Los Angeles Galaxy sign defender Robbie Rogers to extension

The Los Angeles  Galaxy announced in a press release issued today that the club has signed defender Robbie Rogers to a multi-year contract extension.  Terms were not disclosed.

“We are excited that Robbie will remain a part of our organization going forward,” LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said. “He has proven to be a dynamic player in our League and an integral part of our success this year. We look forward to his continued contributions in the years to come.”

Rogers, 27, has made 15 appearances for the Galaxy this season in addition to recording two assists. His game blossomed this season after Arena made him switch positions and moved him to defense full-time in a start against Chivas USA on June 8.  Since that time, the Galaxy have gone 10-2-7 in all MLS competitions in which Rogers appeared, including MLS Cup Playoffs.

Rogers, an MLS veteran and former U.S. Men’s National Team member, joined in Galaxy in May 2013 and has made 30 appearances and 22 starts as a member of the Galaxy.

Rogers gained significant international attention when he publicly announced that he was gay, becoming one of the few active professional athletes to do so.  He has since proven that he deserves all the recognition he has received of late, not necessarily just for his courage in announcing his sexual orientation, but also for his quality play on the pitch.

A local product from Huntington Beach, California, and Mater Dei high school, Rogers joined MLS when he signed with the Columbus Crew in 2007. From 2007-2011, Rogers made over 100 appearances with the Crew, helping lead the club to an MLS Cup in 2008, the same year he earned MLS Best XI honors. As a member of the Crew, he scored 13 goals and added 16 assists and helped lead the club to the MLS Cup Playoffs in four of his five seasons.

Rogers earned his first U.S. Men’s National Team call up in a 2009 friendly match, when he made an appearance in a 3-2 victory over Sweden in Carson, Calif. In total, he has earned 18 caps for the U.S. National Team while appearing on rosters in two CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches during his career.

In his time at the University of Maryland, Rogers helped the Terrapins to a National Championship in 2005, scoring seven times and recording five assists in his only year at the school.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com