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U.S. U-20 defender Hugo Arellano signs with LA Galaxy II

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U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team defender Hugo Arellano has been a part of the LA Galaxy system at the academy level. Now, Arellano is set to officially make the jump to the professional level.

LA Galaxy II announced on Monday that Arellano has signed with the USL club after previously representing the LA Galaxy Academy. The 18-year-old defender has made two appearances for Los Dos in the USL, while also representing the Galaxy at the U-18 level throughout the year.

“We think Hugo has very high potential and now is the right time for him become a professional,” said LA Galaxy Technical Director Jovan Kirovski. “He will be positioned in the ideal environment to allow him to progress as a player with LA Galaxy II.”

On the international level, Arellano captained the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team in the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup before taking part in the 2016 U-20 Men’s NTC Invitational with the U.S. U-20s.

With the signing, Arellano becomes the 16th academy product currently listed on the roster of either the Galaxy or Galaxy II.

“Hugo is another talented product of the LA Galaxy Academy that will continue to develop as a professional,” said LA Galaxy Vice President of Soccer Operations Pete Vagenas. “His signing is yet another testament to the success of the LA Galaxy Academy at developing future professionals.”

What do you think of the move? How will Arellano fare with Galaxy II?

Share you thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I would say Dallas also has a really good academy system, but “Academy championships” aren’t the goal. Sometimes meaningful minutes for Academy players trumps trying to “win” games and championships. Winning feels great, I know, but when the primary directive is to promote player growth, you should be focusing on that and not on winning. Bunker-ball only promotes one type of growth, but it is a very successful tactic for winning.

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  2. I could argue that FC Dallas has a better academy system. They won both age groups in the Development Academy league this year and are also aggressively providing opportunities for their youth to advance to the pro level.

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  3. the Galaxy seem to have the best Academy system in MLS and they consistently do a good job in finding talent and signing top talent. I think it goes to their management staff. In addition ;to Bruce Arena, who may be the best US coach ever, you have solid former veteran players like Vagenas, Kirovski and President Chris Klein who are obviously doing a great job. Since the only time you hear much about guys like this is when they do a lousy job, it;’s time to give kudos to the Galaxy organization for doing an excellent job.

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  4. Good signing by the Galaxy, USYNT U17 WC captain and U20 player. Also was a member of the Chivas Academy. The Galaxy folded them in, coaches and all, into their academy when LAFC did not want to be associated with anything Chivas.

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