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LA Galaxy Catching Their Groove At The Right Time

By Pablo Jacobo

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The Los Angeles Galaxy has been on a tear as of late. They’ve been on a scoring barrage in the past four MLS matches putting in 15 goals; add the six goals in the last two US Cup matches brings them up to 21. They now lead the league in total goals scored (31). Their great form has catapulted them from a mediocre team to a perennial title contender trailing first place Seattle (32 points) by one point.

LA got off to a slow start to the season playing inconsistent soccer. The Galaxy has turned it around at the half way point of the season and will only get better with the addition of Steven Gerrard and possibly Giovani Dos Santos. Stefan Ishizaki bid farewell to the team after the July 4 match citing personal reasons. His departure has no direct correlation with Gerrard or the rumored Dos Santos signing. Nevertheless, rumors will continue to swirl. MLS sources have pointed the Dos Santos deal as done, with an official announcement after the Gold Cup.

What caused this galactic turnaround? The LA Galaxy have been so dominant due to a couple of factors mainly revolving around the return of the Captain, Robbie Keane.

The reigning MLS MVP missed nearly half of the season for Los Angeles with a nagging groin injury. It’s a safe bet that your team will struggle without your best player. Last season Keane scored 19 goals and had 14 assists for the team. Keane was the catalyst that sparked the Galaxy to its fifth title.

Jul 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard poses for photos following his introduction to media at Stubhub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Since his return against the Houston Dynamo on May 22, the Galaxy have played with more confidence. Keane came on as a substitute in the second half to provide the game-winning assist to Alan Gordon. Keep in mind, that the 34-year-old striker played sparingly the first few games as he regained full fitness. In the US Cup, Robbie dropped a hat trick on PSL Elite and started showing signs he was getting healthier.

Keane rejoined the team on May 22 and the Galaxy have a record of 11-2-2. This includes US Cup games which LA is still alive after defeating California rivals San Jose Earthquakes 1-0. Keane’s presence on the pitch has stabilized the Galaxy offense thus improving their attack. A dangerous striker and playmaker, Keane makes everyone around him better because he draws so much attention. He has upped his tally on the season to six goals and four assists. No doubt in my mind he’s been the protagonist that has ignited the Galaxy’s current run.

The ball movement has been exceptional from the midfield. The now departed Ishizaki and Baggio Husidic have a team-leading five assists a piece. The team is tied for third with 27 assists in the league. The ball distribution has vastly improved since the start of the season.

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The only positive from the Keane injury was the younger crop of players getting a chance to play. They’ve shown much improvement and have been instrumental in the Galaxy’s success. Gyasi Zardes’ play has skyrocketed with his international participation. On the season, he’s scored 4 goals and been an attacking force on the wings. Sebastian Lletget has been a diamond in the rough for Los Angeles. A miserable European stint has turned into a blossoming career in the MLS. Lletget scored on his debut and added three more goals. His versatility is a huge asset to pair with the dynamic play of Jose Villareal and Ignacio Maganto. Both players have earned five assists and scored three goals between them. The confidence of playing significant minutes for the young guns is paying off for Bruce Arena’s club.

The additions of Gerrard and Dos Santos will add even more firepower to a championship caliber team. Will the LA Galaxy hoist their sixth title?

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