Official: Raul Mendiola and Bradford Jamieson sign homegrown contracts

In news first reported a month ago, the LA Galaxy officially announced today that Raul Mendiola and Bradford Jamieson IV have signed homegrown contracts with LA. Both players have seen extensive minutes during preseason, and are the sixth and seventh homegrown players to going the club.

"We are pleased to add Raul Mendiola to our roster," said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. "Raul is a talented player and his addition to the team exemplifies the strength of our Academy and player development structure."

Mendiola featured in nine matches with the Galaxy reserve side last season, as was named US Development U-16 player of the year for the 09-10 and 10-11 seasons. In last year's campaign he scored 13 goals in 26 appearances for the U-18 side and was named to the USSDA U-17/18 Starting XI.

We are thrilled to add Bradford Jamieson IV to our roster and continue our tradition of signing local players to the Galaxy," said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. "Bradford is a talented forward who will continue to develop and grow as a player within our system."

Jamieson spent the 2012-13 USSDA season with Chivas USA, while Mendiola had his player of the year seasons with Arsenal FC. Mendiola has spent plenty of time in LA's system, but Jamieson represents current controversy in homegrown signings from the academy system. Exactly what qualifies a players for a homegrown contract with an MLS club is at best unclear.

At the end of the day, both players look to be strong contributors for the LA Galaxy in the future. Even if they begin the year with LA Galaxy II, they have the talent to play a big part in future seasons.