The View From Victoria Street

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, February 14, 2011

2012-02-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

Setbacks? Better now than later.

If the latest slate of dismal performances by Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy were to happen after February, this would be a cause for concern.

So for the Galaxy manager, having setbacks like a 3-0 loss to the most unexpected of teams in the Montreal Impact in February is better than during the 2012 MLS season.

“It was a good morning for us; we got a lot out of it,” Arena told Luis Bueno of MLSSoccer.com. “A real good game to evaluate things, which is good and the purpose of these practice games.”

Galaxy defender Todd Dunivant agreed with Arena's sentiments.

“We’re not going to win any championships in these first couple of weeks in the preseason,” Dunivant said. “As it continues, we need to keep getting better and keep getting our fitness back.”

“It’s on schedule for us,” Arena added. “Other teams maybe have a greater sense of urgency to get things going right now. This is just a six-week break. We’re not putting everything we have into preseason games right now. In another week it will be better and in two weeks it will certainly be a lot better.”

LA will have one final preseason match at the Home Depot Center on Feb. 16 before flying to Tucson for the Desert Diamond Cup. The Galaxy's first match with serious implications is on Mar. 7 against Toronto FC at the Rogers Centre.

Meanwhile, Landon Donovan's Everton loan spell is nearly up. The midfielder and team captain for LA will return home following the Toffees' FA Cup tie with Blackpool.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, February 11, 2012

2012-02-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

Preseason slump for LA

It seems that the 7-2 whipping laid by Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy on the Los Angeles Blues was a bit of a fluke. On Friday, LA lost 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center.

While it was just a mere preseason match, the result can be seen as a bit of poetic justice for Houston, who lost to LA by the same scoreline in the 2011 MLS Cup Final.

With the defeat, Los Angeles drop to 1-2 in preseason play and will come into Tuesday's scrimmage with the Montreal Impact with a need to find cohesion, because the last thing the Galaxy want is to have these results carry over into the regular season.

The scrimmage will be open to all fans who make a donation of five dollars or more to the Galaxy Foundation.

A.J. DeLaGarza...thrust into the limelight

Defender A.J. DeLaGarza has seen his role in central defense increase exponentially, especially with Omar Gonzalez sidelined for the bulk of the 2012 Major League Soccer season.

DeLaGarza is expected to join forces with untested rookie Tommy Meyer in the back.

“I’m trying to take that leadership role and talk to everyone around me,” DeLaGarza told reporters on Friday after the scrimmage, according to Adam Serrano of MLSSoccer.com. “[Meyer is] still learning that role to take leadership as well and he’s doing fine at it.

“Not too many times [has the defense] been broken down in these first few games, so it looks pretty good.”

Another possibility is that Leonardo returns in central defense to complement DeLaGarza, but Arena argues that the possibility is a ways away from fruition.

“He looks much further along than the last time that we saw him,” Arena told reporters on Friday. “He’s been on the gym on the rehab. He just got here yesterday and we’re not that far along yet and evaluating where he is and setting a schedule week to week.”

View from the Victory, Volume 17: Sense of Urgency for Magilton's Men

2012-02-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

There was a sense of urgency this week from Jim Magilton heading into the weekend match with the league-leading Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park.

Sitting outside of the playoffs, Melbourne needed to get a win, or else their hopes at finals football were all but extinguished. Midfielder Grant Brebner was sidelined due to a groin injury. Nagging issues with the groin made the possibility of a return to action doubtful.

Still, the manager was hopeful of a recovery.

"[Brebner]'s done excellently to get himself through that and get himself to play," Magilton told the Australian. "So we'll see him tomorrow and then we'll make that assessment."

One new face in the crowd was Spanish international Ubay Luzardo, signed on a loan deal. Combined with youth product Jimmy Jeggo, Luzardo made an impact on the pitch almost immediately as Melbourne upset the Mariners 2-1.

Carlos Hernandez opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but it was international marquee player Harry Kewell that delivered the game winner in the 51st minute to give the Victory a rare victory.

"It's the way I want to play. Ubay (Luzardo) came in and was very solid, it was a good debut for him," Magilton told James Ranson of melbournevictory.com.au. "Jimmy (Jaggo) is someone I've always liked since I've been at the club, we were composed tonight. A lot of it is how I want to play."

"We went a goal behind and we showed great character. Again building on last week we needed a lift, we passed the ball well, the ball lands at Carlos at the end of the box and it's a magnificent strike."

Melbourne remain seventh in the A-League standings, however, and will need to win out a majority of their remaining matches to remain in contention for a playoff spot.

Up next for Melbourne Victory is a match with Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 6:45 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, February 8, 2012

2012-02-07T22:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, Juninho! And Leonardo, too...

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy just got another gift: Juninho is coming back. And it would suddenly be a shock if LA did not win the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League.

After things did not work out at Sao Paulo, Juninho-who was instrumental last season with Los Angeles, returns to LA for another loan period. Meanwhile, Leonardo is now a full member of the Galaxy after joining the club on a free transfer.

Juninho was an ever-present force in the center of the Galaxy midfield over the past two seasons, starting 55 regular season games as well as six of the club’s seven postseason matches.

Leonardo finished his 2011 campaign early, starting just seven matches before succumbing to injury. The rehabilitation process for the Sao Paulo native is moving on strong, and it is expected that he will be back to full match fitness by the start of the 2012 MLS regular season.

