Cleveland City Stars News Release - www.clevelandcitystars.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Cleveland City Stars have signed midfielder Gordon Kljestan from the MLS New York Red Bulls, pending U.S. Soccer Federation approval. The Red Bulls were the 2008 MLS Cup runners-up.
Kljestan made his MLS debut in a US Open Cup third round game against Crystal Palace Baltimore on July 1st, 2008.
"We are excited to bring such a skilled and powerful defensive midfielder on board," said Cleveland City Stars General Manager Mark Geissbauer. "With Gordon's MLS experience, we feel he will be a valuable asset to the team's defense. We look forward to seeing Gordon's skill in the midfield and the opportunities he will create for other players."
Born in Huntington Beach, California, Kljestan played collegiately at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. He won an All-Big East honorable mention in 2005, and was an All-Big East pre-season selection in 2006.
As a senior at Seton Hall in 2005, Kljestan anchored the team's defense in all 20 games. Throughout his college career the 6-foot defender scored on goal and tallied three assists.
"I'm really excited to a part of the City Stars organization," said Kljestan. "I look forward to bringing another championship to Cleveland and I think we're on the right path right now. I think my experiences in the MLS and the other places I've played have prepared me for this and I'm excited and looking forward to a great year."
Prior to playing for the Red Bulls, the 25-year old Kljestan played for the New Jersey Ironmen of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He played 32 games and scored 2 goals in 2007-2008.
Kljestan played a stint at the LA Galaxy of the MLS after being drafted in the first round of the 2007 Supplemental Draft. He also started games for the PDL's Newark Ironbound Express in 2008.
Kljestan played the 2004-2006 seasons for the Orange County Blue Star PDL team where he played with his brother Sacha Kljestan, now of Chivas USA and the US National Team.
Kljestan joined the City Stars Monday night in North Carolina and will take part in the remainder of the training sessions throughout the week.
