LOS ANGELES – The LA Galaxy II have announced Academy alumnus and defender Jefrey Payeras has signed with the club. Payeras, 23, returns to the organization after four seasons under contract with C.S.D. Municipal in Guatemala. He spent the 2016 season on loan with Los Dos, where he impressed in 26 appearances for the USL side.

“We are always excited to bring back a player that has developed within our club,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Pete Vagenas. “Jefrey had a standout year with LA Galaxy II last season and we are confident that he can improve on that.”

RELATED: Los Dos Adds Alvarez to Squad

Payeras, born in Hawthorne, Calif., is the son of Guatemalan parents and has appeared in two World Cup Qualifiers for the Guatemalan National Team since earning his national team debut in a friendly against Panama last August.

“Jefrey is a talented player that is immediately ready to compete at this level,” said LA Galaxy II Head Coach Mike Muñoz. “He will be an important piece of our central defense during the second half of the season and we are confident in his ability to strengthen our backline.”

Payeras starred in the 2016 USL season with the Galaxy II as he helped Los Dos to their third playoff appearance in their third year of competition.