LA Galaxy: Busy Week At The Office
By Pablo Jacobo
It’s been a week of much news for the sixth place Los Angeles Galaxy. They look to get back on track Saturday against the Columbus Crew. It’s an understatement to say they have been inconsistent. This team is nothing close to the championship caliber squad we saw hoist their fifth MLS cup last season. Los Angeles needs to get their act together soon because a hectic schedule looms ahead. Let’s catch up on some news from the tenants at the Stub Hub Center.
Robbie Keane signs contract extension
Reigning 2014 MVP Keane has agreed to extend his stay in Los Angeles. On Wednesday news broke that the 34-year-old is staying put. Terms were not released. Keane has scored an astounding 55 goals in 91 appearances for LA. He’s also chipped in with 36 assists. In 2014, he netted 19 goals and earned 14 assists, no doubt MVP-worthy numbers. Head Coach Bruce Arena said about Keane’s extension,
"“We’re very pleased that Robbie will continue to be a member of the Galaxy in the coming years”"
Unfortunately some sad news for the Galaxy captain as he suffered a tragic family loss in his native Ireland. Two of his close relatives passed away in a sewer accident. This comes as a major blow for Keane, who started off the 2015 season injured, and was slowly getting into game shape. At this point the Galaxy’s struggles are irrelevant to the captain. He’s on international duty at the moment, but it is unclear if he will suit up for his country during his loss.
Three Galaxy players named to provisional USMNT Gold Cup squad
Omar Gonzalez, Gyasi Zardes and Alan Gordon have been named to Jurgen Klinsmann’s Gold Cup roster. During the next few weeks, cuts will be made before the tournament is set to begin from July 7 to July 26. Two automatic locks should be 26-year-old defender Gonzalez and upcoming star Zardes who scored his first goal for the USMNT against the Netherlands. Gordon has been a godsend for LA. Where would they be without the 6-foot-3 striker? He leads the team with four goals and has filled in well for Keane.
LA goal stopper Jaime Penedo has already been named to the Panama National team. A no brainer, as San Penedo has been sensational this season for the Galaxy between the posts.
What does it mean for the LA Galaxy?
These next few weeks will be crucial for Los Angeles’ playoff hopes. They are currently sixth in the standings with a game or two more games played. The Gold Cup could take three potential starters away from the club, which would leave the team vulnerable. The show must go on for the Galaxy as they will continue to fight in the current MLS season. They will also participate in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the International Champions Cup not at full strength. They have upcoming matches against PSA Elite (US Cup) and two huge ICC matches against Club America and European treble winners FC Barcelona.
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Reinforcements are on the way for the Galaxy as new signing Steven Gerrard is scheduled to arrive in July. The midfield tactician and English legend will surely add the creativity that has been lacking in the midfield. Linking up with former Liverpool teammate Keane will be a huge boost for Los Angeles.
Also this will be a huge opportunity for the young guns to get some run with the team. Thus far I’ve been impressed with Jose Villareal , Ignacio Maganto and Bradford Jamieson IV. These players have shown great promise on the pitch. Sure their youth still shows, but with each minute on the field, their confidence increases. Jamieson is currently with the United States U-20 World Cup squad. He suffered a scary head injury and could miss extended time for the U.S. and maybe the Galaxy. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
The three young footballers I mentioned (Jamieson, Maganto & Villareal) alongside 23-year-old Zardes will be a nice core for the future of the Galaxy. With Gerrard and Keane guiding them, Los Angeles could be dangerous come playoff time.