LOS ANGELES — The LA Galaxy have signed three-time MLS Cup champion midfielder Juninho after acquiring the Right of First Refusal from the Chicago Fire in exchange for $75,000 in General Allocation Money. The midfielder returns to Los Angeles after three years with Club Tijuana of Liga MX, spending one year on loan with the Chicago Fire.
“I am very excited to welcome back such a talented and well-respected player to our club,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “Juninho knows what it means to represent the LA Galaxy and will be a leader on and off the field for our players. He is a valuable addition to our roster.”
Juninho, 29, originally joined the Galaxy on loan from São Paolo FC at the beginning of the 2010 season. Playing a pivotal role in one of the Galaxy’s most dominant eras, Juninho helped the club to the 2010 and 2011 Supporters’ Shield, along with MLS Cup titles in 2011 and 2012. After three seasons on loan with the Galaxy, the club signed Juninho in 2013. Juninho captured another MLS Cup with the Galaxy in 2014 and was named to the MLS All-Star Game in 2015.
In his six seasons with LA Galaxy, Juninho made 180 starts and 187 regular season appearances, recording 18 goals and 23 assists along the way. He also recorded an additional 21 appearances, one goal and four assists in postseason play, including scoring the decisive goal in the 2014 Wester Conference Final to send the Galaxy to the MLS Cup. Juninho has recorded more minutes in a Galaxy uniform this decade than any other player.
In 2015, Juninho joined Liga MX side Club Tijuana before joining the Chicago Fire on loan the following year.
The LA Galaxy are scheduled to kick off the 2019 MLS Regular Season at Dignity Health Sports Park in March 2019. The club’s season opening match, along with the entire 2019 schedule, will be announced at a later date.
Click here to buy an LA Galaxy Holiday Pack
