Galaxy add veteran defender Berhalter to roster

The Los Angeles Galaxy announced Friday that the club has signed defender Gregg Berhalter. The 35-year-old New Jersey native earned 44 caps for the U.S. national team during an 11-year international career that included trips to the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.

"I'm really excited to be back in the U.S. and to be joining the Galaxy," Berhalter told the Galaxy Web site. "I always wanted to play in MLS and the timing was perfect. I'd like to thank Bruce Arena and the entire Galaxy management for making this happen, and I'm looking forward to having success here."

Berhalter was a two-time All-American at the University of North Carolina was the captain of the U.S. U-20 national team which finished eighth at the 1993 World Youth Championship in Australia. For the past seven seasons Berhalter has played in Germany. He spent four seasons with Bundesliga side Energie Cottbus and followed that with a stint at TSV 1860 Munich, with whom he signed in 2006.

Berhalter appeared in more than 75 games for 1860 Munich, scoring nine goals, before agreeing to a mutual release of his contract this week.

"Gregg is an experienced and knowledgeable defender who will be an excellent addition to our club," Galaxy general manager and coach Bruce Arena said on the Galaxy's Web site. "He is a good passer and organizer of the defense and I believe that he will help improve our team in the defensive end of the field."