Galaxy adds to homegrown haul by signing Manual Arts grad

The Galaxy added to its haul of talented homegrown players Tuesday by signing defender Oscar Sorto off its U-18 academy team.

Sorto, a graduate of Manual Arts High in Los Angeles, is the third player -- and first defender -- to be signed directly from the academy program in the last two years, joining forwards Jose Villarreal and Jack McBean.

“It is a dream come true to join a club like the Galaxy, a team I have been a fan of since I was a kid,” Sorto, 18, said in a statement. “Growing up watching players like Mauricio Cienfuegos and Cobi Jones win championships motivated me to become a professional. I am very happy to represent my hometown like they did.”

Sorto, in his second year with the Galaxy Academy, appeared in seven MLS Reserve League games and in 24 U-18 academy games last season, helping the team to the SoCal Division academy title.

Sorto has also trained in Sweden with Hammarby of the Swedish Superettan, a team coached by former Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter.

“He has shown tremendous potential since joining our academy last year, and we are positive that he will continue to grow and improve as a player in the coming years,” Galaxy vice president Chris Klein said.

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