CARSON, Calif. -- Fourth-year midfielder Rafael Garcia is returning to the LA Galaxy.
Head coach and general manager Bruce Arena confirmed on Monday morning that the team has signed Garcia who had his contract option declined after the 2014 season. Garcia, a 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft selection, has spent three years with the club and spent the entirety of 2014 with the club's USL PRO affiliate LA Galaxy II. The club later announced the signing officially during the afternoon.
Garcia has made 11 appearances for the first team in his third year tenure while making 23 appearance and scoring two goals with three assists for Los Dos.
"I had the opportunity to stay here and I'm very happy that I'm back," Garcia told LA Galaxy Insider. "The opportunity was given to me to continue my career and I'm happy to be here. I still come in with the same mentality that I came in during my first preseason which is to work hard. I know the coaching staff likes me and I know what they're asking of me. I'm more than capable of working out here."
Although the 25-year-old had interest from other MLS clubs, Garcia opted to stay with the Galaxy with an eye on staying with the first team.
"Last year, the circumstances were different because we were a very deep team with a lot of players in the midfield, but players come and go and now it's just up to me to make the most of my opportunities when they're given to me," Garcia said. "I had a great time with Los Dos last year and that only helped me become a better player. The goal is to stay here and break into the 18. For me, I want to be ready for that opportunity when it's given."
