Talented striker and U.S. U18 National Team player Miles Byass will join the L.A. Galaxy of the Development Academy this upcoming season, leaving behind his longtime club the Arsenal FC.

Byass, who had been mulling a decision to leave for the past couple of weeks, attended his first U18 Galaxy practice Thursday and is looking forward to his new team while sentimental about his old one.

“It was a really tough decision, I’ve been with the Arsenal since I was about nine,” Byass said. “I have contacted them. I have nothing but good things to say about the Arsenal and I want to thank them for everything they’ve done for me. It’s just time to move on.”

Byass, of Highland, California, will make the commute to his new club while carpooling with a few teammates who live close by. He was enticed by the training environment and facilities now available to him with the Galaxy; the opportunity to possibly train with the MLS squad was a big plus as well as the club’s upcoming trip to Europe to expose their players to high-level competition.

But there was one other major sticking point for Byass as well – he wanted to play high school soccer, an opportunity not afforded to him thus far.

“It’s a really big thing at (Redlands High School),” he said. “Landon Donovan went there, and we have a really strong soccer tradition and draw big crowds. Everyone has always been bugging me about playing and I really wanted to for my senior year.”

High school aside, Byass will make a major impact on the Galaxy. He’s an extraordinarily dynamic player, bringing speed and creativity with the ball at his feet. He led the Arsenal with 17 goals last season thanks to his powerful left leg and also brings a willingness and accuracy to passing.

It’s been a particularly busy month for Byass, who played for the US U18 MNT at the Milk Cup Tournament in Northern Ireland before flying directly to Austria where he was a member of the U.S.F.C. SuperElite® Discover Europe™ squad. While playing for that select team he competed against world-class clubs from Austria, Germany and Belgium while helping his team complete the trip without a defeat.

On the Discover Europe™ squad, Byass’ teammates included Harrison Petts, Soony Saad, Kovi Konowiecki, Ryan Bauer, Zach Barnes and Eric Shannon, who just completed a career with the Galaxy and could’ve imparted some words of wisdom about his new club.

 

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