Former Flame wins MLS cup with LA Galaxy

Former Flame Baggio Husidic leaps in celebration of the LA Galaxy’s Major League Soccer title.

After playing four years in the Major League Soccer circuit, UIC alumnus and current LA Galaxy midfielder Baggio Husidic came away with a title Sunday when the Galaxy defeated the New England Revolution, 2-1, to capture the MLS Cup for the third time in four years and fifth time in franchise history.

Husidic was a key contributor for the Galaxy throughout the team’s five playoff games. He registered 135 minutes after starting the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinal series against Real Salt Lake and came in off the bench in the last three matches.

During the regular season, Husidic competed in 34 games, starting in 26 matches. He scored five goals and added four assists while attempting 44 shots in 2,197 minutes of action.

Husidic was signed by the Galaxy in November 2013 after two years with Sweden’s Hammarby club and three seasons with the Chicago Fire. He is one of 11 protected players who are ineligible for Wednesday’s MLS Expansion Draft, which lets the Orlando City SC and New York City FC select its players.

From 2006-08, Husidic was a standout at UIC. In 65 games, he registered 12 goals, seven assists and 31 points. Among his many accolades, he became the program’s first First Team All-American by NSCAA/adidas along with Jovan Bubonja in 2008, a decorated year that brought him Horizon League Player and Offensive Player of the Year honors.