CARSON, Calif. (AP) The LA Galaxy have signed Victor Vazquez, reuniting the Spanish midfielder and MLS standout with former Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney.
The 34-year-old Vazquez returned to MLS on Wednesday with the Galaxy, who hired Vanney in January. Vazquez agreed to a one-year contract with a one-year option.
Vazquez had two outstanding seasons with Toronto in 2017-18, racking up 18 goals and 26 assists in just 57 appearances while winning the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. He was named to the MLS Best XI in 2017 while Toronto won the domestic treble.
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Vazquez subsequently went to clubs in Qatar and Belgium, but the attacking midfielder was not signed to any team when the Galaxy acquired him.
Vazquez will boost the Galaxy’s depth in midfield alongside Jonathan Dos Santos, Sebastian Lletget, Sacha Kljestan and French newcomer Samuel Grandsir.
“He was a top creative player in our league while with Toronto, and he will bring a great deal of leadership to our club both on and off the field,” Galaxy general manager Dennis Te Kloese said.
Vazquez began his career at the famed La Masia academy in his native Barcelona, training alongside the likes of his close friend Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique in the remarkable Class of ’87.
After injuries limited him to minor appearances for Barca, Vazquez spent five years with Belgium’s Club Brugge and another year with Cruz Azul in Mexico before enjoying the most productive years of his pro career under Vanney in Toronto.
Vazquez must acquire a visa before he can join the Galaxy, who are in preseason training. The five-time MLS Cup champions open the regular season April 18 in Miami, with their home opener on April 25 against the New York Red Bulls.