Portland finally win at the Toolbox

It was only a preseason friendly, but the possibility of the Portland Timbers making life miserable for the Los Angeles Galaxy was realized in their 4-1 blowout defeat that had shades of Puerto Rico 2010 Revisited.

Dan Keat scored the only goal for LA in the 80th minute of play.

Up next for LA is an MLS Cup 2011 rematch with the Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 10.

Jack Mac, ready to attack

After being sidelined for a month due to a right ankle sprain, Jack McBean is ready to improve on his efforts from last season as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy starting XI.

“When you go into any team I think it feels a little awkward in the beginning, especially me being five, six years younger than everyone,” said McBean to Larry Morgan of LAGalaxy.com. “But this year’s been going really well so far. Not to be the new guy coming in on the first day, you already know more than half the guys in the locker room.

“It’s cool to be myself here, I guess. I know I can play with these guys. It’s just all about confidence.”

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, February 6, 2012

2012-02-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

Tommy Meyer Time at the Toolbox

For 2012 MLS SuperDraft selection Tommy Meyer, his forays into the world of professional soccer have been nothing short of successful. Fresh out of completing a successful career at Indiana, Meyer has impressed the coaching staff and his teammates with his skills.

“This has been a dream for a long time,” Meyer told Larry Morgan of LAGalaxy.com. “And now that’s finally come true. But you have to keep working.

“The one unexpected thing so far is the constant speed of play. You have to stay sharp throughout training or you get punished for it.”

Manager Bruce Arena knows that placing too much on the rookie's shoulders is the kiss of death.

“He’s starting to pick up on things,” Arena said. “Obviously, the transition the players make in any sport in this country, going from the collegiate level to the professional level, there’s an adjustment period to the speed of the game, mentally and physically.

“He’s making that transition. He’s doing a pretty good job.”

Pat Noonan and the struggle for minutes

Veteran forward Pat Noonan knows Arena very well, having been given a chance to represent the United States in a number of international matches.

So when Noonan was given a chance to reunite with his old ball coach, he naturally jumped at the opportunity in signing with Los Angeles.

“I was happy for the opportunity,” Noonan told MLSsoccer.com's Luis Bueno last week. “Bruce was the one who gave me a chance with the national team years ago, and I always admired the style of play, the training sessions. He’s done a good job of getting the right kind of players for their system.”

Noonan will rely on his league experience to help the younger players settle in.

“In certain times, training sessions, the sharpness, [you have to] make sure guys are prepared in training and in the game settings,” Noonan explained. “With a lot of young faces and a lot of rookies, just making them feel comfortable with the ball and not doing the things that make a guy nervous.

“There is a lot of talent on this team, some good depth now and hopefully I will get those opportunities.”

View from the Victory, Volume 16: Postseason hopes for Melbourne fading fast

2012-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

If Jim Magillton's Melbourne Victory do not make the Hyundai A-League Finals Series, the inability to hold on to leads will be the main reason.

All season, Melbourne have proven to be inept at maintaining the advantage in critical matches. Wednesday night's match against Gold Coast United was just another example of the issues surrounding the club's lack of defense.

A second-half goal from Harry Kewell was not enough as they gave away an equalizer in the third minute of second-half stoppage time consigned the Victory to a 1-1 draw.

"That was unacceptable. It's disgusting," a visibly upset Kewell told The Australian afterwards. "It happens week in week out. It's just disgusting. I am sure the riot act will be read in the dressing room."

Up next for Melbourne was one final meeting with in-city rivals Melbourne Heart.

"Both teams are not in good form, we're not getting the results we need, and this game's just bigger than three points," said Heart's Clint Bolton to Guy Hand of the Sydney Morning Herald. "This derby, it's the biggest atmosphere in the A-League at the moment.

"If you get on top in the big games, it's like a final. You win a final, it just gives you that massive boost."

Unfortunately, for either side, it felt more like a draw. As in, a scoreless draw.

"I'm pleased. When you're down to 10 men and your back's against the wall, we showed grit, determination, all the characteristics you need," Magilton told Matt Windley of the Melbourne Herald Sun. "They dug in for one another, they showed a great togetherness to dig out a result.

"So, they're positives for me, they're real positives, and we need to just build on this, we need to carry this through. I think it's the first clean sheet in (14 games) so that was great."

Up next for Victory is a match with the Central Coast Mariners. Kickoff at AAMI Park is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. AEST and will be televised by Fox Sports 1.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, February 3, 2012

2012-02-03T13:52:00.001-08:00

Muscle-flexing time against LA Blues

It was back to business for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, who whipped the Los Angeles Blues in a 7-2 preseason rout at the Home Depot Center.

Goals from Marcelo Sarvas (PK), Todd Dunivant, Adam Cristman (two), Paolo Cardozo, Jack McBean and Kyle Nakazawa (PK) paced LA.

The Galaxy will next take on the Portland Timbers, on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Villareal sidelined six weeks, Yuri leaves LA

LA Galaxy Home Grown Jose Villareal will undergo surgery next Monday to repair bilateral lower leg compartment syndrome. Villareal is expected to miss six weeks of action following the surgery.

Meanwhile, it was a sad ending for Yuri Gorentzvaig, who was released from preseason camp on Wednesday. The 21-year-old Sao Paulo native had been limited in training after suffering a heel injury during the first week of camp.

