CARSON, Calif. – Raul Mendiola has been lighting up USL, and now with the LA Galaxy first team hindered by injuries, the midfielder may have an opportunity at minutes for the first team.
Mendiola, who leads USL in assists with seven in 2015, trained with the Galaxy on Thursday ahead of their match with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. This season, Mendiola has yet to make a first team appearance but has played in 10 games for LA Galaxy II.
The 21-year-old Galaxy Homegrown product was joined in practice by Jack McBean but Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena did not commit to Mendiola’s participation in Saturday’s game.
“They’re doing well. Mendiola is having a very good year with Galaxy II, and occasionally, we have the guys out here so that they can help with training and we can see where they’re at.
While Arena downplayed Mendiola’s inclusion in practice, Mendiola says that he’s ready for minutes if called upon.
“The coach has given me confidence, and the team has been playing good which helps me get into the right spots,” Mendiola said. “If the coach tells me to be ready, I’ll always be ready to do my job.”
