Defending Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions Bengaluru FC have signed Jamaican forward Kevaughn Frater to aid in their final push to retain the Hero ISL trophy. The club announced the new acquisition on their social media handles on Wednesday. Frater replaces an injured Raphael Augusto in the Bengaluru squad.

BOOM!🔥 We're adding another #ReggaeBoy to our roster in striker @kev_frater, who joins on a short-term deal. 🇯🇲🔵#WelcomeKevaughn #NewBlue #WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/FESnKQr53X

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) February 12, 2020

The 24-year-striker came up through the youth system of Kingston-based club Harbour View and was in the club’s books till 2019. Frater, however, enjoyed substantial loan spells in the US, turning up for several USL Championship teams like Real Monarchs, Switchbacks FC and Phoenix Rising in different seasons.

Last season, Frater made a switch to Albuquerque-based club New Mexico United and enjoyed his most productive season so far. He scored 14 goals in 30 appearances and guided the team to the USL Playoffs in their maiden season. The performances also earned Frater a national team call up and he made a international debut for Jamaica on November 15, 2019, in a CONCACAF Nations League game against Antigua and Barbuda.

His move to Bengaluru will be the young striker’s first spell outside North America.

Despite sitting on the third spot in the Hero ISL 2019-20 table and very close to sealing their semi-final berth, goal scoring has been a major issue for the Blues this campaign, with the team having managed to score just 19 goals in 16 matches so far. It’s the third-worst tally in the league currently, with only the bottom two teams – Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC – having scored less. Bengaluru fans will hope Frater’s inclusion helps rectify the problem going forward and eases the load off Sunil Chhetri’s shoulders.

Frater will be the club’s second Jamaican recruit this season, after Deshorn Brown joined in January.

“It feels really good joining a club that’s achieved so much in its short history. I’m looking forward to learning about my teammates, score some goals, help with the semi-final push and win the title. I’m also keen on enjoying the finer parts of the Indian culture,” said Frater.

Bengaluru head coach Carles Cuadrat said, “With Raphael out injured, we had the option to sign another foreign player and we exercised it. We’re hoping that Kevaughn can come in and aid us in our final push for a spot in the semi-final stages and beyond.”