Villanueva joins the Triumph after stints with Detroit City FC and Orange County SC
Greenville, SC (August 28, 2026) – Greenville Triumph SC has signed defender Alex Villanueva, adding an experienced USL Championship player to the club’s back line for the remainder of the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval.
Villanueva brings extensive professional experience to Greenville, having made more than 150 professional appearances across the USL Championship and Major League Soccer. Most recently, he spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with Detroit City FC, where he recorded 72 appearances and two goals.
“Alex is a player I have been familiar with since his time at Tacoma Defiance,” said Greenville Triumph SC President Zach Prince. “He brings a great dynamic with the ball and is an active player who can create and make plays in the attacking half of the field. His qualities will give us another dimension going forward, and we are excited to add Alex to our roster for the remainder of the season.”
Before joining Detroit, Villanueva spent two seasons with Orange County SC, making 56 appearances and helping the club reach the USL Championship Playoffs in 2023. He originally began his professional career with Tacoma Defiance, making his debut at just 17 years old in 2019.
A product of the Seattle Sounders academy, Villanueva made his MLS debut for the Sounders in 2021 after helping Seattle’s U17 side win the Generation adidas Cup Champions Division in 2019. He also represented the United States at the U-17 level.
The Lancaster, California, native brings versatility to the Triumph, having featured as both a midfielder and fullback throughout his professional career.
Villanueva joins Greenville with a wealth of experience and is ready to make his mark at GE Vernova Park.
