CARSON, Calif. – Sigi Schmid told reporters that the LA Galaxy’s signing of midfielder Chris Pontius is a “major coup” for the squad as they began their preseason preparations.
The Galaxy added to their midfield depth on Monday with the acquisition of the talented winger who split the last nine seasons in Major League Soccer with D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union. Pontius’ signing ends a long interest in the 30-year-old winger from and further supplements the team’s midfield ahead of the season.
“Chris had become available, and it’s a little bit of a unique situation in terms of his availability to be able to come back to Los Angeles. I’ve always liked him from his youth days to his Santa Barbara days. He’s had a pretty good career in this league so far, and still have a lot to give,” Schmid said. “To be able to acquire him is a real coup for us especially since we had to trade Gyasi [Zardes]. He gives us a winger who is a little different than the wingers we have because he’s got a little more strength and he’s a good header of the ball as well.”
Pontius brings a wealth of experience to StubHub Center with 215 league appearances and 45 goals in his MLS experience. The midfielder has also earned five caps with the U.S. National Team and was a member of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup-winning squad.
The move is a homecoming for the Orange County native who played the first match of his professional career at StubHub Center. Eager to make a name for himself with the club he grew up supporting, Pontius is anxious to get down to business.
“When an athlete is healthy and comfortable in his setting outside of soccer then you’re going to get the best of him. This move just made sense for me,” Pontius said. “This team has a lot of attacking talent, and I have to earn my way in. I’m the new guy here, and I have to prove myself in the preseason and produce.
“The best teams that I’ve been on are teams that have depth and players that push each other in practice. When you have a bunch of attacking options, you’re going to get that. I think the future is bright for us.”
