CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, Oct. 21 2014) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed defender A.J. DeLaGarza to a multi-year contract extension. DeLaGarza, drafted by the Galaxy with the No. 19 overall selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, has made 155 appearances and 150 starts in his six seasons with the club.
“We’re thrilled to sign A.J. to a multi-year contract,” LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said. “He is one of the most versatile defenders in MLS and has been an important part of our organization’s success both on and off the field over the past six years. We look forward to A.J.’s continued leadership as an LA Galaxy member.”
DeLaGarza, 26, has played in every position this season for a Galaxy backline that has allowed and MLS-low 35 goals this season. He has logged over 13,000 minutes with LA since 2009, earning LA Galaxy Defender of the Year honors twice (2012, 2014). As a member of the Galaxy, the Maryland-born defender was a key member of the team’s 2011 and 2012 MLS Cup-winning squads in addition the team’s 2010 and 2011 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
A two-time National Champion at the University of Maryland, DeLaGarza appeared in 88 games during his college career with the Terrapins while making 81 starts and recording two assists (2005-2008). He helped Maryland reach the NCAA Tournament in all four of his years in College Park while also claiming the ACC Championship in 2008.
DeLaGarza collected the first two caps of his international career in January 2012, playing the full 90 minutes at right back for the U.S. Men’s National Team in a pair of 1-0 wins against Venezuela and Panama. In August 2013, DeLaGarza committed to Guam’s national team and has since made two appearances.
