Galaxy sign U.S. national-teamer Berhalter

The Los Angeles Galaxy announced the signing of defender Gregg Berhalter on Friday after the player's contract with 1860 Munich was terminated.

"I'm really excited to be back in the U.S. and to be joining the Galaxy," Berhalter said in a statement released by the club. "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."

The 35-year-old New Jersey native will join a thin Galaxy back four and will look to bring experience and leadership to the squad. Los Angeles will be his first MLS team as he spent the majority of his career playing in Germany, Holland and England.

"Gregg is an experienced and knowledgeable defender who will be an excellent addition to our club," Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena added. "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."

Berhalter is also a veteran of the U.S. national team, with 43 appearances for the senior squad from 1994 to 2006. -- Goal.com