TUCSON, Ariz. – LA Galaxy Academy product Ulysses Llanez has looked up to the task during his week training with the Galaxy first team and now he’ll look to build on that success with the United States’ Under-18 squad.
The Los Angeles native was called up to the U.S. U-18 national team’s training camp in Florida next week along with academy teammate Leonardo Sepulveda. The camp runs from Feb. 4 to Feb. 12 with the U.S. team taking on Costa Rica in a pair of friendlies.
Following a successful week training with Sigi Schmid’s squad and 30 minutes with the first team in their opening preseason match, Llanez is ready to build on his success while with the national team.
“It’s another opportunity to play with the national team. I’ve been preparing for it during this trip with the first team and I’m looking forward to the camp,” Llanez told LA Galaxy Insider. “The training with the first team has been really good, but the fitness has been unbelievable. It’s been a great experience.
Training with the Galaxy’s first team might be a daunting experience for a teenage talent, but the youngster has benefited from the presence of fellow Academy products Efrain Alvarez and Alex Mendez. Longtime teammates of Llanez, the trio have played together for nearly six years since their early academy days back in Los Angeles.
The trio have earned positive marks from head coach Sigi Schmid and Llanez reveals that their comradery helps the teenagers as they look to make the jump to the professional game.
“It helps us a lot,” Llanez said. “When we play together, it’s just like playing back home. We just have to keep working.”
