A.J. DeLaGarza signs deal to stay with Houston Dynamo

The Houston Dynamo have agreed to a new contract with defender A.J. DeLaGarza, the club announced on Tuesday.

DeLaGarza, 30, was a free agent after the Dynamo declined his option for the 2018 season in December.

Terms were not disclosed, but his new deal will likely be worth less than the $250,000 he made last year, particularly as the Guam international will likely be sidelined until the summer after tearing the ACL in his right knee in the season finale.

DeLaGarza started 30 games last season in his first season in Houston, providing three assists following a preseason trade with the LA Galaxy last January.

"A.J. has been an outstanding addition to our club since joining us last year. He brings a winning mentality to our group every day, and his professionalism has made a significant impact on and off the field," Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said in a statement. "We look forward to him making a full recovery and contributing to the success of the team as we prepare for the upcoming season."

Before coming to Houston, DeLaGarza won three MLS Cup titles in eight seasons with the Galaxy.

He made two appearances with the U.S. national team before switching his allegiance to Guam in 2013.