CARSON, Calif. (Monday, July 18, 2016) – The LA Galaxy have signed Academy product Hugo Arellano to LA Galaxy II, the club announced today. The standout 18-year-old defender will join Los Dos in the United Soccer League (USL) after previously representing the LA Galaxy Academy and U.S. Youth Men’s National Team at various levels.

““Hugo is a talented center back whose signing is another testament to our clubs successful development initiatives,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “We look forward to his continued growth as a player within our club.”

The Norwalk, California product recently played primarily for the Galaxy U-18’s under head coach Mike Muñoz. This year, in addition to representing the Galaxy at the U-18 level, Arellano has also made two appearances for Los Dos in the USL, most recently starting in a 4-1 road win over Portland Timbers 2 this weekend.

“We believe Hugo has very high potential and now is the right time for him to become a professional,” said LA Galaxy Vice President of Soccer Operations Pete Vagenas. “He will be positioned in the ideal environment to assure his progression as a player.”

In addition to his club, Arellano has appeared extensively for his country, representing the U.S. at numerous levels in the youth system. Last year, Arellano captained the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team in the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup. He was most recently named to the United States U-20 roster for the 2016 U-20 Men’s NTC Invitational at StubHub Center earlier this month.

Arellano becomes the 10th Academy product to join LA Galaxy II, joining Adonis Amaya, Alejandro Covarrubias, Ryo Fujii, Eric Lopez, Nathan Smith, Bennett Sneddon, Adrian Vera, Jaime Villarreal and Ethan Zubak. Across the LA Galaxy and LA Galaxy II rosters, there are now 16 total Academy products, including first-team players Bradford Jamieson IV, Jack McBean, Raul Mendiola, Oscar Sorto, Jose Villarreal and Gyasi Zardes.

LA Galaxy II (8-2-8, 32 points) will play the second of a three game road stretch when they travel to face San Antonio FC at 5:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, July 23 at Toyota Field.

LA Galaxy II Mini Plans for the remainder of the 2016 USL season are available for purchase now. Galaxy fans can go to www.lagalaxy.com/tickets/lagalaxyii or call 877-3GALAXY (342-5299) to secure their 2016 Mini Plans. For single-game tickets, visit www.lagalaxy.com/schedule/2.