Josh Saunders, Mr. Clutch

It will be up to Josh Saunders to mind the nets with authority in 2012. Bumped up to starter after Donovan Ricketts suffered an injury last season, Saunders is ready to make all the stops as the incumbent No. 1.

“I’m going to approach it the same way I have the last couple of years, coming in just like any other goalkeeper,” Saunders told Larry Morgan of LAGalaxy.com. “You can’t come in thinking you have all this added pressure and you’re going to be the out-and-out starter.

“You have to work like you’re fighting for a job. There may be a label there, but I’m not going to treat it any other way.”

This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy: Kyle Nakazawa

2012-02-01T17:50:00.001-08:00

This is Part 13 in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

What is a hometown hero? According to Urban Dictionary, it is "A person who achieves small time fame for teenage stories from High School, and who eventually fades into obscurity. Essentially, it is someone who reaches the pinnacle of their life at 18."

While the credibility of such a pessimistic definition is up for debate, Kyle Nakazawa's best days may be right in front of him. The UCLA product is in his third season in Major League Soccer, and it is with one of the marquee clubs in the league in the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Kyle Nakazawa was born on Mar. 16, 1988 in Torrance, Calif. However, Nakazawa spent most of his childhood in nearby Rancho Palos Verdes, attending Palos Verdes Peninsula High School from 2002-2003.

His skills as a midfielder were good enough to place him in the U.S. Under-17 residency program. Nakazawa also spent his youth soccer career with the Irvine Strikers from 2003 to 2006.

In 2006, Nakazawa began a storied career playing for Jorge Salcedo's UCLA Bruins. He was selected to the Soccer America and Top Drawer Soccer All-Freshman first teams and to College Soccer News' All-Freshman second team after starting all 24 matches for UCLA, who progressed all the way to the College Cup Semifinals.

Nakazawa recorded eight assists and was fourth in scoring with 16 points. In addition, Nakazawa was an Honorable mention All-Pac-10 honoree that year.

A second-team All-Pac-10 selection in 2007, Nakazawa started all 21 games for the Bruins. He ranked second on the UCLA squad in scoring with 13 points, led the Pac-10 with seven assists and tied for third on the team with three goals.

2008 was a tough season for Nakazawa, as a back injury reduced him to 10 appearances. 2009 proved to be much better for him, as he became a first-team NSCAA All-American and All-Far West selection. Nakazawa finished the season leading the Pac-10 in points (31), and ranked second in goals scored (12) and points per game (1.55). He was also a semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy.

In between stints with the Bruins, Nakazawa spent time with the San Fernando Valley Quakes in 2007 and the Los Angeles Legends in 2009. He also was a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy Under-20 team.

Nakazawa was selected as the 33rd overall selection by the Philadelphia Union. 2010 was a year of firsts for Nakazawa; first appearance on May 1, 2010, in a match against his current club Los Angeles Galaxy, first professional start on May 8, 2010 at Real Salt Lake, and first professional goal on May 28, 2011, in the Union's 6-2 victory over Toronto FC.

In 2011, Nakazawa saw increased playing time for the Union, starting 11 of 22 matches played for a total of 1,308 minutes of action.

On February 1, 2012, Kyle Nakazawa was acquired by the Galaxy in exchange for an international player roster spot. With the move, Nakazawa is reunited with UCLA Bruins Michael Stephens and Brian Perk.

Sure, Kyle Nakazawa may not fit the description of the archetypal hometown hero as defined by the Urban Dictionary. But with the opportunity to shine in familiar surroundings, this midfielder may be redefining the phrase as we know it.

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, February 1, 2012

2012-02-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, Budson

Apparently one season with FC Ingolstadt 04 proved to be enough for Edson Buddle. The forward who made quite a splash in 2010 is coming back with a second run with the Los Angeles Galaxy after being acquired on a free transfer.

Actually, it was not just 2010 where Buddle shined. From 2007 to 2010, Buddle was among the top two scorers on the club. In 87 league appearance, Buddle scored 42 goals.

As a member of Ingolstadt, Buddle saved the club from relegation in 2011. Buddle also was on the 2010 USA Men's National Team on their journey to South Africa.

“I am thrilled to be able to return to MLS and a club that has meant so much to me in my career,” Buddle told reporters. “When I left for Germany last winter, I said that I hoped to be able to one day return to the Galaxy and help lead the club to an MLS Cup championship. That day is today and I look forward to the challenges that now lie ahead.”

Manager Bruce Arena was pleased to hear the news.

"We’re really excited to have Edson re-joining the LA Galaxy,” Arena said. “He has been an outstanding player for us in the past and we look forward to him continuing that success for many years to come."

Buddle is expected to line up alongside Robbie Keane up top. This will result in one of the most potent offensive combinations on the pitch: Buddle, Keane, Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Marcelo Sarvas and Mike Magee.

A Hometown Hero's Grand Return

Midfielder Kyle Nakazawa, a local product from Torrance, is coming back home.

The former UCLA Bruin was acquired, along with a second-round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, from the Philadelphia Union. The Union also acquired one of the Galaxy's eight international player roster spots.

Nakazawa made 36 league appearances for the Union during its first two seasons, scoring once.

With the trade, LA will now be able to have seven international players on their roster for the upcoming season.

The Galaxy will the return one international spot to D.C. United as part of a previous trade while receiving spots back from the Union and the Portland Timbers, who also acquired an international spot from the club in a prior trade.

