PORTLAND, Ore. --- University of Portland men's soccer first-year head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt has signed his first recruit as Rey Ortiz inked a National Letter of Intent and will join the Pilots as a freshman in the fall. Ortiz is considered one of the top attacking players in California and is currently ranked as the 23rd best recruit in the country by College Soccer News.

According to Top Drawer Soccer he's the top ranked midfielder in Southern California and the 24th best recruit in the country.

"We are thrilled to add Rey to the Pilot family and welcome him to The Bluff," said Carlin-Voigt. "Rey comes to us from one of the best academy programs in the country. He has been coached by two wonderful soccer minds in Mike Munoz and Brian Kleiban, while working closely with LA Galaxy 2 head coach Curt Onalfo. Our supporters and the villa drum squad will get behind this humble young man as he grows and develops as both a person and player in Soccer City USA."

"Rey Ortiz is a player that made an immediate impact in our program," LA Galaxy Academy Coach Mike Munoz said. "He's the type of player when every time he gets the ball you sit on the edge of your seat because you know something good is going to happen. He's one of the most dangerous attackers in the academy and he loves the game. He enjoys playing attacking football and we wish him all the best at Portland and continues to progress in his career."

Ortiz spent seven years of his youth development within the Carlsbad Academy before joining the L.A. Galaxy Academy in 2013. Since arriving with the Galaxy, Ortiz quickly solidified himself as one of the brightest talents in the club's Academy, according to LAGalaxy.com. A key member of the Galaxy's Under-16 U.S. Soccer 2013-2014 Development Academy Championship-winning team, Ortiz notched 12 goals in 24 appearances in his first year with the Academy.

The future Pilot was voted to the U-17/18 Best XI with eight goals in 36 appearances for the club. Ortiz also spent minutes withthe LA Galaxy 2,where he tallied an assist in two appearances for the USL club.

"Rey is an exciting and dynamic attacking player who has the ability to unlock teams in different ways," Carlin-Voigt added. "His pace and passion for the game will be contagious as he strives to improve in every aspect of the game. Rey has been a source of inspiration to anyone who knows him as his journey to Portland further demonstrates his unbreakable will and fighting spirit to achieve success. His hunger and commitment to becoming a Pilot was refreshing as he wanted to be here equally as much as we wanted him to join our storied program."

Ortiz played with the U.S. U-15 Boys National Team, was named the Cal South Sports Authority Player of the Year in 2013 and he was tabbed an NSCAA All-American in 2014. He also played with Region IV and the Cal South Boys ODP, and he won a league championship and the CIF crown with University City High School in 2013.

"We are excited to announce future Pilots in the weeks ahead as we build an elite recruiting class full of talent, character and determination," Carlin-Voigt said. "Rey is a great start as we are committed to finding the best student-athletes to drive our culture as we form a strong identity and commitment to the process of development."

Related Links
-Nick Carlin-Voigt Named University of Portland Men's Soccer Head Coach
- Men's Soccer Marches to Villa