On the first day of LA Galaxy’s Pre-Season training, 14 New Faces turned up with

the rest of the Old Vanguards. Along with new changes to the Galaxy team roster,

there are new changes to the jersey numbers. Most notably, Chad Barrett will

receive the #19 jersey which was made available with Juninho’s departure. Chad

had stated that he would rather have Juninho back though.

 

LA Galaxy’s Title Defence is further bolstered with David Beckham re-signing with

a new 2-year contract. Apparently, Beckham wished to continue what he had started

in promoting American soccer and the MLS. Beckham is also determined to do his

best to ensure that the MLS Cup will stay put on LA Galaxy’s soil.

 

The following are the new additions to the squad: Andrew Boyens (DF), Nick Noble (GK),

Pat Noonan (FW), Marcelos Sarvas (MF), Jose Villareal (MF), Tommy Meyer (DF),

Kenny Walker (MF), Bryan Gaul (DF), Rafael Garcia (MF), Yuri Gorentzaig (FW),

Stephen Posa (FW) and Justin Davies (DF). There were also two players who were on

trial, Bill Gaudette and J.T Murray.

 

 

As to the news of the South American players, the loan of Brazilian Leonardo to LA

Galaxy has been extended and fans can expect him back for the new season. The

contract details of Paolo Cardozo from Quilmes is not yet confirmed, but LA Galaxy

is looking forward to adding Cardozo into the roster. On the other hand,

Argentinian Miguel Lopez has returned back to Quilmes with the Quilmes coach

having decided that Lopez still figures in his plans.

 

In comes the Young, and Out goes with the Old. LA Galaxy has decided to release

the veteran defenders, Dasan Robinson and Frankie Hejduk. Jovan Kirovski has

decided to hang up his playing boots and to take up the Assistant Coaching position

at LA Galaxy. The new young players at LA Galaxy looks set to tap on Kirovski’s

playing experience, which spans from beginning as a Manchester United trainee

with David Beckham, Neville brothers, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. Kiroski was

also the first American to win the Champions League with German club,

Borussia Dortmund and also the first American to score in the competition as well.

 

Check the complete Team Roster of LA Galaxy here.

 

Bruce Arena has stated that the Team Roster is not yet finalized. The question

is still open as to whether the Draftees from the MLS SuperDraft and

Supplementary Draft will be able to make it for the final cut. The Starting

1st 11 is also not concluded until the end of the Pre-Season. Bruce is like to

tinker with the line-ups and experiment around a little, in a bid to see how the

old and new members will gel and to strengthen the chemistry among

the players. I can’t wait to see Bruce’s masterplan unveil in the upcoming

FC Tucson Desert Cup.

 

Curious to Know who’s Bill Gaudette and J.T Murray?

Currently at age 30, Bill Gaudette has been playing as a goalkeeper and last

played for Columbus during his third season in 2007. Gaudette also played

for three years at Puerto Rico Islanders and was part of the team that won

against LA Galaxy in the preliminary round of the 2010/2011

CONCACAF Champions League. Last Season, he played for Montreal Impact,

who is turning up as the new 19th MLS Club for the upcoming season.

 

J.T Murray, 23,  entered the MLS scene as a second-round selection by Kansas

City, but he missed the cut on the roster and played for Sevilla FC Puerto Rico

until the club was booted out Third Division USL Pro. Murray turned out for

University of Louisville, and was instrumental in helping the team to the

NCAA final.

 

LA Galaxy’s Injured Players and Counting

DF Omar Gonzalez, out with ACL rehabilitation

DF Leonardo, out with knee injury

DF Sean Alvarado, out with injury (unconfirmed)

DF Justin Davies, out with left ankle sprain

FW Chad Barrett, out and recovering from dislocated right foot

 

There is no wonder that the word is out that LA Galaxy is looking for a able

defensive reinforcement, if one is to look at the number of defenders out

injured. Leeds United Defender Alex Bruce, son of former Sunderland Manager

Steve Bruce, is in the shortlist of LA Galaxy.

 

I am crossing my fingers that the two LA Galaxy players abroad, Landon Donovan

and Robbie Keane, will return safely back to LA injury-free. Please don’t join the

Injured List.

 

 

The Jury is still out for the newcomers, as to whether they will make it for the

final cut. Much of this will depend on their performances during training and

pre-season matches. On a positive note, LA Galaxy will benefit from the coaching

support of Jovan Kirovski and he will be helping Bruce in the capacity as Assistant

Manager. LA Galaxy will need to finalize their final team roster and starting 11

selection soon. The clock is ticking.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: BeckhamGalaxy , LA Galaxy , MLS , News Tagged with LA Galaxy, MLS

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