Galaxy sign Griffin, re-sign Cronin, Kirovski
Defender Eduardo Dominguez released by club
An MLS veteran who played for the Portland Timbers of the USL First Division in 2008, Griffin trained with the Galaxy at the end of the 2008 season an accompanied the team to New Zealand for the friendly against the Oceania All-Stars, playing the final 10 minutes of that match. Originally drafted by the Chicago Fire, who were then coached by current Galaxy Associate Head Coach Dave Sarachan, in the second round of the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, Griffin appeared in 18 games over three years with the Fire before signing with Portland prior to the start of the 2007 season. Following the completion of that season, the 26-year old Pasadena native joined the Columbus Crew for two months, before returning to Portland in 2008. A graduate of UCLA, Griffin is capable of playing in central midfield, as well as all across the backline,
The club has also come to agreements with goalkeeper Steve Cronin and forward Jovan Kirovski for new contracts ahead of the 2009 season. Cronin, 25, appeared in 22 games for the Galaxy in 2008 before a fractured right hand ended his season in late August. A two-time MLS Cup winner, Cronin had a 6-9-6 record for the Galaxy in 2008, brining his career record in MLS to 7-13-7, with a 1.93 goals against average and two clean sheets.
The Galaxy acquired Kirovski, a former U.S. National Team player, in November in a trade with the San Jose Earthquakes. Originally signed by the Galaxy prior to the start of the 2004 season, Kirovski appeared in 48 games with the club, scoring 12 goals and adding six assists before being traded to Colorado in September 2005. He was traded from Colorado to San Jose in May 2008, playing nine games for the Earthquakes, before being acquired by the Galaxy six months later. A native of Escondido, Calif., he started and played the opening 76 minutes for the club in the 3-0 win over the Oceania All-Stars on December 6, scoring the game's opening goal after just three minutes.
Additionally, the Galaxy have released defender Eduardo Dominguez. The 30-year old Lanus, Argentina native joined the Galaxy in July from Huracán of the Argentine Primera Division and played in three games for the club, making two starts.
The LA Galaxy are now accepting deposits for the 2009 season, which kicks off at 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 when the club hosts D.C. United at The Home Depot Center. A non-refundable deposit of 25% per seat secures your place for each 2009 Galaxy regular season game, plus great benefits including exclusive events with the team, special season seat holder gifts, and much more. Call 1-877-3GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com for more details or to purchase your 2009 Galaxy season seats.
Transaction: LA Galaxy sign midfielder Leonard Griffin, re-sign goalkeeper Steve Cronin and forward Jovan Kirovski and release defender Eduardo Dominguez.
NAME: Leonard Griffin
NUMBER: 3
POSITION: Defender
HT: 6-1
WT: 185
DATE OF BIRTH: September 11, 1982
HOMETOWN: Pasadena, Calif.
COLLEGE: UCLA
LAST CLUB: Portland Timbers (USL First Division)
NATIONALITY: United States
ROSTER DESIGNATION: Senior Roster
