Chivas USA shored up their future in goal for the long haul on Tuesday, thanks to a multi-year deal for 2011 club MVP — and emerging star — Dan Kennedy.
“Dan was our MVP this year, there was never a doubt that we wanted him back,” Chivas USA general manager Jose Domene said in a statement. “His consistency and leadership both on and off the field were exemplary last season, and now moving towards the club’s objectives for 2012 of building a championship caliber team, securing Kennedy to a new contract was one of our priorities this offseason.”
Kennedy, 29, appeared in 32 matches in 2011, his first full season since supplanting veteran Zach Thornton as the No. 1 option in net. His 100 saves and nine shutouts each ranked fifth in the league last season, and he posted a 1.22 goals-against average.
Chivas USA drafted Kennedy in the fourth round of the MLS Supplemental Draft prior to the club’s inaugural season in 2005, but Kennedy opted to play professionally in Puerto Rico and Chile before returning to the Red-and-White in the 2008 season. He had started a combined 16 games over three seasons before enjoying his breakthrough campaign last season.
