CARSON, Calif. (Friday, December 3, 2010) – The LA Galaxy announced today that recently retired midfielder Chris Klein has been named the club’s Senior Director of the LA Galaxy Academy Program and Special Projects. A 12-year MLS veteran and four-time All-Star, Klein ranks fifth in league history with 333 career games played as a member of the Kansas City Wizards, Real Salt Lake and the Galaxy, who he joined in June 2007. In his time with the Galaxy, Klein appeared in more than 100 games in all competitions, scoring five times and adding 15 assists. The 34-year-old St. Louis native also made 22 appearances with the U.S. National Team, scoring five times and helping the U.S. qualify for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
“We are pleased that Chris will remain with the Galaxy and work with our Academy program,” Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena said. “As a club, we are dedicated to growing our Academy and feel that Chris will be a great asset to both the Galaxy and AEG in this endeavor.”
In his new role as Senior Director of the Galaxy Academy Program and Special Projects, Klein will be responsible for overseeing the long-term financial and technical plan for the Academy, while building a strong presence in the local soccer community. Klein will also be in charge of developing and improving the Academy’s training facilities and programs, coaching staff and recruitment program.
“I am thankful and honored to be able to remain with the Galaxy and AEG in this new and exciting role,” Klein said. “With the league making great strides in the field of youth development, we all feel that it is essential to have a structure in place to help grow our Academy, not just in the present, but into the future as well. The long term strength of our club will be predicated by the success of our Academy and I am grateful to be able to be a part of that and to be able to help shape the future of this great club.”
A four-year star at Indiana University before being drafted by Kansas City in the first round of the 1998 MLS College Draft, Klein is well known within the soccer community for his business acumen, as well as his strengths on the field. An integral member of the Major League Soccer Players Union during his career, Klein was a central figure in the Players Union signing of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in March 2010.
