Ariel Mbumba has signed with The Town FC, marking his official entry into Major League Soccer’s reserve competition, MLS Next Pro.
The Congolese left-back joins the California-based side on a deal running through to December 2025.
The 22-year-old, who had been without a club since parting ways with Spokane Velocity at the end of the 2024 season, will now look to rebuild momentum in his career.
Although Mbumba arrived mid-season, the move offers him a vital opportunity to find rhythm and consistency in a structured competitive environment.
The Town FC have already integrated Mbumba into their matchday squad, handing him a brief nine-minute appearance in his debut.
While the cameo was too short for a thorough evaluation, it served as an initial introduction to the team’s tactical setup and allowed coaching staff a first-hand glimpse of his potential.
Mbumba, who developed through the youth ranks at Oakland Roots and went on to make professional appearances there, has been navigating a challenging period in his career.
A brief spell with Finnish club Jaro earlier this year saw him feature only once in the League Cup, after which he was not retained by the club.
The lack of playing time and a string of short-term engagements have left him in search of a long-term base—a gap The Town FC now appears ready to fill.
The club, which operates as the reserve outfit for the San Jose Earthquakes, offers a competitive platform for emerging and recovering talent.
For Mbumba, the opportunity is clear: adapt quickly, earn minutes, and re-establish himself as a consistent performer.
Joining a team already midway through its campaign presents challenges, but also urgency.
“This will allow him to recharge his batteries, even though he arrived mid-season,” a source close to the player noted. “He comes to a team that is already established, and he will have to make a place for himself if he wants to play.”
With several months remaining in the MLS Next Pro season, Mbumba will be pushing to turn training sessions and limited minutes into more prominent roles.
While competition for places is fierce, the coaching staff appears open to giving him the platform to prove his worth.
As the season unfolds, Ariel Mbumba’s task is straightforward: earn his place, deliver consistent performances, and turn this fresh start into a defining chapter in his professional journey.
