LOS ANGELES (Tuesday, July 6, 2021) – The LA Galaxy today announced that the club has signed defender Julian Araujo to a four and a half-year contract extension through the end of the 2025 MLS regular season. Araujo, 19, will occupy an MLS U22 Initiative roster spot.
In three seasons with LA (2019 – present) since signing from the LA Galaxy Academy in 2019, Araujo has registered one goal and five assists in 47 games played (39 starts) across all competitions for the Galaxy.
“Julian is one of the best young defenders in North America and we’re thrilled that he’s chosen to continue his career with the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “This contract extension reinforces the Galaxy’s commitment to creating a pathway for young players and providing opportunities to develop as professionals. Signings such as Julian’s will guarantee the continuity of our talent on the club’s roster.”
During the 2021 MLS regular season, the Lompoc, Calif., native has notched one assist in 10 games played (10 starts) for LA. Last season, Araujo made a career-high 17 starts (17 appearances) for the Galaxy and added one goal and three assists. In his first season with the club in 2019, the defender made a career-high 18 appearances (10 starts), registering one assist.
While with the LA Galaxy Boys’ Academy, Araujo made his professional debut for LA Galaxy II in a 2-2 draw against the Tacoma Defiance on Oct. 4, 2018. Araujo logged two appearances off the bench for Los Dos during the 2018 USL regular season.
Before joining the LA Galaxy Boys’ Academy, Araujo attended Lompoc High School, leading his team to the CIF Southern Section Division 4 playoffs during the 2016/17 season. He later earned All-West Conference Best XI honors as a defender. Araujo also spent time playing for the Santa Barbara Soccer Club and the Barca Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona.
At the international level, Araujo made his first appearance for the U.S. Men’s National Team, starting and tallying an assist in 74 minutes played in a 6-0 friendly win over El Salvador on Dec. 9, 2020. Araujo most recently made three appearances (2 starts) for the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team during the 2020 Concacaf Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Additionally, the defender has made multiple appearances for the United States at the youth level across various age groups
Transaction: LA Galaxy sign defender Julian Araujo as an MLS U22 Initiative player to a four and a half-year contract extension through the end of the 2025 MLS regular season on July 6, 2021.
