking forward to living in Monterey and being a part of the community. I’m excited to compete and represent the club the right way every time I put on the jersey.

“My goal is to make a strong push for the playoffs, help build something special, and then lift the trophy together.”

Prior to his arrival at AV ALTA, Blancas enjoyed three solid seasons in MLS NEXT Pro with The Town FC – previously San Jose Earthquakes II – where he worked closely with current Monterey Bay Head Coach Jordan Stewart, Assistant Coach Jeremy Clark, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Emmanuel Espinoza. In 83 appearances across all competitions, Blancas tallied 26 goals and eight assists, while also leading The Town FC to a Pacific Division title in 2024.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Lalo during my time with San Jose Earthquakes II and I know firsthand the quality he brings every day,” said Stewart. “He had an excellent season last year with AV ALTA, producing important goals and assists and showing real growth in his game.

“Lalo is a California kid with a big upside, and one of the things that really stands out is his ability on dead balls. Set pieces are an area where we know we need to improve, and his delivery and composure will be a big asset for us. We’re excited about what he brings to the group and look forward to seeing him make an impact next season.”

A native of Napa, California, Blancas developed through the academies of Real Salt Lake, LA Galaxy, and San Jose Earthquakes before making his professional debut with The Town FC in 2022. Blancas has also represented both the United States and Mexico at the youth international level.