The Los Angeles Galaxy announced Tuesday that the club has signed defender Oscar Sorto as a Homegrown Player.

Sorto is the first defender to be signed directly from the Galaxy Academy and fourth player overall.

"It is a dream come true to join a club like the Galaxy, a team I have been a fan of since I was kid," Sorto said in a statement. "Growing up watching players like Mauricio Cienfuegos and Cobi Jones win championships motivated me to become a professional. I am very happy to now be able to represent my hometown like they did."

Sorto was a member of the club's Under-18 team that captured the 2011-12 SoCal Division title.