A special on Nakazawa as part of the This is The Los Angeles Galaxy series will be posted on the View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report.

No Ordinary Donkey

The local denizens on the BigSoccer Los Angeles Galaxy forums may label Adam Cristman as Donkey from the Shrek franchise, but this is no ordinary you-know-what.

The forward was asked to take part in an anti-bullying initiative in Henrico County (Va.) that has been inspired by the 2009 documentary “Race to Nowhere,” which contains stories of various youths as they struggle to adjust to society and educators who question if they are properly shaping those skills.

“The basic point I tried to convey was I can do anything,” he said at his old alma mater of 10 years, Godwin High, according to LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan. “It’s an amazing lifestyle to be a professional soccer player, but at the same time it gives you a great platform and position where you can influence people for the better.

“A lot of young people, young soccer players see the glitz and the glamour. That might be part of it but there’s a balance to it as well, and I want people to understand that.

“If you want to aspire to do this there’s more to it.”

More fun from Landon Donovan

As long as Landon Donovan is playing for Everton, the Toffees are going to stay up.

On Tuesday, Donovan set up a delivery to Darren Gibson, who notched home the game-winner in Everton's 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Goodison Park.

The assist was the third in five days for the LA Galaxy loan star, and his fifth since returning to Everton seven match days ago.

With the win, Everton move up to ninth in the Premier League standings.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, January 31, 2012

2012-01-31T00:29:00.000-08:00

U.S. Open Cup rematch on the horizon
It will be the third round of the 2011 U.S. Open Cup all over again when Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy take on Charlie Naimo's Los Angeles Blues on Friday, Feb. 3. Kickoff and location are to be determined.

This match kicks-off an eight-match preseason junket for LA. On Feb. 7, the G's face the Portland Timbers before taking on the Houston Dynamo in an MLS Cup 2011 rematch on Feb. 10.

Perhaps it is only a fitting coincidence that Los Angeles takes on the Montreal Impact on Valentine's Day. And while this match will not count in the SuperClasico scheme of things, LA and Chivas USA clash on Feb. 16.

A piece of preseason silverware is up for grabs soon after.

Late in February, the Galaxy travel to Kino Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. for the Desert Diamond Cup. On Feb. 22, they take on the New England Revolution. On Feb. 25, LA take on their first opponent on the league schedule in Real Salt Lake before wrapping up the round-robin on Feb. 29 against the New York Red Bulls.

Depending on the results of the round-robin, an additional game could be played on Mar. 3 before LA return to CONCACAF Champions League play on Mar. 7 against Toronto FC.

Wait A Minute...Have I Seen You Before?

A.J. DeLaGarza, Michael Stephens and Brian Perk had been away to national team obligations and were met by the new faces for LA.

“I felt like one of the new guys,” said DeLaGarza to LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan. “We have a little bit of a different team; a lot of guys are missing right now.”

“You don’t recognize more than you know,” Stephens added. “I’m sure it will take a few days to get everybody’s name down, but everybody seems cool out here the first day.”

For Arena, it was time for a bit of Welcome Back, Kotter.

“It’s certainly good to bring back our players with a little bit more experience,” Arena said. “They’re probably a little bit ahead of our group fitness-wise. Two weeks, three weeks in those camps is a plus, but it doesn’t change them a whole lot as players.

“We know what they do well.”

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, January 28, 2012

2012-01-27T21:26:00.000-08:00

Donovan sticks it to Friedel in Everton FA Cup win

You know the old saying, "Haters gonna hate." But while that saying resonates in its relevance, what's also true is that detractors have to eat crow, if at least once in a while.

Take for instance, Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel, whose remarks comparing Landon Donovan to Fulham's Clint Dempsey supposedly lit a match on both sides of the argument.

On Friday, Donovan and Everton took on Dempsey and Fulham...and the Toffees punched the Cottagers out of the FA Cup, 2-1.

Donovan's two assists to Denis Stracqualursi (27') and Marouane Fellaini (73') were enough to overcome an early 1-0 deficit on a penalty by Danny Murphy.

Dempsey earned a caution in the 86th minute of play. LD 1, Deuce and Friedel 0.

Meet Old Reliable, the En Zedder

Defender Andrew Boyens is tapped to fill in the void left by a torn ACL injury to Omar Gonzalez earlier this month.

“As soon as I signed here, I saw it as an opportunity,” said Boyens to MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “These guys have a great center back pairing in Omar and A.J. [DeLaGarza] and, regardless of what happened to Omar, I was hoping to be pushing for starting minutes.

“And regardless of what happens to anyone on the team that doesn’t change for me. I see it as a really good opportunity.”

Boyens knows that filling those giant shoes at center back is no small task.

“I understand about the history of this team, what they did last year, and there’s an expectation to repeat that or to do as well as they did last year,” Boyens added. “That’s great. That kind of pressure on the team sometimes can be hard, but the guys on this team relish that pressure.

”Going into the preseason, bring it on.”

Yes Way, Jose

LA Home Grown Player Jose Villareal has been used to high pressure situations, having trained in Europe. However, the possibility of shining among LA's Galaxy of stars proved too good to pass up.

“Being local and staying close to family, getting that warm feeling going home and seeing my parents made me stay here,” Villarreal told reporters on Monday, according to Bueno. “I’m a technical player, going up in the attack all the time,” he said. “I like to give assists and every now and then I like to score some goals, but I’m a team player.”

