Carson, CA (My Sportsbook) - The Los Angeles Galaxy signed forward Tristan Bowen to a multi-year contract, the Major League Soccer club announced on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old Bowen is the fist player in Galaxy history to be signed from the club's youth development program.

"Tristan is an exciting and talented young player who has impressed me and all of our coaches during his time training with the club," Galaxy General Manager and coach Bruce Arena said. "He has many of the attributes which are required in order to become a good player in MLS and has shown the drive and desire to improve all areas of his game. We are excited to have him join the club and look forward to seeing him grow in a Galaxy uniform."

Bowen will occupy a spot on the Galaxy's developmental roster after being selected as a member of the league's Generation Adidas program, meaning that his salary will not count toward the club's salary budget.

"I'm really excited to be signing with the Galaxy so that I can stay at home here in Los Angeles," Bowen said. "It's been a great experience training with the first team and with the academy and I'm looking forward to getting started. It really hasn't set in but it feels great. It's an honor to be the first player to move up from the academy to the first team and I can only hope for the best."