The LA Galaxy have signed forward Ethan Zubak to a Homegrown Player contract from LA Galaxy II, the club announced today. Zubak, 20, is an LA Galaxy Academy product that signs with the first team after three seasons for LA Galaxy II in the USL.
“Ethan has been an important part of LA Galaxy II’s steady progression over the past three seasons,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “Ethan’s personal and professional progression since his time with the Academy has shown in the meaningful and consistent minutes he has earned in the USL. We look forward to his contributions to the first team and to his continued development within our club. We want to also thank and recognize Arsenal FC Academy and Legends FC for their role in Ethan’s development both on and off the field.”
Zubak joins Efrain Alvarez, Julian Araujo, Bradford Jamieson IV, Hugo Arellano, Diedie Traore, Daniel Steres, David Romney as first-team players that spent time developing through the LA Galaxy Academy or LA Galaxy II. The 20-year-old captained LA Galaxy II in 2018 and was a mainstay in the Los Dos attack for the third straight season, appearing in 31 games, starting in 24, scoring 11 goals and two assists. Last season, Zubak scored the fastest hat trick in United Soccer League history.
The Corona, Calif., native made his Los Dos debut in August 2015 against Arizona United and was signed to the team ahead of the 2016 USL season. In total, Zubak has accumulated 83 appearances, 53 starts, 17 goals and six assists for LA Galaxy II, securing his spot on the USL 20 Under 20 list in 2018 and 2017.
Before signing with LA Galaxy II, Zubak was a member of the LA Galaxy Academy. With LA Galaxy Academy’s U-17/18 team, Zubak led his team with 13 goals in 21 appearances during the 2015-2016 season. He also spent time playing for Arsenal FC Academy and Legends FC in California.
On the international level, Zubak earned his first youth national team appearance in January when U.S. Under-19 Head Coach Brad Friedel named the forward to his 23-player roster for the Copa de Athletico tournament in the Canary Islands, Spain. Zubak was capped in each of the tournament's three games.
This week, Zubak and the LA Galaxy will compete in their first away match of the 2019 season, taking on FC Dallas at 12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 9 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas (Univision, Univision Deportes).
