MLS Moves: Veteran defender Cole signs new deal with Galaxy

• by Ridge Mahoney  @ridgemax, Jan 3, 2018

Left back Ashley Cole, 37, will return for a third season in the league, in which he has played 55 games. The Galaxy confirmed Wednesday he has signed a one-year contract. Terms of his new deal were not disclosed; he earned a base salary of $350,000 in 2017. In 29 league games last year, he scored one goal and registered two assists.

"We are very excited that Ashley will be returning for us in 2018," said L.A. Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid in a team statement. "He’s been a tremendous leader for our club. He’s shown he can be successful in this league and we’re confident that will continue in the season ahead."

The deal was announced on the same day that his two former clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea, faced off in a Premier League match. Prior to signing with the Galaxy in 2016, Cole played 532 games (all competitions) and scored 16 goals for the London rivals (as well as Crystal Place during a short loan) after debuting for the Gunners in 2000.

Cole earned his first England cap the following year and his 107 international appearances include three World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010) and two European Championships (2004, 2012). He was a member of “The Invincibles” Arsenal team that ran the table undefeated during the 2003-4 Premier League season.

LA Galaxy:
IN: Jorgen Skjelvik (Rosenborg/NOR, free), David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes, trade), Rolf Feltscher (Cardiff City/WAL, free), Servando Carrasco (Orlando City, Re-Entry Draft, Stage 2).
OUT: Robbie Rogers (retired), Jermaine Jones, Jon Kempin (Columbus Crew, trade), Rafael Garcia, Brian Rowe (Vancouver Whitecaps, trade), Jose Villarreal, Jaime Villarreal, Jack McBean, Raul Mendiola, Pele van Anholt, Clement Diop (Montreal Impact, Waiver Draft), Nathan Smith,  Bradley Diallo, Baggio Husidic.
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2018 Roster:
Goalkeepers: David Bingham.
Defenders: Hugo Arellano, Michael Ciani, Ashley Cole, Rolf Feltscher, Dave Romney, Jorgen Skjelvik, Daniel Steres.
Midfielders: Romain Alessandrini, Emmanuel Boateng, Jonathan dos Santos, Sebastian Lletget, Joao Pedro.
Forwards: Giovani dos Santos, Bradford Jamieson IV, Ariel Lassiter, Gyasi Zardes.