Recognized Haitian soccer stars among the Los Angeles Galaxy | OneFootball

Many international stars represent their countries here in Major League Soccer. Coming stateside, multiple soccer players have extended their playing careers among MLS squads.

In 1804, the country of Haiti gained its independence from France. Haiti's National Independence day is celebrated on the first of the year, January 1. Much like the United States Independence Day (July 4th), Haiti recognizes the history and uphill battle it endured since 1791 when Haiti revolted against French rule.

Fireworks, the singing of their national anthem and more celebrations have helped capture what Haitian National Independence Day means to its citizens. A few have been so fortunate to play soccer on the stage MLS has created in the 1990's.

The first player to do so was Patrick Tardieu. A pair of athletes followed in his footsteps to eventually play for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Sebastien Vorbe, Midfielder

The native of Thomassin, Haiti signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy in April 2000. In 19 games, he scored four times.

The midfielder played soccer on the collegiate level for Florida International University. He was member of the team from 1997 to 1998.

Based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Vorbe would go onto to play for Violette AC. The first time he played for Violette was in 1995 to 1996. After taking a hiatus from playing for a few years, he returned in 1999-2000 before joining MLS.

Vorbe played in the 2000 Concacaf Champions Cup. That year, the LA Galaxy won against Olimpia, a Honduran soccer club. This would be the Galaxy's first time winning this cup.

Soccer was a sport that was prominent in Vorbe's family. His uncle, Philippe, also played for Violette AC at the end of his career.

Though his time with the Galaxy was brief, Sebastien Vorbe's name is cemented in the franchise's long history as well as Haiti's legacy with the sport, too.

Brian Sylvestre, Goalkeeper

The six-foot, five-inch tall goalie also represented both Haiti and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Born near Miami, Florida, the American-born player has family lineage with Haiti. His lone season with the Galaxy (and Galaxy II) came in 2018.

He recently turned 32 years old and is on the sidelines for the Savannah Clovers. (National Independent Soccer Association). Sylvestre was a goalkeeper manager for the team.

Sylvestre started playing soccer in North America with the Vancouver Whitecaps. He was a part of the organization in 2011-2012.

In 2015, he played for the Philadelphia Union on a loan from North Carolina FC (United Soccer League). Sylvestre's playing career ended with Forward Madison and Miami FC.

He became an assistant coach for the women's soccer team for the USC Beaufort Sand Sharks. Like Vorbe, Sylvestre came to be a part of the Los Angeles Galaxy while representing both the United States and the country of Haiti.