CARSON, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy have signed defender Ben Benditson, midfielders Mubarike Chisoni and Herculez Gomez as developmental players, the club announced today. Per club policy, details of the contracts were not disclosed.
"We are very pleased to sign three promising young players, all of whom demonstrated this preseason that they deserve a spot on our roster," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "We strongly believe that all three players have the skills to contribute at this level both this season and potentially in seasons to come."
A 5-11, 175 pound defender, Benditson concluded his collegiate career with the Cal-State Northridge Matadors, playing in and starting 19 games and was named the club's defensive MVP. A native of Tarzana, Benditson was noted throughout his collegiate career for his physical play along the backline. In 2003, he played 16 matches and registered two assists after transferring to Northridge from the University of Portland, where he spent his freshman and sophomore years.
Chisoni, who is awaiting his P-1 visa approval, comes to the Galaxy after a successful collegiate career at Coastal Carolina University, where he was a teammate of the Galaxy's Joseph Ngwenya. A native of Zimbabwe, the 5-foot-8 Chisoni, better known as "Mamba", is a quick attacking midfielder who led the Chanticleers with 16 goals as a senior and was a First Team All-Big South Conference selection in each of his last two seasons there. In addition, he was part of the team that captured the 2001 NAIA National Championship at Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky), the same school that gave current Galaxy defender Tyrone Marshall his collegiate start.
A member of the Galaxy's 2002 MLS Cup Championship side, Gomez has seen time with several different clubs during professional soccer career that began in 2000. A 5-10, 165 pound midfielder, Gomez most recently played with the now defunct San Diego Sockers of the MISL for the 2003-04 season, appearing in 10 games and scoring five goals. L.A. originally acquired Gomez as a Developmental Player on September 19, 2002. Prior to joining the Galaxy the first time, he finished the 2002 D3 Pro-League season with the San Diego Gauchos, appearing in 17 games and he scoring 17 goals and adding one assist for 35 points.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are pleased to once again offer fans "The Best Seats in the House" at The Home Depot Center. For the Galaxy's first two home games in 2005 (April 9 vs. Real Salt Lake and April 23 vs. CD Chivas USA), the club will be selling 100 seats along one touchline on a first-come, first-served basis. Each ticket costs $150 per game and includes the actual chair the fan sits in. For more information on "The Best Seats in the House" or to purchase tickets, call the Galaxy Ticket Office toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
Transaction: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) sign D Ben Benditson, M Mubarike Chisoni and M Herculez Gomez to developmental contracts.
