TACOMA, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has signed midfielders Juan Alvarez and Obed Vargas. The Sounders FC Academy products officially join the club before the team opens the 2021 season on the road at Los Angeles Galaxy II (5:00 p.m. PT / ESPN+, ESPN Deportes). The pair of signings bring Defiance to 19 players with USL Championship contracts ahead of 2021 campaign. “We’ve been excited with Juan’s progression during preseason. After Head Coach Brian Schmetzer observed him in Academy sessions, the decision was made to integrate him into First Team training for 2021 preseason as he’s adapted very well to the environment, improving every day with the guidance and coaching from the staff,” said Sounders FC Director of Player Development Henry Brauner. “Obed has exceeded expectations since joining the Academy from his home club in Alaska a couple years ago, and we’re looking forward to seeing his development on and off the field as he evolves into the professional game.”