PORTLAND, Ore. --- Billy Garton (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic HS/Real Salt Academy) has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Portland Pilots men's soccer program, announced first-year head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt. Garton becomes the second member of the 2016 recruiting class, joining nationally ranked recruit Rey Ortiz, who committed to the Pilots last week.

"I am pleased that Billy signed an NLI to continue his academic and soccer career as a Portland Pilot," said Carlin-Voigt. "Billy is highly intelligent and competitive in the classroom as he had an academic pedigree suitable for Ivy League institutions, which makes him a tremendous fit for Portland. We feel he maybe flew under the radar even though he was recruited nationally by top-10 programs who have recently made final four appearances. Billy has only recently joined the academy and could be the sleeper of our class.

"He's an attacking player who's very comfortable on the ball and drifts in between the lines to make impactful plays. His weight of his pass and creative mindset will be valued at UP. He's versatile in that he can play multiple positions and will adapt well into our Portland brand. He has international experience as he's trained with Premiership youth teams at Fulham FC. Most importantly Billy really fell in love with UP and our vision for the future and as our student-athletes have an unparalleled positive experience in Soccer City USA."

Garton is currently a senior midfielder playing for the Real Salt Lake Academy after attending Cathedral Catholic High School, where he led the team in assists and helped lead the Dons to the CIF Championships. He currently has three goals in 10 starts for the renowned Real Salt Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Previously he played club with Albion SC, before joining Real Salt Lake Academy, which is directed by Martin Vasquez, a former full national team coach and MLS Head Coach. At Albion he wascoached by his father, Billy Garton, who played at Manchester United for Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Billy has a high soccer IQ that fits into our style of play at Portland," added Carlin-Voigt. "I know he will benefit from the experience of our returning players as they mentor him."

With Cal South ODP, Garton claimed four Regional Championships and a pair of National Championships. He's also participated at four regional camps.

"Billy knows the hard work has just started as he will continue to push himself technically, physically and mentally to reach his full potential," said Carlin-Voigt. "He's someone I am excited to develop and coach on a daily basis as he's a young player with good feet and a good feel for the game. The hallmark of Portland Soccer will be individual player development inside the team structure. We are confident our player-first environment will help Billy flourish on The Bluff and at Merlo Field in front of the best fans in the country."