LA Galaxy Name Michael Stephens as Director of Scouting

LOS ANGELES (Monday, April 18, 2022) – The LA Galaxy today announced that the club has named Michael Stephens as its Director of Scouting. Stephens joins the LA Galaxy’s technical staff after having won two MLS Cups (2011, 2012) and two MLS Supporters’ Shield (2010, 2011) in four seasons played with the Galaxy. Before joining the Galaxy technical staff, Stephens spent time as a scout with Chicago Fire FC (2018-19) and the U.S. Soccer Federation (2019-22).

“We are thrilled to welcome back Michael Stephens to the LA Galaxy organization as the Director of Scouting,” said LA Galaxy Technical Director Jovan Kirovski. “Michael is a valuable addition to our technical staff, and his experience as a scout in MLS and with the U.S. National Team will be extremely valuable for us as we refine our scouting infrastructure.”

In his role on the Galaxy’s technical staff, Stephens will oversee the identification and evaluation of prospective players. Additionally, Stephens will collaborate with the Galaxy technical staff to further develop target markets for recruiting players – both domestically and internationally – for each level within the club’s developmental pyramid.

The Hinsdale, Ill., native, who was drafted with 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Galaxy, tallied four goals and 12 assists in 121 matches played (61 starts) across all competitions in his four seasons with LA. Across six regular-seasons played in MLS with the Galaxy and Chicago Fire (2015-16), Stephens tallied two goals and 18 assists in 131 appearances (74 starts). In addition to his time in MLS, Stephens played for Norwegian side Stabæk Fotball during the 2014 Tippeligaen season, registering one goal and seven assists in 34 games played across all competitions. In his final season as a professional, Stephens helped the San Francisco Deltas claim the 2017 NASL Championship. 

Additionally, Gordon Kljestan, who served as the Senior Director of Soccer Operations for the club, has been named the LA Galaxy’s Senior Director of Player Personnel and Compliance. Both Kljestan and Stephens will report directly to Technical Director Jovan Kirovski.