CARSON, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy have signed 2006 MLS SuperDraft picks forward Marc Burch and defender Kyle Veris to developmental contracts, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not announced.
"We are very pleased to sign two promising young players in Marc Burch and Kyle Veris, who have demonstrated throughout preseason the potential to play in this League," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "Both Marc and Kyle possess the necessary technical and athletic abilities to contribute to our club."
With the 24th overall selection in the second round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, Los Angeles chose forward Marc Burch from Cincinnati, Ohio. Burch scored the game-winning goal in the NCAA College Cup final for the 2005 National Champion Maryland Terrapins. A three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection (2002-04), Burch attended the University of Evansville before transferring to Maryland for his senior season. </p>
"It is nice to join the team and know that I have a spot," said Burch. "With a bit of luck, I can keep my spot for the year and try to work my way up to the full roster. Preseason has been good. It has been a learning experience getting used to the guys and the coaches and learning how to be a professional." </p>
Veris, who was selected with the 25th overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft, is a converted forward and only began playing as a defender in 2004 at Ohio State University. A 6-3 defender from Strongsville, Ohio, Veris was a First All-Big Ten (2004-05) and a First Team All-Great Lakes Region (2005) selection. Prior to joining the Galaxy, he also played with the Columbus Shooting Stars of the Premier Development League, finishing third in scoring during the 2003 season.
"I am just excited to be here to learn and develop my game over the next couple years," said Veris. "Hopefully, I can even win a championship playing with the Galaxy."
"It is not very easy to make this squad. It takes players that have special abilities and who can offer us something in their specific positions, and Kyle Veris and Marc Burch have done this," said Galaxy Head Coach Steve Sampson. "Kyle has done an outstanding job in showing that he can play in the middle of the defense for us. Marc is a versatile player who can play on the left side of midfield or in the back, and is naturally left footed. I am excited about both of them being on board with us and believe they have bright futures in MLS."
Los Angeles 2006 Season Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to order tickets, please call the Galaxy toll-free at 1-877-3-GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) sign forward Marc Burch and Defender Kyle Veris to developmental contracts.