Villareal knows that minutes on the pitch won't come easily, but will come with hours, days, weeks, and months of hard work and dedication.

“I have a bunch of friends who always ask me, ‘When is your jersey coming out?’,” Villareal said. “I’m just trying to stay humble.”

View from the Victory, Volume 15: New Manager, Same Old Victory

2012-01-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

Without question, it has been a disappointing year for the Melbourne Victory Football Club, who had to go through a managerial change at the start of the new calendar year.

On Dec. 31, the Victory took on Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium and were dismantled 3-1. Harry Kewell scored his third goal of the season to give Melbourne an early lead that was relinquished just before halftime.

It was a 2-0 shutout defeat to Central Coast Mariners on Jan. 4 at Bluetongue Stadium that sealed the fate of Mehmet Durakovic as manager.

In his place was Jim Magilton, whose time at the helm took place following the game against the Newcastle Jets. Two own goals from Jets defender Sung-Hwan Byun proved to be the difference in the Victory's 2-1 win over Newcastle.

On Jan. 12, Melbourne faced Adelaide United and settled for a 1-1 draw. Archie Thompson scored in the sixth minute for the Victory but could not hold on to the lead in the second half.

Jan. 22 saw the most lopsided defeat in the Magilton era, as they were punched out of nib Stadium by Perth Glory 4-1. Kewell scored the only goal of the match for the Victory in the 68th minute of play.

On Jan 26, Melbourne and Sydney FC resumed their rivalry at AAMi Park. But goals from Isaka Cernak and Fabio in the 45th minute were not enough, as the Victory relinquished yet another lead to settle for a 2-2 draw.

"They've shown me that they certainly have it within them to play attractive football, to play a winning brand of football, to be able to take on all the instructions and go out and actually carry them out," Magilton told Dejan Kalinic of melbournevictory.com.au. "It was important to give a response, it was important for our fans to see that these lads actually care and they did, and they responded very well."

For Magilton, confidence is key heading into the home stretch of the regular season.

"Confidence for a footballer is massive. It makes them believe that they can dig in, dig in for each other, and win a game of football," Magilton added.

Up next for Melbourne is a match with Gold Coast United at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, Tasmania. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7:00 p.m. AEST and will be televised by Fox Sports 1.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, January 26, 2012

2012-01-25T21:55:00.000-08:00

He's back...

Well, this has been news for quite some time, but it is official: David Beckham is returning to the Los Angeles Galaxy for a few more seasons.

Family over foreign interests. That is the lingo of the times, and for Beckham, it was too obvious as to why staying home was better. His sons are playing in the youth academy, for starters. And do Paris-Saint Germain really need excess baggage?

“I want to get soccer to a different level in this country and I think we’ve done that,” Beckham told MLSSoccer.com's Simon Borg. “I’ve felt it’s changed in the last couple of years and that’s why I didn’t want to walk away from it. To walk away from it would be disappointing. I want to continue to be a part of that growth. It’s been an exciting time and it’s great for the family to be here.”

Now the possibility of Becks retiring from the game as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy look pretty good, if not set in stone.

But will he truly retire at age 39?

“I still feel young," he said. "So I’ll continue to play the game, as long as I can. I love it. My contract now is for two years which will take me up to 39 almost. Then we’ll see.

“I think people expected me even to move away from the Galaxy or retire at the end of this year. I’m excited about the next couple of years. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

Just the usual stuff from LD...and Robbie

Meanwhile, back at the Everton Football Club in Liverpool, Landon Donovan was doing his part to make an impact with the Toffees. And Robbie Keane was on his loan to Aston Villa.

Fancy both of these compatriots meeting each other on Jan. 14 in a 1-1 draw between both sides. Everton were down 1-0 in the second half before Donovan delivered a through ball to Victor Anichebe.

"It was a really good goal by Anichebe, but it was created by, for me, the best player on the pitch in Landon Donovan," Everton manager David Moyes told reporters, according to MLSSoccer.com. "I thought he did great today. He put the cross in, which I thought could have been a penalty kick, and put the pass through to Victor to score the equalizer.

"He has given us something a little bit extra, we just need to finish off a lot of the good play he has given us."

Oh no, Omar!

The Los Angeles Galaxy are going to have to put up with Omar Gonzalez being out seven to nine months after tearing his ACL on loan with FC Nürnberg.

Gonzalez suffered the injury in his first training session with the club in Turkey on Wednesday, Jan. 4 with an MRI revealing the extent of the injury the following day. A successful surgery by club doctors from the Santa Monica Orthopaedic Group was performed on Jan. 13.

The loss means that the defenders LA have selected in the SuperDraft and Supplemental Drafts could see increased playing time this season.

Marcelo makes his presence felt

There can only be one Juninho, according to LA midfielder Marcelo Sarvas.

“I know Juninho’s story here is great – he did good things the years he spent here,” Sarvas told reporters on Monday after his first Galaxy training session, according to MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “But I am not here to replace Juninho. I am here to play my own game. We have different characteristics and I’m hoping to win and make space for myself like Juni did.”

Sarvas is likely to team up with David Beckham in the midfield as part of a potent pairing.

“I have to contribute the best way I know how – to hold the ball, make passes, and create situations so we can score goals,” Sarvas said. “[The] Galaxy is a well-known team, not just here but abroad," he said. "A lot of players have the desire to play with the Galaxy.

