LAFC announced today the club has signed free agent defender Doneil Henry. The Canadian will occupy an international roster slot pending receipt of his P1 Visa and his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Henry, 28, joins LAFC after spending the last two years with the Suwon Bluewings of the Korean K-League, where he made 41 appearances (35 starts) and scored three goals.
“Doneil is a veteran and athletic defender who brings incredible international and MLS experience to our Club,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “During his time in Europe and with the Canadian National team he has shown that he will add a strong presence to our backline.”
Internationally, Henry has played 42 times for the Canadian National Team, most recently playing 90 minutes in Canada’s 2-0 win in World Cup Qualifying over El Salvador on Feb. 2. He has represented Canada at the U-20 and U-23 level and in 2012 he was named Player of the Year for Canada’s U-20 squad.
Henry spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons in MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps, where he started 38 of 39 career appearances and registered four goals and one assist in 3,383 minutes played.
The Brampton, Ontario native started his career in the Toronto FC academy and signed with the first team in 2010 as a 16-year old, making his MLS debut vs. D.C. United on Oct. 24, 2010. In five seasons in Toronto from 2010-2014, he registered 70 appearances (55 starts), scoring two goals and three assists in 5,096 minutes played. Doneil also helped the club to three consecutive Canadian Championship titles in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Henry then joined English Premier League side West Ham United in 2015. During his time at West Ham, Doneil went on loan spells with Blackburn Rovers of the English Championship and made four appearances with Danish Superliga club AC Horsens in 2016. The Canadian started his lone first-team match for West Ham in the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League and featured for the Hammers' U-21 team.
LAFC will open its fifth season on Saturday, Feb. 26 when the Colorado Rapids visit Banc of California Stadium. Kick off for the season opener is scheduled for 12:30 pm PT and the match will be broadcast live on Univision and TUDN.
TRANSACTION: LAFC signs free agent Defender Doneil Henry pending receipt of his P1 Visa and of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
VITALS
Name: Doneil Henry
Position: Defender
Born: 4/20/1993
Age: 28
Height: 6-2
Weight: 181
Birthplace: Brampton, Canada
Citizenship: Canada
Last Club: Suwon Bluewings
