CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy Academy was well represented in the Galaxy’s MLS Reserve League season opener Monday at The Home Depot Center. Four players from the Academy squad that recently participated in 34th annual Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup were called up by Galaxy Reserve Team Head Coach Curt Onalfo for the team’s game against Seattle Sounders FC.
Two players— midfielders Paul Arriola and Raul Mendiola— came off the bench to play in the 1-1 draw while two other players— defender Nathan Smith and midfielder Drew Murphy— were unused substitutes. All four players have starred for the Galaxy’s Under-18 team, which is currently second in the Southwest Division standings with a 14-4-3 record, and in line for a postseason berth this season.
Overall, there were seven players on the Galaxy reserve roster with ties to the club’s Academy. The four players on this year’s Academy team and three Homegrown players: defender Oscar Sorto and forwards Jose Villarreal and Gyasi Zardes.