“I did not think that things would work out this well, but it’s a great opportunity to have.”

This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy: Justin Davies

2012-01-25T21:24:00.001-08:00

This is Part 12 in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

There is an old adage that goes a little something like this: the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

For defender Justin Davies, the last selection in the MLS Supplemental Draft, while he may earn the honor of Major League Soccer's Mr. Irrelevant, Davies' usefulness on the backline could propel him to unexpected relevancy during the Los Angeles Galaxy's 2012 MLS campaign.

Then again, Justin Davies is relevant after all: he is the brother of former DC United forward Charlie Davies.

Justin Davies was born on May 29, 1988 in Lawrence, Mass. An adidas/ESP participant, "New England All-Star" by the Boston Globe in 2006-07 and two-time starter for the Region I ODP team, Davies shined at the Brooks School in North Andover, Mass., earning first-team all-league honors on two occasions for the Independent School League.

Davies could have gone local and played for Boston College or Boston University. Instead, he opted for sunshine and played for the San Diego State Aztecs, whose alumni include Houston Dynamo netminder Tally Hall, San Jose Earthquake standout Steven Beitashour and Club Tijuana bookend Joe Benny Corona.

After making a splash as a mid-semester addition in 2008, Davies made 14 starts and 17 appearances in his freshman year. In 2009, Davies was named an all-Pac-10 selection (honorable mention), playing in 16 games while earning a start on 12 occasions. Not only did Davies play 1,284 minutes, but he also played every minute of his final eight appearances on the Aztec back line his sophomore year.

In 2010, Davies was an an all-Pac-10 selection (honorable mention) and was one of eight Aztecs to appear in all 19 games. In his senior season, Davies started 16 of 19 games played to end his career with 59 starts and in 71 appearances.

Davies may not reach the same dizzying heights big brother Charlie reached. But with the Los Angeles Galaxy giving little brother a chance, the possibility is there.

This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy: Yuri Gorentzvaig and Stephen Posa

2012-01-25T20:55:00.001-08:00

This is Part 11 in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

Yuri Gorentzvaig

Brazilliance. A combination of the words Brazil and brilliance, the word evokes images of flair, style and skill typical of one of the pacesetting nations playing world football.

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-2, Yuri Gorentzvaig happens to be part of this phenomenon, having played the game for quite some time. Yuri's blend of Brazilliance and youth will prove vital to the prospects of the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, the 21-year old began his career at Sao Paulo FC, the same club that saw Juninho and Leonardo develop their talents in MLS.

Yuri's playing career also included stops at Pão do Açucar, Pequeninos do Joquei, Nacional FC, Santos FC, SC Corinthians and, most recently, Flamengo.

Yuri Gorentzvaig was selected as the 57th overall selection by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft.

Stephen Posa

San Diego, truth be told, is a soccer city. One may not believe this, but San Diego actually has a legit soccer team. The catch? It's next door in Tijuana.

But Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente are familiar with MLS, having played a friendly with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011 at Torero Stadium, on the campus of the University of San Diego.

One of those players to hail from USD is a forward by the name of Stephen Posa. A local product, Posa's ability to finish is key to the success of the Galaxy hoisting hardware in 2012.

Stephen Posa was born on August 31, 1990 in San Diego, calif. While Posa did make a splash as a member of youth side PQ Premier, it was his work at Mt. Carmel High that made a bigger impact. Posa was offensive player of the year during his sophomore, junior and senior years and earned All Palomar League during his junior and senior campaigns.

USD was an easy choice for Posa due to the academics and the soccer program, managed by Seamus McFadden. He made an immediate impact with the Toreros, starting 16 of 19 games. For his efforts, Posa was named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team in 2008.

In 2009, once again Posa started 16 of 19 games played and finished with seven points, fourth-best on the team.

In 2010, Posa started all of USD's 19 games and was named to the All-WCC second team. In 2011, Posa was named to the All-WCC second team as well as the NSCAA All-Far West Region Second Team, recordin another seven points on the season.

On Jan. 17, 2012, Stephen Posa was selected as the 62nd overall pick by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft.

This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy: Rafael Garcia

2012-01-25T20:18:00.001-08:00

This is Part 10 in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

In a number of instances, staying local is a necessity and a blessing because if you are noticed, the country's top league could come calling at your door.

And that is exactly the case with midfielder Rafael Garcia. A local product, Garcia will look to showcase his potential in Major League Soccer as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Rafael Garcia was born on Dec. 19, 1988 in Granada Hills, Calif. but spent most of his life in nearby Canoga Park. An athlete with big dreams, Garcia is an avid follower of the Los Angeles Lakers and F.C. Barcelona.

A midfielder for the Hunters of Canoga Park High, Garcia led his team to a 24-0-1 record and a state title his senior season, earning All-Area Player of the Year and Sunset Six League MVP honors along the way in 2006.

The Matadors of Cal State Nortridge were a team Garcia had in his crosshairs to play for since the age of 11. Immediately, Garcia made a splash, starting 14 of 17 matches played. As a freshman, Garcia earned All-Big West Second-Team honors.

2008 proved to be disastrous, as he was injured in the first match of the season, forcing him to redshirt. The followin year, Garcia started every game in the midfield.

In 2010, Garcia competed in 17 out of 19 matches in 2010 and led the team with six assists and 10 points. He also took the most shots of any member of the squad (49) and also tallied the most shots on goal (26).

