The most successful academy and homegrown player in Los Angeles Football Club history is moving to Washington, D.C.
Read more UCLA great Walt Hazzard headed to National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
LAFC on Monday announced that 22-year-old forward Nathan Ordaz, an international for El Salvador and native of Encino, was traded to D.C. United for $2.375 million in cash, plus add-ons including the potential for a sell-on percentage of any future transfer or trade and an additional $500,000 if Ordaz meets performance-based incentives with his new team.
Ordaz, the fourth homegrown player signed by LAFC, joined the first team at the age of 18 in 2022. Four years earlier, he arrived at the LAFC academy and moved through every level of the club’s development pathway. In 2025, Ordaz became the first LAFC homegrown player to sign a contract extension with the club.
“From his early development with our partners at LAFC SoCal Youth, through our Academy, LAFC2, and into the first team, Nathan has consistently demonstrated the work ethic, professionalism, and determination required to succeed,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement.
“Nathan’s success is also a reflection of the collective commitment of so many people across our organization who invested in his growth every step of the way,” Thorrington said. “We’re incredibly proud of watching Nathan grow as both a player and a man, grateful for everything he gave to this club, and wish Nathan and his family every success in this next chapter.”
Ordaz made 98 appearances for LAFC across all competitions, including 39 starts. He scored 14 goals and added 12 assists en route to becoming the Black & Gold’s leader for games played by a homegrown.
In 2024, Ordaz made his senior debut for El Salvador. He has since earned multiple caps for La Selecta, contributing two goals and three assists across FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Concacaf Nations League B, and international friendlies.
“Nathan’s a very good player,” El Salvador head coach Hernan Dario Gomez said last week following an exhibition match against LAFC at BMO Stadium, during which Ordaz did not play for either side. “He has greatly improved his physical condition and works much harder for the team. He has very good technique. He’s an important person for the Salvadoran national team.”
Read more ICE shot and killed a Colombian man in Maine. It’s the agency’s 2nd use of deadly force in a week
As Ordaz parts ways with the only club he’s ever known, he will occupy a U22 Initiative slot for D.C. United.
“Nathan is an exciting talent who has shown a natural ability to score goals and provide assists,” said Dr. Erkut Sogut, D.C. United managing director of soccer operations.
A breakout club campaign in 2025 under head coach Steve Cherundolo produced a career-high seven goals, including a trio of game winners along with high-profile opportunities like starting LAFC’s opening match in the FIFA Club World Cup against Chelsea.
For new head coach Marc Dos Santos, however, Ordaz saw fewer minutes behind 20-year-old Venezuelan winger David Martínez. Ordaz started six and appeared in another three of LAFC’s 15 MLS games thus far in 2026.
“The depth just shows the quality of the team and pushes you to be better,” Ordaz said in March.
The trade became official when the MLS secondary transfer window (July 13-Sept. 2) opened on Monday.
Read more Fullerton gathers public input, now council discusses 2026-27 budget looking at $3.6 million deficit