LA Galaxy II successfully hosted 22 finalists from the club’s open tryouts that spanned both hemispheres during the offseason ahead of Los Dos’ 2017 campaign. After being selected by LA Galaxy II technical staff from two weekends of open tryout participants, the 22 finalists convened on StubHub Center last week to train with LA Galaxy II players in hopes of earning their first professional contract.
"The reality is we're looking to sign guys. We have a young group of players this year and we’re giving these guys an opportunity to be signed,” LA Galaxy II Head Coach Mike Muñoz said.
In an attempt to bring the world’s best undiscovered talent to Los Angeles, the club held a total of four open tryout sessions in Las Vegas, Tokyo and Los Angeles. LA Galaxy II hosted athletes in Tokyo and Las Vegas in December 2016, followed by two open tryout sessions in Los Angeles in January.
Finalists of the open tryouts were then invited to StubHub Center to participate in their first professional soccer preseason training camp. The finalists were provided with all-expenses paid travel and accommodation as they participated in two-a-day training sessions at StubHub Center.
Four trialists were invited to participate in LA Galaxy II’s 3-0 preseason scrimmage win against Cal State Fullerton. Sam Strong, Kim Do Hyun, Myeong Jin Choi and Shin Dongwha all played 45 minutes in the second half. Kim Do Hyun scored for Los Dos with Shin Dongwha heavily involved in the buildup.
Strong, a trialist centerback from UC Santa Barbara who has featured for the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team, made an additional appearance in the team’s preseason scrimmage against Club Tijuana on Feb. 15.
This marks the third consecutive season LA Galaxy II have hosted open tryouts for amateur soccer players.
LA Galaxy II will open the 2017 USL Regular Season when they take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at 2:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 25 at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium. Earlier this week, single game tickets to each LA Galaxy II 2017 home game went on sale.
Click here to buy Galaxy II Home Opener tickets
LA Galaxy II Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now. With an additional home game added to the 2017 schedule, fans can still become a Los Dos Season Ticket Member for under $100. Season Ticket Memberships purchased prior to February 25th will include an invitation to LA Galaxy’s Annual Season Ticket Member Rally, February 26th.