Garcia finished the 2011 season with 68 career appearances (64 starts), scoring scored six goals while adding nine assists for 21 points. As the team's primary kick taker, as well as co-captain, Garcia earned his first career First Team All-Big West Conference selection as a senior.

On Jan. 17, 2012, the Los Angeles Galaxy selected Rafael Garcia as the 38th overall selection in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, following in the footsteps of defender Sean Franklin, goalkeeper Kevin Guppy and former G's defender Ben Benditson.

Yes indeed, staying local can be a very good omen because if you are noticed, a team from the big league is willing to give you a chance.

And for Rafael Garcia, he gets his chance to shine with the stars of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy: Bryan Gaul

2012-01-25T19:39:00.001-08:00

This is Part Nine in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

Production, production, production. The word cannot be stressed any further. In established world football leagues like Major League Soccer, goal-scoring production is a precursor to earning championship aware by season's end.

And sometimes, production can come from the most unexpected of players.

A player that will look to increase the Los Angeles Galaxy's production in 2012 is forward Bryan Gaul, hailing from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

Though he has proven capable at holding his own in the midfield or in the back, it's his finishing skills up top that prove problematic for the opposition.

Born on Oct. 8, 1989 in Naperville, Ill., Gaul began his career playing for prep powerhouse Neuqua Valley, leading the Wildcats to a state tournament runner-up finish in 2007 while scoring 12 goals and 16 assists. For his efforts, Gaul earned all-state honors from the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, as well as a Gatorade Player-of-the-Year award nomination.

On the club circuit, Gaul led the Chicago Magic to the 2007 Super-Y League national crown, as well as four straight Illinois State Cup titles and back-to-back Midwest Region championships in 2005 and 2006.

Gaul began his career with the Bradley Braves as a midfielder in 2008, and then was moved to left back in 2009. But while Gaul did earn honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Conference honors as a sophomore defender in 2009 and Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshmen Team honors in 2008, it was the move to forward that really opened the window of opportunity.

In 2010, Gaul recorded 12 goals and 28 points before recording 11 goals and 26 points in his senior year. Gaul's work as a forward helped pace the Braves to to the 2010 State Farm MVC Tournament title and consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament (2010, 2011) for the first time in program history.

Gaul was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference first team in 2010 and 2011, also earning NSCAA All-Midwest Region honors those two seasons. He was also on the 2011 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.

As a result of his breakthrough performances as a forward, the Los Angeles Galaxy selected Gaul as the 19th overall selection in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft.

Production is a vital part of any sound football team. It doesn't matter where it comes from: if a team can score goals left and right, that's all that really matters.

Bryan Gaul is the epitome of production hailing from the unexpected. That said, one can expect plenty of scoring from this young Galaxy star in 2012.

This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy: Kenney Walker

2012-01-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is Part Eight in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

Perhaps the most important role on the football pitch is that of the midfielder. Part forward, part defender, part playmaker; solid midfielders tackle, dribble, shoot and pass during any match, creating opportunities for the men in the front while taking some slack away from the back.

Though a diminutive 5-9, 175 pounds, Kenney Walker is the type of midfielder the Los Angeles Galaxy will look to utilize this season. What Walker lacks in size, he makes up with speed and intelligence: two critical intangibles that separate good midfielders from great midfielders.

Kenney Walker was born on December 23, 1988 in Wickliffe, Ohio. For some players, picking up the game later rather than never may be the best thing that ever happened to them.

As a youth player, Walker first broke on to the scene playing as a senior for the Blue Devils of Wickliffe High School. In his senior season, he led Wickliffe to a 18-4-1 record and a state runner-up finish.

Walker earned GCSAA Soccer Player of the Year honors as a senior and was named to the NSCAA adidas Regional Team as a senior. Walker also earned NSCAA adidas All-American his freshman, junior, and senior years while competing for the U.S. Under-15 and Under-17 Men's National Teams.

In 2007, Walker began his playing career with the Louisville Cardinals, starting 20 of the 22 games he played. It was a v very promising year, as he scored 25 goals that season for the Cards.

2008 was not a friendly season for Walker, who had to redshirt due to injury. In 2009, Walker moved to a more defensive role in the midfield, and the results were very positive, with Louisville earning 13 shutouts, a school record. For his efforts, Walker was named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team.

In 2010, Walker earned third team All-BIG EAST honors as well as second team NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region honors. He started 19 of the 21 games he played, but missed three NCAA Tournament games due to injury.

In 2011, Walker finished third on the team with five goals while notching six assists. He was named to the All-BIG EAST second team to close out a successful career at Louisville.

On January 12, 2011, Walker was selected as the 38th overall selection by the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Playing in the midfield for one of the top clubs Major League Soccer is an opportunity that should not be put to waste. For Kenney Walker, the opportunity to be a field general alongside players like Marcelo Sarvas, Landon Donovan and David Beckham is an opportunity worth grabbing by the horns.

This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy: Tommy Meyer

2012-01-25T18:32:00.001-08:00

This is Part Seven in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

There is a small town in the heart of Indiana called Bloomington, where a certain seven-time national champion side plays the world game.

The Indiana Hoosiers, currently under the tutelage of manager Todd Yeagley, are a team that has seen many great players come through its doors: Dema Kovalenko, Chris Klein, Will Bruin, Drew Moor, Danny O'Rourke and Ned Gravaboy, among others.

