LOS ANGELES (Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021) – The LA Galaxy have announced the recipients of the club’s 2021 team awards following the conclusion of the 2021 MLS Regular Season. Forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez was named the 2021 LA Galaxy Player of the Year, presented by Herbalife Nutrition, in addition to claiming Golden Boot honors. Additionally, defender Julian Araujo was named the Defender of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year.
For LA Galaxy II, forward Preston Judd and midfielder Jorge Hernandez were named the Co-Players of the Year, while Judd claimed Golden Boot honors. Defender Josh Drack was named Defender of the Year, while defender Jalen Neal was named \Los Dos \Humanitarian of the Year.
In the Academy ranks, forward Juan Calderón was named the LA Galaxy Academy Player of the Year.
The 2021 LA Galaxy Season Ticket Member of the Year is Jose Serrano.
LA GALAXY 2021 TEAM AWARDS
LA Galaxy Player of the Year, presented by Herbalife Nutrition: Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez – Forward
In his second season with the Galaxy, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez led the club with 17 goals scored and added three assists in 21 games played (20 starts). Hernandez, who was named a 2021 MLS All-Star, notched 10 goals in 10 games played at Dignity Health Sports Park this season.
LA Galaxy Defender of the Year: Julian Araujo – Defender
Defender Julian Araujo registered career highs in games played (32), games started (32) and assists (7) for the Galaxy during the 2021 campaign. Notably, Araujo was named an MLS All-Star for the first time in his career, logging 44 minutes of action against the LIGA MX All-Stars on Aug. 25.
LA Galaxy Humanitarian of the Year: Julian Araujo – Defender
In addition to his career season on the field, Araujo, 20, has been a champion for his home city of Lompoc, California. Araujo, with support from the LA Galaxy Foundation, handed out $26,000 worth of gift cards and backpacks filled with food and cloth face masks to farmworkers and others in the parking lot of Lompoc High School. Additionally, Araujo donated $1,700 dollars to the United Farm Workers Foundation to kick off a fundraising campaign, using his Twitter account to raise more.
Golden Boot: Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez – Forward
Chicharito led the LA Galaxy this season with 17 goals in 2021. Kévin Cabral, Sacha Kljestan and Rayan Raveloson finished tied for second this year with five goals.
LA GALAXY II
LA Galaxy II Co-Players of the Year: Preston Judd – Forward, Jorge Hernandez – Midfielder
LA Galaxy II forward Preston Judd and midfielder Jorge Hernandez were named Co-Players of the Year for \Los Dos \during the 2021 campaign. Judd tallied 17 goals and three assists in 32 games played for Galaxy II, while Hernandez led the USL Championship with 91 chances created and added 12 goals and six assists in 32 games played (30 starts). Notably, Judd and Hernandez were the only players on Galaxy II to appear in every match (32) during the 2021 USL Championship campaign.
LA Galaxy II Defender of the Year: Josh Drack – Defender
In his first season as a professional, defender Josh Drack tallied two goals and ranked tied for fifth in the USL Championship with nine assists in 29 games played (25 starts) for Galaxy II this season. Notably, Drack led all defenders in the USL Championship in assists (9) this season.
LA Galaxy II Humanitarian of the Year: Jalen Neal – Defender
Defender Jalen Neal has been named the LA Galaxy II Humanitarian of the Year for the second consecutive season. Neal tallied one goal in 14 games played (13 starts) for Los Dos during the 2021 USL Championship campaign and has been consistent in his support of the community alongside the LA Galaxy Foundation.
Golden Boot: Preston Judd – Forward
Judd led LA Galaxy II with 17 goals this season. Jorge Hernandez finished in second place with 12 goals scored.
LA GALAXY ACADEMY
Academy Player of the Year: Juan Calderón – Midfielder
Juan Calderón made his professional debut for LA Galaxy II, logging 56 minutes of action in seven games played during the 2021 USL Championship regular season. The 17-year-old Academy product has played for U-14, U-15, U-16/17 and U-18/19 squads throughout his career with the LA Galaxy Academy, tallying 19 goals and 39 assists in over 70 games played.
LA GALAXY SEASON TICKET MEMBER
LA Galaxy Season Ticket Member of the Year: Jose Serrano
Serrano has been a dedicated Season Ticket Member since 2002. Since then, Serrano has passionately advocated for the LA Galaxy and become a leader in his community as a Regional Commissioner of AYSO Region 16. As an Amateur Soccer partner and Season Ticket Member, Jose has dedicated his time, effort, and seats to enriching the lives of the children and volunteers of North Torrance AYSO. Serrano is a model LA Galaxy supporter and is celebrated by the club as this season’s 2021 LA Galaxy Season Ticket Member of the Year.
