The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has appointed Chris Klein as the club’s new President. Klein, who has worked for the Galaxy since retiring as a player following the 2010 MLS season, had previously served as the Senior Director of the Galaxy Academy before being promoted to Vice President in February 2012. In his new role as Galaxy President, Klein will work closely with new AEG Sports Chief Operating Officer Kelly Cheeseman while continuing to oversee the business operations of the club.
“We have always been impressed with Chris’ commitment and desire to excel on the business side of sports, and we have great confidence and faith that he will take the LA Galaxy to new levels,” said AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke. “We admire his passion and loyalty to the brand and his desire for the Galaxy to be the greatest soccer club in the history of this sport in this country. What makes Chris even more valuable to the Galaxy is his ability to understand our academy system, our development system and the partnership he has with Bruce will allow the Galaxy to continue to compete for championships year after year.”
“I am thrilled with this opportunity and excited to continue working with the great group of individuals we have on our staff,” added Klein. “The Galaxy’s best days are ahead of us and I am thankful that Tim and his team at AEG have the confidence in me to help lead us into the future”.
An MLS Cup winner with Kansas City in 2000 Klein spent 12 years as a player in MLS, playing for Kansas City and RealSaltLake before being traded to the Galaxy in June 2007. The 37-year-old St. Louis native played the final three-and-a-half years of his career with the Galaxy, appearing in more than 100 games in all competitions, scoring five goals and adding 15 assists while helping the club win the Western Conference Championship in 2009 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2010. Klein retired from MLS having played in 333 regular season games, the fifth most in MLS history at the time. He also made 22 appearances with the U.S. National Team, scoring five times and helping the U.S. qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006.
The Galaxy will open the 2013 MLS season on Sunday, March 3 when they host the Chicago Fire at The Home Depot Center. Four days later, on Thursday, March 7, the club will travel toCosta Rica to take on CS Herediano in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal. The return leg of that series will be played at The Home Depot Center on Wednesday, March 13.
