LOS ANGELES (Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021) – The LA Galaxy today announced that the club has signed midfielder Sacha Kljestan to a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season.
In two seasons since joining the club in 2019, Kljestan, 36, has registered five goals and four assists in 46 regular-season appearances (21 starts) for the Galaxy. During the 2021 campaign, Kljestan ranked tied for second on the team in goals (5) and added four assists in 31 games played (13 starts) for LA.
Kljestan has represented Chivas USA (2006-2010), New York Red Bulls (2015-2017), Orlando City SC (2018-2019) and the Galaxy (2020 – Present) across 12 seasons playing in Major League Soccer. During his time in MLS, Kljestan has tallied 43 goals and 97 assists in 310 regular-season games played (265 starts). Notably, Kljestan ranks eighth all-time in MLS history in regular-season assists (97) and is the league’s active leader in that category. Additionally, Kljestan became the 49th player in league history to appear in 300 MLS regular-season games with his appearance against Colorado on Sept. 11, 2021.
“We are pleased to bring back Sacha, who provides a wealth of experience to our group and adds depth and leadership to our midfield position,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney. “He's one of the most experienced players to have ever played in Major League Soccer and our club will continue to benefit with him on and off the pitch.”
The Huntington Beach, Calif., native made 180 appearances for Belgian first-division side RSC Anderlecht, while scoring 25 goals and adding 21 assists across Jupiler Pro League, UEFA Champions League and Europa League competitions. While with Anderlecht, Kljestan helped lead his team to three league titles and four Belgian Cups.
Kljestan was originally selected by Chivas USA with the fifth overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft and remained with the club from 2006-10, when he scored 15 goals and added 33 assists in 114 appearances before transferring to Anderlecht.
The California native represented the United States at the U-20 and U-23 levels before making his senior international debut on June 2, 2007. In all, Kljestan has six goals in 51 senior appearances for the USMNT and also represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Kljestan was an MLS All-Star in 2016 and was selected to the 2008 All-Star team but chose to play in the Olympics instead. Kljestan was selected to the MLS Best XI in 2008 and 2016.
Transaction: LA Galaxy sign midfielder Sacha Kljestan to a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season.
