CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy bolstered their midfield on Thursday with the signing of former Galaxy II captain Jamie Villarreal.
Villarreal was the second Galaxy II player signed to the first team on Thursday, joining right back Nathan Smith who also signed a deal with the squad. The 21-year-old enjoyed a highly successful preseason in 2017, scoring a goal and earning praise throughout the club.
“I feel very good. I’m very proud of this accomplishment,” Villarreal told LA Galaxy Insider. “Now I just need to go to work and try to get some minutes. I worked hard this preseason to try to get into good spots offensively and defensively. I tried to stand out in every training session, and I think that the players and the coaches noticed that."
Despite his stellar preseason, Villarreal admits that he’s “probably not there yet” regarding contributing to the first team on a consistent basis, but the midfielder is encouraged by his progress.
“I’m showing progress and moving along well. Galaxy II was a huge help because they helped me realize as a player and as a person as well that I wanted this," he said. "Now we just have to keep working. I know that with the coaches that we have now, we’re going to help me do better.
“Throughout the year, I’m going to get opportunities, and I just have to take those and run with it.”
