Julian Vincente Araujo

Age: 18 (born August 13, 2001)
Height: 5’9”
Club: LA Galaxy
League: MLS
Club Number: 22
National Number: TBD
Position: RB
Born: Lompoc, CA USA
Nationality: American with Mexican dual citizenship
Youth Career: Santa Barbara Soccer Club, Barça Residency Academy, LA Galaxy
US History: U16, U18, U19, U20, U23, Senior Team

Julian Aruajo featured in the US youth system as early as 15 years old with the U16s when he spent time with the Barça Residency Academy in Arizona and later was invited to a trial in Spain.  Julian used this time to continue to develop without being tied to a MLS academy.  He later joined LA Galaxy after determining it was the best fit for him; Julian also had a familiarity with then coach Brian Kleiban.  

Julian made his professional debut for LA Galaxy II in the USL on October 4, 2018 at the age of 17.  Since Julian did not spend sufficient time with the LA Galaxy academy, he was not signed to a home grown contract.  Prior to the start of the 2019 season, the LA Galaxy felt he was ready to move up and his position was needed due to injuries on the team. The LA Galaxy needed to get creative in order to bring Julian into the senior team.  Julian was placed on waivers but in order to secure his re-signing rights, the Galaxy sent $50,000 in TAM (targeted allocated money) to the Colorado Rapids to jump to the first spot on the wavier list.  This is a testament to how ll-regarded Julian is to the Galaxy. He signed his contract March 1, 2019.

“Julian is one of the best young defenders in Southern California and we’re thrilled that he’s chosen to begin his professional career with the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “When we have Academy players like Julian that are good enough for the first team, we will sign them to the first team. Our club’s structure and mentality will allow a young player like Julian to develop into a top first-team talent. We would also like to thank Santa Barbara Soccer Club and Barca Residency Academy for their role in his development as a person and a player.”

His first MLS game was on March 17, 1019.  Julian went on to start in 12 of 20 total matches tallying 1,070 minutes over all match competitions. His first assist came against LAFC on July 20 in “El Tráfico” to none other than Zlatan Ibrahimović.   

Julian’s game can be described as being a tough defender, fierce competitor, hard-worker, physically aggressive, quick, composed, physically and mentally mature.  He played as a CB early in his US youth career but feels RB is the position where he is better suited long term.  For the LA Galaxy he primarily featured at RB as well as right midfield and even up the right wing.

Julian’s main competition for that RB spot at LA Galaxy is Rolf Feltscher who is a 29 year old veteran international journeyman who plays for Venezuela at the national level.  

Tab Ramos named Julian Araujo to the U20 2019 world cup squad after a late injury to Ayo Akinola opened up a spot.  Julian did not see the pitch for the entire tournament on which he later commented, “I could have been playing games” [back at LA with Fletscher being injured].  Julio added, “I was frustrated but I was thankful for being there.”

Both of Julian’s parents were born in Mexico and came to the US when they were young.  This makes Julian eligible to play for El Tri as he holds dual-citizenship.  Since he participated in the CONCACAF U20 championship, Julian is provisionally cap tied to the US so he would have to file a FIFA one-time switch to play for El Tri.  Mexican Football Federation sporting director Gerardo Torrado spoke to Julian at the end of July 2019 which leaves the door open for an opportunity with Mexico.  

Julian Araujo is on track to represent the US U23 for the Olympic qualifying campaign.  On December 30, 2019 Julian received his first senior team call up by Gregg Berhalter’s for the January camp.  
https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1217891771163627521?s=20

In terms of the USMNT player pool depth at the RB position, Julian finds himself in competition with a number of players including DeAndre Yedlin, Sergiño Dest, Reggie Cannon, Nick Lima and Shaq Moore.  One aspect of Julian’s game he feels he needs improvement is his left foot.  In five years’ time Julian envisions himself playing overseas in Europe at a high level.  

References:
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/03/01/la-galaxy-sign-araujo-after-acquiring-no-1-waiver-spot-colorado
http://cornerofthegalaxy.com/2019/03/01/galaxy-waive-araujos-homegrown-rights-to-sign-him-now/
https://scuffed.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-89-17-yr-old-la-galaxy-right-back-julian-araujo-joins-the-pod
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/12/02/julian-araujo-overcomes-tragedy-adversity-en-route-la-galaxy-debut-youth-spotlight