CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II announced the signing of Jaime Villarreal on Thursday, making the forward the team’s first signing for the LA Galaxy Academy.
Villarreal, the younger brother of Galaxy Homegrown Player Jose Villarreal, has been one of the Academy’s rising stars for the better part of two years with over 30 goals for the Under-16 and Under-18 set-ups. The 19-year-old has already made several appearances for Los Dos since the start of the season after tallying 10 goals for LA’s Southwest Division-winning U-18 side.
“Jaime’s signing highlights the commitment of AEG and the Galaxy to having the best developmental structure for our youth players to become professionals,” said Galaxy President Chris Klein in a release. “From our Galaxy Under-12 Academy teams to our Galaxy Academy Under-18 squads, it is important for us to continue to develop Southern California’s top young talent. We’re proud to have Jaime join the professional ranks with LA Galaxy II as the first player to come through our Academy to our Galaxy II side.”
The younger Villarreal has also enjoyed success in major tournaments for the Galaxy Academy tallying three goals in their participation in Dallas Cup earlier this year while also earning a call-up to the U.S. National Team Under-20 set-up in May.
Galaxy II return to action on Saturday when they take on Orange County Blues at Anteater Stadium in Irvine at 7:00 p.m.PT.
