:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5356415/20121118_lbm_ab8_465.0.jpg)
The Los Angeles Galaxy have signed 21-year-old forward Gyasi Zardes. He is a native of Hawthorne, Calif., making it the second homegrown player the Galaxy have signed since the end of the season.
Zardes scored 38 goals during a prolific tenure with CSU Bakersfield, emerging as one of the best scorers in college soccer. He hit the net 33 times in 37 games the past two seasons.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to join the L.A. Galaxy," said Zardes. "The chance to play in front of family and friends and alongside the likes of Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan truly is a dream come true. I would like to sincerely thank the Galaxy, MLS, Cal-State University Bakersfield and Wasserman for their support and belief in me. I would also like to thank God without whom I would certainly not be where I am today. I am looking forward to working hard and helping the Galaxy defend their MLS Cup title next season".
In 2012, Zardes continued to play very well, scoring 15 goals and adding nine assists. He had two or more goals in four of his 17 games, including seven goals in a two-game stretch in mid-October.
Zardes will look to help lead the Galaxy to their third-straight MLS Cup in 2013.