[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
Prior to attending college, Zardes represented the Galaxy at the U-18 and U-20 level, helping theU-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 the2012 season, along with defender Oscar Sorto, who was signed by the club earlier this month. Those two will join fellow Homegrown Players
The 6-foot-1 Baladez recently completed his juniorseason at South Carolina, where he scored 17 goals.
“Bradlee has matured in his three seasons at South Carolina,” said FC Dallas coach SchellasHyndman. “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, whichadvanced 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)
LosAngeles:
D Oscar Sorto (academy)
F Gyasi Zardes (CSU Bakersfield)
New York:
G Santiago Castano (academy)
F Amando Moreno(academy)