Jaime Villarreal
#65
Midfielder
Inglewood, California
Jaime Villarreal, the first LA Galaxy Academy player to sign with a pro contract with LA Galaxy II, grew up just miles from StubHub Center in Inglewood, California. Before joining Los Dos, the homegrown product was with the LA Galaxy Academy Under-18 squad. Villarreal scored 10 goals to help lead his team to a 19-3-5 record and the Southwest Division Championship in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy 2013/2014 season. In total, Villarreal tallied over 30 goals for the Galaxy U-18 and U-16 squads during his youth career. Jaime played alongside his older brother, Jose Villarreal, LA Galaxy Homegrown forward, in his first year with Los Dos making 11 appearances.
In May 2014, the 19-year-old midfielder earned his first call up to a U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team training camp in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What’s your favorite LA Restaurant?
Buffalo Wild Wings
What’s your favorite movie?
Man on Fire
Who’s your favorite superhero?
Batman
Who was your favorite soccer player growing up?
Lionel Messi
Who is your favorite soccer team?
FC Barcelona
What is your favorite food?
Seafood
Who is the best Dressed on Galaxy II?
Kainoa Bailey
Who is the worst dressed on Galaxy II?
Elijah Martin
If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you do?
Police Officer
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
"All Day" by Kanye West
What is your favorite thing about your career as a professional player?
Everything. Being able to travel with the team to different places.
Who or what has influenced you to play as a leader in this sport?
My dad. He is the one who taught me and my brother how to play. He is pretty much the reason why we play.
What are some of your favorite memories from your days as a beginner?
I didn’t really like soccer, and I was pretty much forced to play. So I missed a PK my first game.
How have you found your transition into Los Dos?
It has been good. I already knew most of the guys; some of them were first team, so I knew them because of my brother. I remember coming in as a sub and almost scored.
How has USL developed over the years?
I think it has been good. Three years ago, the league wasn’t up there like it is right now. I think this year it took off. It is better now for academy players to come up and get some experience, then go to the first team.
What do you look forward to accomplishing in your future?
Trying to play at the highest level I can. Hopefully it’s in MLS or a league in another country. That would be cool.
What do you do on your own time?
I like to hang out with my family, or friends. I’m usually just stay home and play NBA 2K ’14.
