When it came time for Jovan Kirovski to consider a returning to the Los Angeles Galaxy for the 2011 season, the decision was not all that difficult to make.
Kirovski’s passion for soccer and for the Galaxy helped make contract negotiations a relatively smooth process, with both sides agreeing to a one-year contract on Thursday that will see the former US international return to the Home Depot Center and head coach Bruce Arena for a third consecutive season.
“I love being part of the club,” Kirovski said. “We have a great group of players. It’s a very good team that’s always competing for a title. And with Bruce around, it makes for a great environment.”
The 34-year-old Kirovski scored four goals in 2010 – good for third on the team – in 932 minutes of play. When the 2011 preseason starts, the Escondido, Calif., native will battle for playing time in what could be a packed front line.
In an attempt to help defend their Supporters’ Shield title, the Galaxy acquired the rights to forward Juan Pablo Angel and defender Frankie Hejduk, two players who Kirovski said would add a great deal to the team.
“Those are two fantastic players,” he said. “If we can sign them, they’ll be very good to our squad. With Ángel, the quality speaks for itself. The goals he’s scored, that’s something we lacked and it’s important for our team. Frankie’s a veteran player. I’ve known him a long time and he’ll fit in perfectly.”
Along with his potentially new teammates, Kirovski will also try and help the club atone for the way the 2010 season ended. The Galaxy lost to FC Dallas in the Western Conference Championship to end the year on a sour note.
“It was a big disappointment, especially for us” Kirovski said. “When we go in, we want to win a championship. Anything else is a disappointment. The year before, we were very close. Last year we had a very good team. That’s all part of it. That’s what motivates me and most of the guys – we want to win.”
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