LA Galaxy II have signed 19-year-old defender Diedie Traore, the club announced today. Traore, from Bondy, France, is the first player to be signed to LA Galaxy II through the club’s Open Tryout process.
“Diedie was someone that we identified at our LA Galaxy II Open Tryouts and he immediately caught our eye,” said LA Galaxy II Head Coach Mike Muñoz. “He fits the profile of a modern day left back or center back. He's extremely good going forward and can be a real threat on the dribble. We look forward to working with him and seeing his development in our club.”
Traore traveled to Los Angeles from Paris to win an open tryout with LA Galaxy II in January 2018 at StubHub Center. After making the 5,642 mile trip from Paris to Los Angeles, Traore then joined the LA Galaxy Academy, playing with the U-19s for the remainder of the 2018 season. He started in the USSDA Playoffs semifinal and final matches in Kansas City, helping the U-19s to a 2nd place finish.
“As our network for LA Galaxy II tryouts continues to expand across the globe, it’s a big step for us to sign our first professional player from this process,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein. “Diedie was one of the many players out there that just needed the right opportunity, and we are happy to provide that.”
As a youth, Traore was a member of FC Metz’s (France) academy, a program whose graduates include Emmanuel Adebayor, Sadio Mane, Robert Pires, Miralem Pjanic, and Louis Saha.
The 19-year-old defender will be available for selection in LA Galaxy II’s next match. Los Dos take on Portland Timbers 2 at 1 p.m. PT on Saturday, July 28 at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium.
Name: Diedie Traore
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Born: 01/15/1999
Age: 19
Last Club: LA Galaxy Academy
Birthplace: Bondy, France
Nationality: France
