Ruben Ramos Jr. and Harbor Miller joined the L.A. Galaxy Academy with dreams of making it through the system to sign a professional contract.
This week, their dreams came true.
Ramos, 17 and from La Puente, and Miller, 16 and from Fullerton, officially signed Homegrown contracts with the Galaxy.
The contracts begin in 2025 and will be for three seasons through 2027, with options for 2028.
The duo are now the 19th and 20th members of the Galaxy Academy system to sign Homegrown contracts. Both players will spend 2024 with Galaxy II.
Ramos and Miller, who have trained with the first team during preseason, remember making their decisions to join the Academy with ease.
“I was scouted by the Academy, I was invited to the facility and it was an automatic yes,” Miller said of joining. “It was a big moment in my career.”
Ramos said this was the path he chose because he wanted to speed up his career.
“I saw this an opportunity to go pro right away,” he said.
Ramos and Miller were part of the Galaxy’s U-17 team that won the MLS Next Cup U-17 tournament in June. Ramos and Miller scored goals.
“That was really fun,” Ramos said. “I hadn’t won a tournament since I was six years old and being a big part with the club, we wanted to win with that group. It was a special group and we worked hard for each other.”
Miller and Ramos have gained valuable experience with the first team. Miller received his first yellow card in front of family and friends in a Feb. 3 preseason match against St. Louis City at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“There was a lot of adrenaline,” he said. “It was intense … the ref told me I had to be careful.”
Miller also scored in the Galaxy’s 2-2 draw against New York City FC on Feb. 14.
“It’s been an amazing experience, partly because we’ve been light in numbers and they’ve been able to experience what it is to play against an MLS opponent,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “I’ve seen them learning and growing and understanding the speed of an MLS game.
“Harbor hasn’t played his position. He’s done a lot of wing duty, which is what he was in his younger days in the Academy, but he’s adapted to the situation and continues to find moments. They’re both going to get the majority of their matches with G2 (Galaxy 2), but we’re expecting them to continue to grow.”
Miller said he went into preseason camp with a simple goal.
Related Articles
MLS season could start with replacement officials after union rejects latest proposal
Galaxy rookie Tucker Lepley taking advantage of opportunities so far in preseason
Galaxy continue preseason preparation with St. Louis City
Alexander: The State of SoCal Sports, 2024 … Sports Capital of the World?
Galaxy signs Brazilian forward Gabriel Pec to 5-year contract
“I had the mindset of going in to work hard, do my best and help the club any way possible,” he said. “The guys have been helpful teaching me and I’m trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can. Being in a professional environment and having the experience to play at that level will make me better in the future.”
Ramos grew up a Galaxy fan, with Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane as his two favorite players.
“I feel like this is a new start on my journey,” he said. “I’m really excited to sign this contract. You never know where this professional level can take you and I’m ready to take the next step.”