Tavares, 21, emigrated to the Bay Area when he was 12 after growing up during a civil war in his home country. Often described as “fearless,” Tavares enjoyed a successful youth career in Windsor, Calif., before earning a spot at the RSL-AZ Academy in Casa Grande, AZ. A speedy winger / outside midfielder, Tavares is yet another Monarchs player reunited with Freddy Juarez for the USL club’s inaugural season.
SCOUTING REPORT: “Another one of RSL’s own young products … Had a very successful career with elite academy in Casa Grande … An energetic and positive young player that should continue to develop … Kid who loves challenges, thrives on that pressure … Not as refined an attacker – yet … Good going forward, 1v1 attacker, academy product, needs this step to further development … Eti is a good honest player, a great kid off the field, gets along with everyone … Tavares should help make the attack click, he’ll have a few assists and score his own share of goals … A fast, talented attacker from the Casa Grande system, Eti was the best athlete at December combine in Arizona … A player who likes ball at his feet, going at the defense …”