April 4, 2007 MLS PREVIEW Los Angeles Galaxy
By Luis Bueno LASoccerNews.com Editor
The Galaxy will continue to depend on Landon Donovan. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
NEWCOMERS: David Beckham, Joe Cannon, Nate Jaqua
KEY RETURNEES: Landon Donovan, Nathan Sturgis, Troy Roberts
GOALKEEPING: For the first time in a decade, Kevin Hartman will not be the Galaxy's starting keeper. Hartman's storied career with the Galaxy ended when he was traded to Kansas City for a pair of draft picks. The league's all-time leader in wins, Hartman will surely land on his feet with the Wizards but having someone else in goal will be a strange sight for Galaxy supporters. Hartman was deemed expendable when Galaxy coach Frank Yallop acquired Joe Cannon from Colorado. Cannon and Yallop combined for an MLS Cup before, as the two helped guide San Jose to the 2001 championship. Cannon has long been considered one of the league's most talented goalkeepers. With Colorado, Cannon formed part of an imposing defensive third. However, a year ago, the Rapids' defense did not do much to protect him, and the Rapids allowed the most goals in the league. Still, Cannon continues to be on the national team's radar. It remains to be seen whether Cannon will offer an upgrade in goal - Hartman was still effective last season and made a number of big saves throughout the year. Still, Yallop liked what he saw from Cannon more than what Hartman offered.
DEFENSE: Ravaged by injuries in 2006, simply having defensive bodies healthy will be an upgrade this season. Tyrone Marshall is the most experienced player of the bunch, but age and health are quickly becoming concerns. Marshall is as physical as ever and brings a great deal of leadership to an otherwise young backline. The Jamaican international should play a pivotal role in the intangible department and if he holds up for the entire campaign the Galaxy's backline will be far better off. Chris Albright is one of the most dangerous attacking right backs in MLS. His presence down the right flank is unmatched in the league. His deft runs and timely crosses are matched by his bruising play. Albright has battled injuries in the past as well, probably as a result of his physically demanding style of play. The Galaxy traded away last year's steadiest defender, when Ugo Ihemelu was sent to Colorado as part of the Cannon deal. Ihemelu led the team in minutes last season and the Galaxy will have to replace his speed and strength in central defense. Third-year defender Troy Roberts seems ready to take over Ihemelu's role. Roberts is versatile and can play out on the flanks, but seems best suited to central defense. Left back Ante Jazic should be a fixture on the backline. Jazic is a Yallop favorite and was brought in after the Galaxy traded Todd Dunivant in June. Young Nathan Sturgis offers depth in both the central defense and defensive midfield. Sturgis' skills will force Yallop to put him on the field somewhere but the youngster will also miss a chunk of the season with the U.S. Under-20 national team. Second-year man Kyle Veris also is in the picture and could see time in central defense when players are away with their respective national teams.
MIDFIELD: David Beckham will not play until possibly August. When he does, he will become an instant fixture in the midfield and possibly the team's best player. To get there, though, the Galaxy needs to sort out a crowded midfield. Cobi Jones announced that 2007 will be his final season, but should still play a pivotal role in his swan song. An effective player both off the bench and in a starting role, the right-sided midfielder should add an important element to the Galaxy this year. Veteran Peter Vagenas brings steady play in the defensive midfield and should be a constant presence in the middle. The former captain survived a purge that saw fellow defensive midfielders Marcelo Saragosa and Paulo Nagamura sent packing. Youngster Quavas Kirk offers another intriguing option. A right-sided player, Kirk offers speed and vision in the midfield. Kyle Martino could be one of the club's most intriguing players. Martino has battled injuries for the better part of two years but if healthy can be an offensive power. Martino has shown well this preseason and could blossom into the playmaker the Galaxy has desperately needed for several seasons. Clearly, though, the Galaxy will be buoyed by Beckham's arrival. Beckham will offer something the Galaxy has not seen nearly enough in their 12 years of existence. Beckham's passing ability is unmatched in MLS. His free kicks are world class and his touch is still as fine as ever. Provided the club overcomes the spotlight's glare, Beckham's presence should only be a positive influence on the team.
OFFENSE: Unlike his English counterpart, Landon Donovan will be an important part of the team from Day One. Donovan has given the Galaxy top priority as he said he would consider skipping Copa America to stay with the Galaxy. The U.S. national team has a busy summer calendar but Donovan might well be with the club for a majority of the 2007 season. Donovan should benefit greatly from Beckham's presence as defenders will not be able to swarm around the American international. With more space to maneuver, Donovan's offensive production could balloon. Nate Jaqua could also benefit greatly from Beckham. The tall striker need only put his head on Beckham's precision crosses to likely score often for the Galaxy. Santino Quaranta could also play up top as Yallop has toyed with the idea of playing a 4-3-3. Quaranta has speed and a potent shot and scored several key goals for the Galaxy last season. Alan Gordon gives the Galaxy another target-forward option.
OUTLOOK: The Galaxy's depth will be tested greatly this season. The club could lose players to the Gold Cup, Copa America as well as the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Additionally, the club will play in the SuperLiga tournament as well as the World Series of Football against Chelsea in July. Additionally, the Galaxy will play at Toronto, D.C., New England and New York in a 14-day span in August and will play eight games in September. If the Galaxy can overcome its depth issues and the Beckham effect, the club should contend for a playoff spot. If not, the club will struggle despite the presence of a three-time England World Cup veteran.
