Oakland Roots SC caught everyone off guard with the signing of veteran Jürgen Damm to the 2025 USL Championship campaign. The veteran Mexico national team member is coming to the California-based club from Atlético de San Luis, where he had appeared in 22 games for Liga MX. The transfer is pending approval from the league and federation but has already caused a stir among supporters and within the club.
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Experience and a winning record
There is no question that Jürgen Damm has an impressive resume. At the age of 32, he has played for Pachuca, Tigres, América, and Atlanta United, and also made 12 appearances for the Mexico national team, including World Cup Qualifiers and the Confederations Cup.
His best years were with Tigres, where, between 2015 and 2019, he helped the team win four Liga MX titles and two Campeón de Campeones awards. In 107 matches, he scored seven goals and made 14 assists, which earned him a reputation for his blazing speed and ability to beat defenses with quick transitions.
But since parting ways with Tigres, Damm could not regain top form. When he signed as a Designated Player for Atlanta United, he could not contribute, recording three assists in 24 appearances. He returned to América, where he had a subpar tenure, before switching to Atlético de San Luis.
Now, he arrives at the USL Championship, a growing league that is a desirable destination for experienced players looking for a challenge.
What does Oakland Roots gain with Damm?
Oakland Roots SC signing Jürgen Damm is both expected and unpredictable. On the positive side, the team is gaining an experienced international player who has played at the highest level and can serve as a mentor to junior players.
Head coach Gavin Glinton acknowledged this when commenting on the signing: “We’re very excited to bring in a player of Jürgen’s caliber and skill. His pedigree and experience speak for themselves. He has won at the highest level in our region and represented one of the most recognized national teams in the world.”
But there are question marks too. Damm has not played at his best level over the last couple of years, and the real concern is if he still possesses it in him to score regularly at this level. He has played significantly less over the last couple of seasons, and his contribution has no longer been of the same caliber as when with Tigres. Also, playing USL Championship soccer might give him something of an unknown.