Barca Residency Academy alumni Julian Gaines signs with LAFC

Julian Gaines Signs with LAFC

Casa Grande, AZ (August 19, 2021) – Los Angeles Football Club announced today the signing of 18-year-old Barca Residency Academy alumni Julian Gaines using the number one spot in the MLS Waiver Order.

From Barca Residency Academy, Gaines signed his first professional contract just four months ago with LAFC affiliate partner, Las Vegas Lights FC of the Unites Soccer League. He played 12 games with the lights this season totaling 1,014 minutes in 12 starts with the club.

“Julian is a talented and exciting young player who has played well with Las Vegas,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “We are looking forward to continuing to work with him at LAFC as he continues to develop as a person and a player.”

The Austin, Texas native joined Barca Residency Academy in 2019 and helped the U-19 team to two successful seasons.

“From day one I knew I had a new family with bonds that’ll last a lifetime, that’s something that I think is so unique about Barça and sets it apart from other academies.” said Gaines in a May interview. “It’s prepared me to play at the next level because I was challenged every day, that helped me establish an identity for myself while playing. I was also able to get a bit of taste of a professional environment because of the standard that is expected there.”

Gaines will join former Barca Residency Academy teammate Bryce Duke who is in his second season with the black and gold.

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