LOS ANGELES (Friday, March 1, 2019) – The LA Galaxy have signed U.S. Youth National Team and LA Galaxy Academy defender Julian Araujo, the club announced today. Araujo, 17, signs his first professional contract with the club. The Galaxy selected Araujo off waivers after trading $50,000 in Targeted Allocation Money to the Colorado Rapids for the No. 1 spot in the Waiver Order in an earlier transaction.

“Julian is one of the best young defenders in Southern California and we’re thrilled that he’s chosen to begin his professional career with the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “When we have Academy players like Julian that are good enough for the first team, we will sign them to the first team. Our club’s structure and mentality will allow a young player like Julian to develop into a top first-team talent. We would also like to thank Santa Barbara Soccer Club and Barca Residency Academy for their role in his development as a person and a player.”