June 24, 2026 – The LA Galaxy announced today that academy standouts Jaiden Paz and Alessio Benedetti have been selected to the MLS NEXT All‑Star Game presented by Allstate, set to take place on Monday, July 27 at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, N.C.
Paz and Benedetti earn recognition among the top young players in North America following standout 2025‑26 MLS NEXT campaigns. Paz, a defender and member of the U.S. U16 Men’s National Team pool, has been a key contributor in the attack throughout his four years in the LA Galaxy Academy, consistently impacting play on both sides of the ball.
Benedetti, who led the LA Galaxy U16 squad in goals, has also spent four years in the club’s academy system and is widely regarded for setting the standard with his approach to training, academics, teamwork, and overall work ethic.
The MLS NEXT All‑Star Game will feature the top 44 players across the league in an East vs. West format and will stream live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com as part of MLS All‑Star Week.
June 19, 2026 - The LA Galaxy announced today that midfielder Mason Vanney has signed a professional contract with Ventura County Football Club (VCFC), the club’s second team.
Vanney, a three‑time MLS NEXT National Champion, joined the LA Galaxy Academy in 2022, and has progressed through the club’s development pathway. Vanney has made 19 appearances for VCFC across all competitions, recording one goal and two assists, while continuing his development within the LA Galaxy system.
May 21, 2026 –The LA Galaxy announced that forward Dylan Vanney has signed a professional contract with the club’s second team, Ventura County Football Club (VCFC).
The 18-year-old joined the LA Galaxy Academy in 2021 and was named the 2025 Academy Player of the Year after helping lead the U-19s to an MLS NEXT Cup Championship, where he earned MVP honors. He has made 44 appearances for VCFC across all competitions from 2024–2026, recording 11 goals and four assists, including 12 appearances in 2026 (six goals, one assist) and 26 appearances in 2025 (five goals, three assists). He has also earned three caps with the U.S. U-19 Men’s National Team.
April 7, 2026 – The LA Galaxy signed forward and former academy product Julian Placias to a Short-Term Agreement from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Ventura County FC (VCFC) ahead of their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal first leg fixture against Liga MX side Deportivo Toluca FC at Nemesio Díez Stadium on Wednesday, April 8.
March 18, 2026 — The LA Galaxy signed defender and former academy product Jose "Pepe" Magaña to a Short-Term Agreement from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Ventura County FC (VCFC) ahead of its 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 second leg fixture against Jamaican Premier League side Mount Pleasant FA at the National Stadium in Kingston, Thursday, March 19. Magaña, 19, joined the Galaxy Academy in August 2021 and has since made 37 appearances for LA Galaxy affiliate Ventura County FC (VCFC).
March 11, 2026 – The LA Galaxy signed forward and former academy product Julian Placias to a Short-Term Agreement from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Ventura County FC (VCFC) ahead of their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg fixture against Jamaican Premier League side Mount Pleasant FA at Dignity Health Sports Park tonight, Wednesday, March 11.
Feb. 6, 2026 – The LA Galaxy announced today that academy product Eric Preston has signed a professional contract with the club’s second team, Ventura County Football Club (VCFC).
Preston joined the Galaxy Academy in August 2024 and has since earned multiple U.S. National Team invitations, trained regularly with the second team, and helped lead the U-19 side to the 2024–25 MLS NEXT Championship.
Feb. 6, 2026 – The LA Galaxy announced today that former academy product Julian Placias has signed a professional contract with the club’s second team, Ventura County Football Club (VCFC).
Placias joined the Galaxy Academy in 2021 and competed with the program through the end of the 2023–24 season. He was a key member of the 2023 U-17 MLS NEXT Cup Championship team, where he finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer.
