LA Galaxy sign defender Ashley Cole to one-year deal

The Los Angeles Galaxy have signed veteran defender Ashley Cole to a one-year contract, the club announced. Cole, 37, will be playing his third season with the team.

Although the Galaxy endured a disappointing 2017 season, Cole was one of the few bright spots on the team, as he brought some stability to the backline.

“We are very excited that Ashley will be returning for us in 2018. He has been a tremendous leader for our club,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “He has shown he can be successful in this league and we are confident that will continue in the season ahead.”

With the Galaxy, Cole has collected 55 appearances since signing with the club in January 2016. In his first season in MLS, Cole was a part of a defense that allowed just 1.15 goals per game, tied for second-best in the league.

The Galaxy re-sign Cole after acquiring several other defensive players, including Venezuelan National Team defender Rolf Feltscher, Norwegian defender Jorgen Skjelvik, and the rights to former San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham.

Before his move to MLS, Ashley Cole captured four Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title in his time with England’s Arsenal and Chelsea.

Cole began his professional career when he signed with Arsenal in 1998. After over 10 years in England, Cole moved to Italy when he signed with A.S. Roma in Serie A, Italy’s top-flight professional division, where he spent two seasons.

In addition to his club career, Cole featured extensively for the English National Team, making World Cup appearances in 2002, 2006, and 2010. The fullback also featured for England in UEFA Euro 2004 and 2012. In all, Cole made over 100 appearances for his country, making him the most capped fullback in English history.

The LA Galaxy will open the 2018 MLS Regular Season at StubHub Center on Sunday, March 4, at 7 p.m. PT against Portland Timbers.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services