LA Galaxy has taken a significant step by signing academy talents Owen Pratt and Riley Delgado to professional contracts. These deals, as reported by Tom Bogert, will start as second-team contracts with the potential to advance to first-team opportunities. This move underscores LA Galaxy’s dedication to developing homegrown talent for Major League Soccer (MLS).
- Owen Pratt and Riley Delgado have signed professional contracts with LA Galaxy.
- The contracts will initially be for the second team, with future first-team prospects.
- Pratt and Delgado have been recognized for their potential through national team call-ups.
LA Galaxy’s Commitment to Homegrown Talent
LA Galaxy’s strategy to nurture young talent is evident with the signings of Owen Pratt and Riley Delgado. Pratt, a 16-year-old goalkeeper, has already represented the USA U16 national team, while Delgado, a 17-year-old defender, has been involved with the US U17 national setup. Their signings highlight the club’s focus on building a strong pipeline of skilled players ready to impact MLS.
Sources: LA Galaxy sign academy standouts Owen Pratt and Riley Delgado to professional contracts.
Deals not MLS homegrown immediately, will start as 2nd team contracts then eventually become 1st team.
Both players have been previously called into USYNT camps.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert)
November 06, 2024
Pratt, known for his commanding presence in goal, holds dual citizenship with the United States and Lithuania, adding an international aspect to his profile. Delgado, rooted in the LA Galaxy U17 team, is celebrated for his defensive skills, marking him as a top MLS homegrown prospect.
Contextualizing the Signings in MLS
These signings are part of a broader trend in MLS, where clubs invest in young talent to build competitive teams. LA Galaxy, with its rich history and strong infrastructure, offers opportunities for academy graduates to transition smoothly into professional soccer. As these young talents embark on their professional journeys, they join a league noted for its dynamic growth and a platform that has propelled many players onto the international stage.
For more insights into LA Galaxy’s operations, you can visit their official team page.
