[HOMEGROWN WATCH] The Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas called in their homegrown chips to sign two of the most highly regarded forwards in the college ranks. The Galaxy signed 21-year-old Gyasi Zardes, who scored 38 goals during a three-year college career at CSU Bakersfield, while FC Dallas added Bradlee Baladez, a junior at South Carolina.

Prior to attending college, Zardes represented the Galaxy at the U-18 and U-20 level, helping the U-20’s reach the USL Super-20 Final in 2010 and finishing as their top scorer that year.
 
Zardes becomes the second Homegrown Player signed by the Galaxy since the end of the 2012 season, along with defender Oscar Sorto, who was signed by the club earlier this month. Those two will join fellow Homegrown Players Jack McBean and Jose Villarreal on the Galaxy roster in 2013.

The 6-foot-1 Baladez recently completed his junior season at South Carolina, where he scored 17 goals.

"Bradlee has matured in his three seasons at South Carolina," said FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman. "I feel that he will fight and compete for playing time with us. He is a natural box striker with good finishing abilities."

Baladez played for FC Dallas Academy, which advanced to the Development Academy regional finals in 2009 and national finals in 2010.

2013 Homegrown signings
Columbus:
M Wil Trapp (Akron)
FC Dallas:
F Bradlee Baladez (South Carolina)
Los Angeles:
D Oscar Sorto (academy)
F Gyasi Zardes (CSU Bakersfield)
New York:
G Santiago Castano (academy)
F Amando Moreno (academy)