17-year-old LA Galaxy prospect Julian Araujo drew plaudits for his performance in his second MLS start, a visit to Minnesota United on Wednesday, only to see his evening cut short by injury in the 0-0 draw at Allianz Field.
The 17-year-old defender was composed and solid in a two-way performance at the Galaxy’s right back spot, serving up one key pass, one shot on goal and misplacing just seven passes in 79 minutes on the pitch. The academy product also chipped in 10 defensive actions, according to Opta, and won three fouls while committing none.
But he was forced to limp off with what appeared to be a knock to his right ankle or foot, grimacing as new signing Giancarlo Gonzalez entered in relief. Despite that, head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto indicated after the match that he expects the teenager to play on Sunday against Real Salt Lake (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
The Galaxy will hope that it’s a minor injury, as will US Under-20 national team head coach Tab Ramos, who has made Araujo a regular on his squad, which is counting down to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland next month.