Orange County Soccer Club announced the signing of Aliso Viejo native Pedro Guimaraes to a professional contract.
Guimaraes, 16, comes from the LAFC Academy. He was recently selected to the MLS Next All-Star team. He was a member of the U.S. U-15 team that won the CONCACAF championships last season. He’s also been in camp with the U-16s.
“Pedro is one of the top youth prospects in the nation and we are delighted that he has chosen the OCSC pathway to start his professional journey,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent said. “Signing another youth national team player of Pedro’s caliber continues to signify our intent to be at the forefront of youth development in the country. We look forward to working with Pedro and helping him achieve his goal of playing in Europe in the future.”
Earlier this year, Guimaraes went on trial with Flamengo in Brazil. In March, he was selected to the Rising XI at the Generation Adidas Cup.
“I am extremely excited to sign my first professional contract with Orange County SC,” Guimaraes said. “It has been something I have been working for since I started playing this sport and God has led me to this moment, through paths that I won’t forget.
OCSC hosts North Carolina FC on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Championship Soccer Stadium at Great Park in Irvine.
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