RIVERSIDE, Calif. - 2018 First Team All-Big West selection and 2017 Big West All-Freshman selection Daniel Aguirre signed a contract with USL side LA Galaxy II, it was announced today. 

Aguirre, a native of Redwood City, was named Third Team All-United Soccer Coaches/NSCAA All-Far West Region in 2019, a year after being named Big West Tournament MVP. 

"Daniel is an incredibly talented player who will continue to grow in the LA Galaxy system," Highlanders head coach Tim Cupello said. "Here at UCR, we pride ourselves on recruiting and developing players who think and execute the game at a very high tempo; Daniel is one of those creative players who can unlock an opponent at any moment."

Aguirre led the Highlanders into the 2018 NCAA Tournament as a sophomore after recording six goals and two assists in 17 games, helping UCR secure the No. 2 seed in the Big West Tournament. 

In three years with UCR, Aguirre amassed 40 starts, 47 appearances, eight goals and seven assists. 

"Daniel is a talented midfielder who has a promising future within our club," LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese said in a statement. "We are excited for the immediate impact he will have with LA Galaxy II and look forward to seeing his personal and professional growth within our organization."

LA Galaxy II will host their home opener for the 2021 USL Championship season against Sacramento Republic FC on Friday, April 30 at Dignity Health Sports Park. The 2021 season will mark the eighth year in LA Galaxy history.

""He is the latest of many pros to come out of our program," Cupello added. "I'm thrilled to follow him now as a fan and cheer him on throughout his professional career."