Americans Abroad

O'Brien re-signs with Ajax Amsterdam for 2004-05 season.

John O'Brien will stay with Ajax, the only club he's ever know, for at least one more season. -- Ajax web site photo --

AMSTERDAM (Friday, April 16, 2004) -- United States midfielder\defender John O'Brien has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Ajax Amsterdam, the Dutch Eredivisie-leading club announced today.

O'Brien, 26, who grew up through the Ajax youth system, has played in 63 matches since joining the senior team in 1998 and scored three times. He first appeared for the Dutch power in a UEFA Cup match September 16, 1999, against Dukla Banska Bystrica of Slovakia in a two-match series won by Ajax 6-1 on aggregate.

O'Brien has been hampered by injuries, including to his Achilles heel and hamstring, the last two seasons. He started the only four matches he played in the 2003-04 season, sidelined since February 13 with a hamstring problem.

Terms of O'Brien's contract for 2004-05 were not disclosed, but the deal is believed to be incentive-laden.

First appearing in 1998, O'Brien has played in 21 matches for the U.S. men, starting 17, scoring two goals and adding four assists. He started and went the distance in all five games for the U.S.'s surprising run to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals, scoring one goal in South Korea.

Ajax (22-4-3, 69 points) leads the Eredivisie by 10 points over PSV Eindhoven (18-6-5) and can clinch its 29th championship if it wins at home against RBC Roosendaal Sunday and PSV loses. Five matches remain in the season.