The LA Galaxy acquired goalkeeper Josh Saunders Friday on loan for the remainder of the 2008 MLS season. A member of the Galaxy's 2005 MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup winning side, Saunders was the No. 1 goalkeeper for the Miami FC Blues of the USL First Division this season. He joined the team this afternoon in Kansas City ahead of this weekend's game against the Wizards.
In order to make room for Saunders on the club's senior roster, rookie midfielder Ely Allen was moved to the club's Developmental roster, occupying the spot that was made available when goalkeeper Charles Alamo was placed on the club's Season Ending Injury list.
A 27-year old native of Lake Forest, Calif., Saunders had a successful college career which began with two years at Cal-State Fullerton before transferring to the University of California-Berkeley, where he was twice a First Team All-Pac 10 selection and was the first goalkeeper in Pac 10 history to be named the league's Player of the Year as a senior in 2002. He was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in the fourth round of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft but never appeared in a game for the club, spending most of his time on loan with the Portland Timbers of the USL First Division.
Prior to the start of the 2005 season, Saunders signed a developmental contract with the Galaxy. He did not appear in a first team game with the club during his two seasons with the Galaxy, but did play in one Reserve Division game, while spending time again on loan with the Timbers.
Following his time with the Galaxy, Saunders returned to the USL First Division, signing with the Puerto Rico Islanders and helping the club reach the postseason for the second time in their history in 2007 before losing out on penalties to eventual champion Seattle in the semifinals. Following that season, Saunders signed with Miami FC, with whom he appeared in and started 27 games, keeping a league-best 13 clean sheets for the Blues.
Born in Grants Pass, Ore., Saunders has appeared twice for the Puerto Rican National Team.
The Galaxy are back in action on Saturday, September 13 at 2 p.m. when they take on the Kansas City Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium in a game that can be seen live on FSN Prime Ticket and HDNet. The Galaxy return home to host U.S. Open Cup Champion D.C. United at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at The Home Depot Center. For more information about this game or to order tickets to future Galaxy games, please visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY.
