Friedel Gets Contract Extension

American goalkeeper Brad Friedel has agreed to a contract extension with Blackburn Rovers, a move that will keep him playing at Ewood Park until at least June of 2010, reaching a decade with the club.

"I'm delighted to have extended the agreement by a further 12 months," said the 36-year-old Friedel. "It was not a difficult decision to make. Blackburn Rovers is home to me. This is my club and I have a special affinity with it."Friedel has been with the Premier League outfit since 2000 and recently celebrated his 300th appearance in the league. He has played every minute of league action for the club this season, leading them to a 10-6-9 record, good for eighth-best in the league.

He was a force in American soccer in the late '90s and early '00s, making 82 appearances for the US MNT between 1992-2005. He was also named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year while with the the Columbus Crew in 1997 and U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2002.