Cherry Hill, N.J. native Tomás Romero signs with NYCFC

The former Union Academy and Real Jersey FC keeper has 24 career starts in Major League Soccer for LAFC and Toronto FC, tallying four clean sheets along the way. During his time with Toronto last season, Romero made six appearances. Prior to signing with LAFC – which acquired his MLS rights from the Union in exchange for $50,000 in general allocation money – Romero won a national championship on a penalty shootout for Georgetown. He made 17 appearances for Bethlehem Steel FC in the USL Championship prior to his one season in college.

“New York City FC is an amazing club, and I’m excited to provide my talents and help the team any way I can,” Goalkeeper Tomás Romero said in a news release. “I want to establish myself in the team. A big part of coming to a new club is that you need to gain the respect of your teammates. Luckily, I know a lot of the players in the team, having grown up playing with them.

“I hope to build on the international experience I’ve gained with El Salvador, having faced some of the biggest players in the world. I’ve been on winning teams in the past and I know that it takes a good group to do that. I really believe we have a good group here and can accomplish something special, and I will work hard everyday to help this team accomplish its goals.”

Romero is joining up with his new teammates in California for the Coachella Valley Invitational, ahead of the new MLS season that begins later this month.