LOS ANGELES – UCLA midfielder Jose Hernandez and defender Reggie Cannon have both signed Major League Soccer (MLS) homegrown contracts, announced the MLS this week. Hernandez signed with Real Salt Lake, while Cannon inked a contract with FC Dallas.

Hernandez and Cannon become just the second and third UCLA players to sign MLS homegrown contracts and the first since Matt Wiet signed with the Columbus Crew in 2013. The Bruins have also had 12 players sign through Generation adidas to play in the MLS since 2000. Since 2004, UCLA has sent 50 players to the MLS with 39 coming from the draft, including twice having the No. 1 draft pick in Chance Myers (2008) and Marvell Wynne (2006).

"Seeing both Jose Hernandez and Reggie Cannon sign homegrown contracts for both Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas is another proud moment for UCLA Soccer," said UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo. "Although undoubtedly we would love to have both of them back for the 2017 season and beyond, one of our programs mottos is; 'developing high performing individuals' and both Jose and Reggie embody this slogan. They both have huge passion and enthusiasm to be the best they can be and this will no doubt in my mind lead them to be successful professionals."

Hernandez, a native of Mexico City, Mexico, was named a NSCAA All-America third team selection and the Pac-12 Co-Player of the Year. He was a two-time NSCAA All-Far West Region first team selection and a two-time All-Pac-12 first team honoree. In 2015, he was tabbed as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. This season, Hernandez was second on the team with 16 points and five goals and was third with six assists. He ranked inside the top 10 in the Pac-12 in assists, assists per game, points per game, goals and goals per game. Hernandez was ranked No. 17 on Top Drawer Soccer's Top 100 Players postseason list and was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. In his two years at UCLA he totaled 16 goals and 10 assists with four game-winners.

"Jose is one of the best players we have had at UCLA," added Salcedo. "The combination of his technique and desire to compete is unparalleled. He is the consummate team player and will do what is best for the team."

"I want to thank everyone at UCLA as I was truly privileged to come to this program," said Hernandez. "UCLA as a whole gave me a home and an opportunity to attend the best school in the country. My time at UCLA made me more mature confident in how I want to play the game. Learning from my older teammates and of course the coaching staff was very beneficial in growing as a more understanding, responsible person. My experiences here allowed me to feel very passionately about paying soccer the right way. I love the culture, the style of play along with the coaches and my teammates."

Cannon, a native of Grapevine, Texas, was one of three UCLA players to start in all 20 matches this season and was third in minutes with 1,753. Cannon was named to the Top Drawer Soccer's Best Freshman XI first team and ranked No. 5 on the website's top 100 freshman postseason ranking. He contributed to all five of the team's shutouts this season and earned an assist on Hernandez's game-winning goal at No. 13 San Diego State. Cannon was also a TDS Preseason Best Freshman XI selection.

"Reggie will be missed," said Salcedo. "I loved his desire to want to see UCLA win. He gives his all in trainings and in games. Reggie is a winner on and off the field, he will be successful."

"I would like to thank the coaching staff for all they have done and believing in me," said Cannon. "I also want to thank Michael Amick specifically for helping me stay on the right path. Being in this environment helped me learn to play against anyone no matter their age, awards or stature. I saw my time here at UCLA as a perfect opportunity to prepare mentally and physically for this next opportunity. I enjoyed being able to develop from the phenomenal coaching staff at UCLA who did not only help me succeed but also develop into a strong player."

In addition to Hernandez and Cannon, graduated seniors Michael Amick and Felix Vobejda have been invited to participate in the 2017 adidas MLS Player Combine in Los Angeles from Jan. 8-12. They are two of only 53 NCAA Division I college players to be invited to the MLS combine next month.