However, on December 3, 2012, the Portland Timbers acquired the MLS Homegrown rights for Gallego in a trade that sent Kosuke Kimura to the New York Red Bulls.

[2] Following his time in the Red Bulls youth system, Gallego spent three seasons at the University of Akron.

During his time in college, Gallego also played in the USL Premier Development League for Michigan Bucks and Portland Timbers U23s.

[5] A month later, he was loaned to USL Pro affiliate club Sacramento Republic FC.

[6] However, he was recalled by the Timbers after not making an appearance for the club and loaned out to Arizona United SC on April 24.