MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy sign midfielder Cobi Jones

Published on February 20, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, CA (Friday, February 20, 2004) - Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jones, the only remaining member of the club's inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) team, has signed a new multi-year deal to remain with the L.A. Galaxy, it was announced today by Galaxy President/General Manager Doug Hamilton.

"In sports there are certain players that help define and shape a club and for the past eight seasons Cobi Jones has been that player for the Los Angeles Galaxy," said Hamilton. "He has been a cornerstone for our club since its inception, and we feel it is only appropriate that he continue his career here in Los Angeles for years to come."

During eight MLS seasons, Jones has played a pivotal role in all three Galaxy championship-winning teams, helping lead the club to all three major titles in the region; the 2002 MLS Cup, 2001 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and 2000 CONCACAF Champions Cups. In addition, he was the captain for all three of those championship sides.

One of the first two players allocated to the club prior to the 1996 season (Mexico international goalkeeper Jorge Campos was the other), Jones has been a fixture in the offense of the Galaxy since the outset. In addition, his trademark dreadlocked hairstyle and flair have made him one of the most recognizable faces in MLS.

"I'm happy to put the contract negotiations behind me so that I can move forward and focus on the season, and help the Galaxy win a championship this year," said Jones.

A 5-7, 145 pound midfielder, Jones has appeared in 200 MLS regular season matches in his career - one of only nine players in league history to accomplish that feat. In those 200 games, he has made 197 starts, scoring 59 goals and chipping in 71 assists for a total of 189 points. Additionally, he has been named an All-Star in each of the first eight seasons in league history.

A native of Westlake Village, CA, Jones had his best MLS season in 1998. Despite splitting time between the Galaxy and the U.S. National Team, the electrifying attacking midfielder scored 19 goals and added 13 assists, a total of 51 points for the Galaxy in just 24 games. His offensive output made him only the third player in MLS history to surpass the 50-point barrier in a single season, joining Roy Lassiter (1996) and Stern John (1998).

In 38 all-time MLS Playoff games, Jones has scored six goals and added 11 assists for a total of 23 points. His three goals and four assists in six games during the 2002 MLS Cup Playoffs were pivotal in the Galaxy's run to the 2002 MLS Cup Championship.

Jones has also contributed a great deal to the U.S. national team during his time with the Galaxy. His 159 international appearances are the most in the country's history and place him in the top ten for full caps worldwide and include appearances in three FIFA World Cups (USA 1994, France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002). He is also one just three men to have amassed at least 50 points in his U.S. career.

Los Angeles Galaxy tickets are now on sale for the 2004 season at The Home Depot Center. The club will open their ninth season in MLS with a match against the New England Revolution at 7 pm (PT) on Saturday April 3, 2004. For more information or to purchase your 2004 Los Angeles Galaxy season tickets, please call toll-free 1-877-3GALAXY.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 20, 2004


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