CARSON, CALI. (March 4, 2018) – The LA Galaxy have signed 15-year-old Efrain Alvarez to a Homegrown contract for the 2018 MLS season, the club announced today.
LA Galaxy Sign 15-Year-Old Efrain Alvarez as Homegrown
Alvarez is an LA Galaxy Academy product and Los Angeles native. Last year, he became the youngest player in USL history when he signed with LA Galaxy II. Upon signing his MLS contract, he became the seventh youngest player in league history.
“Efrain has a bright future within this club and we are very thrilled to sign him,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “He’s a very talented and creative young player with a great vision of the game. He’s progressed through our organization and we are excited for that continued development.”
Internationally, Alvarez has spent time with both the U.S. Soccer Youth National Team and Mexican National Team at various levels. Most recently, he was called up to the U-17 team for the Mexican National Team.
Transaction: LA Galaxy sign midfielder Efrain Alvarez from LA Galaxy II
Name: Efrain Alvarez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 150 lbs.
Born: 06/19/2002
Age: 15
Last Club: LA Galaxy II
Birthplace: Los Angeles, Calif.
Nationality: United States and Mexico
What it means:
Alvarez has clearly shown well at both the Academy and USL level. He clearly has potential to be involved in the first team at such a young age. Hopefully the infrastructure the club has in place will help him succeed in ways other teenager Homegrowns had failed in the past with the club. It is unclear what his role will be with the club in 2018. He could very well be loaned down to LA Galaxy II for the majority of the season to get minutes. Getting to train daily with the first team could be preferred and a good experience for the young man as well.
