The LA Galaxy have officially signed defender Andrew Boyens after finalizing a contract with the veteran center back. The 28-year-old has been with the club throughout preseason camp and is now officially signed for the 2012 season, making him eligible to play for the club starting on March 7 against Toronto FC in the CONCACAF Champions League.
A former first round pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Boyens comes to the Galaxy after being selected by the club from Chivas USA in the first round of Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Process in December. A New Zealand international, Boyens played for three clubs during his first five seasons in MLS, debuting with Toronto FC in 2007 before being traded to the New York Red Bulls in 2008. He played for Chivas USA last season, appearing in 12 games, before being taken by the Galaxy in the Re-Entry Process. A six-foot-four central defender, he has appeared in 68 regular season games in his MLS career, making 61 starts while scoring two goals and adding an assist. A member of New Zealand’s team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Boyens has collected 19 caps for the All Whites since making his international debut in 2006.
READ: LA Galaxy select four players in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Process
Boyens is the second of the club’s six Re-Entry Process selections to sign with the club, joining Pat Noonan. Three of the club’s other four picks, Jon Conway, Chris Leitch and Dasan Robinson have all elected to retire while Frankie Hejduk was unable to come to terms with the club on a new contract.
PHOTO GALLERY: LA Galaxy defender Andrew Boyens
