Galaxy sign midfielder Villarreal

The Los Angeles Galaxy signed 18-year-old midfielder Jose Villarreal as a Homegrown Player on Thursday.

Villarreal is the third player to be signed directly from the Galaxy Academy, joining Tristan Bowen and Jack McBean.

"Jose is a player that we have known and watched for a long time and it's been great to have him in our Academy this past year," said Galaxy Academy Senior Director Chris Klein. "He has a tremendous amount of promise and potential and we're excited that he'll be able to continue his development with the first team."

Villarreal has represented the United States at various youth levels.

"It's been my dream ever since I was little to be a professional soccer player, so to be able to do that and stay close to home so that I can play in front of my family and friends is a dream come true," Villarreal said.

"Growing up here in the area I've always watched the Galaxy and been a fan of the team so this will be a great experience for me."