LOS ANGELES (Monday, Feb. 15, 2021) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed Jamaican National Team and MLS veteran defender Oniel Fisher. The 29-year-old defender joins the LA Galaxy as a free agent with 66 appearances in Major League Soccer since 2015 during his time with Seattle Sounders FC and D.C. United.
“We are excited to have Oniel join the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “He is a talented defender who can play multiple positions along the backline and brings versatility and MLS experience to our defense. We look forward to him joining our club and adding depth to our defense.”
The 29-year-old defender joins a defensive corps that boasts Julian Araujo, Daniel Steres, Nick DePuy as well as recent additions Jalen Neal, Marcus Ferkranus, and 2021 draftee Josh Drack.
Fisher has represented Seattle Sounders FC (2015-2017) and D.C. United (2018-2020) across six seasons playing in Major League Soccer.
A Portmore, Jamaica native, Fisher made 39 appearances (26 starts) in his time with D.C. United after signing for the club in 2018. Fisher had his most productive MLS season in 2018, setting career highs in appearances (24), starts (20) and minutes played (1,832) before suffering a knee surgery which sidelined him for the entire 2019 season. Fisher scored his first MLS goal against the Portland Timbers on Aug. 15, 2018.
The Jamaican international made 32 MLS appearances (18 starts) in three seasons with Seattle after he was selected by the Sounders in the second round (40th overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Fisher made his professional debut for Seattle as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against FC Dallas on March 29, 2015. He recorded his first career assist in a 5-0 win against Dallas on July 13, 2016.
Fisher has earned 15 total caps for the Jamaican Men’s National Team since making his debut for the Reggae Boyz when he came on as a substitute in the 3-1 win against Trinidad and Tobago on Aug. 10, 2010 in an international friendly. In 2018, Fisher made two appearances for the Reggae Boys in international exhibitions. He started in four of Jamaica’s six games in the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup, playing 90 minutes in the tournament’s final against the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Prior to his 2015 MLS SuperDraft selection, Fisher played two years for the University of New Mexico (2013-2014) and was the first player in program history to be selected to a national team roster.
Fisher also played in the Premier Development League for Jersey Express (2012) and in the National Premier Soccer League for New York Red Bulls U-23 squad (2013-2014).
Transaction: LA Galaxy sign defender Oniel Fisher.
Name: Oniel Fisher
Position: Defender
Height: 5’9’’
Weight: 155 lbs.
Born: November 22, 1991
Age: 29
Last Club: D.C. United
Birthplace: Portmore, Jamaica
Nationality: Jamaica (Has a Green Card)
