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CARSON, Calif. (AP) — The LA Galaxy signed veteran midfielder Jermaine Jones on Wednesday, formally adding the German-born U.S. men's national team veteran to their rebuilt roster.
The Galaxy used targeted allocation money to sign the 35-year-old Jones after acquiring his rights from Colorado in a trade for their first-round draft pick.
Jones spent the past three seasons in MLS with the Rapids and the New England Revolution, getting five goals and six assists in 37 combined appearances. Before heading stateside in 2014, Jones played nearly 15 seasons in the German Bundesliga, including stints with Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke.
"He has a relentless engine on the field, and we are confident that he will strengthen our midfield," new Galaxy coach Curt Onalfo said.
Joining the Galaxy represents a homecoming for Jones: He has spent the past several years living in Encino, a well-to-do neighborhood of Los Angeles, with his wife and five children, including two sons who play youth soccer.
Jones played only 13 games while missing much of last season in Colorado with a knee injury, and he lamented the excessive travel required to spend regular time with his family in California during his previous two MLS stops. When he learned of the Galaxy's interest during the offseason, he spoke to President Chris Klein while courtside at a Los Angeles Lakers game last month.
Jones has made 67 appearances for the U.S. team since getting FIFA permission to play for the Americans in late 2009, most notably suiting up for the 2014 World Cup. He is in camp with new coach Bruce Arena this month in Carson, the Galaxy's suburban home.
The veteran is a welcome addition for the five-time MLS champion Galaxy, who have undergone an overhaul since last season ended with a sixth-place finish in the overall MLS table and an early playoff exit.
Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Mike Magee, A.J. DeLaGarza, Jeff Larentowicz and Arena have all left the club in the past three months.
The Galaxy also signed midfielder Sebastian Lletget to a contract extension Wednesday as their roster continues to take shape for Onalfo's first season. Lletget, the San Francisco native and former West Ham prospect, will likely get a major role this season in Gerrard's absence.
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