One of those Hoosiers set to make an impact is defender Tommy Meyer, who will be beginning his career in Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Meyer will look to add some much-needed depth in the back line and fortify a defense that keyed LA to a successful MLS Cup and Supporters Shield double in 2011.

Meyer was born on March 20, 1990 in St. Louis, Missouri. Football is in the blood of the Meyer family; father Keith was a four-year letterwinner for Indiana and won national titles with the Hoosiers in 1982 and 1983.

A two-time NSCAA/adidas All-American,, Meyer shined as a prep athlete, earning all-state and Parade Magazine All-American honors at St. Louis University High School in 2006 and 2007. During his time with the Jr. Billikens, Meyer played for the USA U-17 men's national team which advanced to the round of 16 of the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

In 2008, Meyer began his playing career with the Indiana Hoosiers, appearing in 18 matches to go with 16 starts. As a sophomore, Meyer started all 22 matches at central defender, an integral part of a back line that posted nine shutouts in 2009.

2010 was where the awards began to pile up for Meyer. Starting 19 matches at the left center-back position, Meyer was named to the All-Big Ten second team, leading the Hoosiers to a regional semifinal appearance, where they lost to eventual champions Akron.

In 2011, Meyer was named to the All-Big Ten first team, helping lead the Hoosiers to the third round of the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship. By the end of his career at Bloomington, Meyer appeared in 81 matches, starting 79 of those games for the Cream and Crimson.

Meyer's play apparently drew the attention of the Los Angeles Galaxy, who came into the SuperDraft looking for a proven defender. On January 12, 2012, Meyer was selected as the 19th overall selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

The adage rings true to those who follow sport: defense wins championships. And for Tommy Meyer, he will look to add more titles for the Los Angeles Galaxy as a central defender in 2012.

The View from Victoria Street rolls on...in February

2011-12-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

I received this e-mail from Bleacher Report regarding the closure of the View from Kingsmeadow...

As Bleacher Report continues to grow as a destination for original, high-quality sports content, we've increased our efforts toward ensuring all submitted content meets acceptable criteria for publication and that all contributors abide by our community rules.
Accordingly, due to a violation of our published Bleacher Report’s Terms of Use and Content Standards, your Bleacher Report privileges have been suspended for 30 days.
In addition, I've taken down your Featured Columnist title for now as a result of the inflammatory comments made both in your most recently published piece along with the one that had to be deleted. As you well know, one of the requirements of the Featured Columnist program is that FCs hold themselves to a higher regard in responding to commenters.
The manner in which you responded to commenters—even if you were being attacked, too—would have been unbecoming of a regular B/R contributor, so clearly not becoming of someone in the FC program.
Because of your long tenure on the site and your track record of doing top-notch work in the FC program, there won't be any additional waiting periods once your probation is over. You'll be able to resume taking on assignment ideas from Adam Hirshfield and Will Tidey and, after a few weeks, if you show that you're able to hold off from making harsh rebuttals to comments, we can reinstate your Featured Columnist title. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to ask.
Best,
Sean Swaby
Columnist Coordinator

Because of this, the View from Victoria Street is also taking a leave of absence until February at the earliest. There will be a recap of all the action that Melbourne Victory has taken part in the month of January in the next volume of the View from the Victory, which will be published in the first week of February. Also scheduled to be published that month is the preseason MLS Power Rankings, as well as some exciting news regarding the Los Angeles Galaxy, which has been the main focus of the View from Victoria Street since 2010.

With that said, I wish you all a safe and happy 2012, and look forward to new stuff from the View in February. Go Galaxy!

Jo-Ryan Salazar
The View From Victoria Street

AFC Wimbledon: Why the View from Kingsmeadow is closing down for good

2011-12-26T06:35:00.001-08:00

I have learned a valuable lesson when covering my teams on Bleacher Report: never associate yourself with fans who don tinfoil hats and rose-tinted glasses, electing to completely ignore the work you do for their team, supporting them for whatever amount of time you have done so.

It's a lesson in citizen journalism that I will take to heart from this point forward, after over a thousand pieces for the View from Victoria Street and b/r.

That being said, I have an important announcement to tell all of you loyal readers as we close out an eventful 2011 in sports.

The View from Kingsmeadow is closing down. For good. And this isn't because AFC Wimbledon, a team that has worked its way up to the Football League Two down in England over the course of under a decade, are playing such unspiring football at the moment. It's because of a certain group of fans that I have had a vendetta with for some time.

iPloughLane will forever be damned in my memory as nothing more than a waste of time. This is essentially some gimmicky virtual stadium that allows people to experience an AFC Wimbledon game without having to go on a road trip or head out to their home stadium, Kingsmeadow.

I had spent over one and a half years covering AFC Wimbledon, and a huge reason behind the View from Kingsmeadow existing as it had was because of iPloughLane. The routine was simple: follow the match on iPloughLane, write a match report, post it to the View and b/r, repeat until end of season.

However, that wasn't going to last because I was conversing with some stuck-up fans who cannot admit that their team is horrible and were not careful with their conversations towards me. They saw me as this pretentious Dons supporter who actually supports the Los Angeles Galaxy.

That, of course, is true, but I also supported AFC Wimbledon because I was impressed by their success story. Nowadays, that success story has been downgraded into a "Cool Story, Bro." That is a huge drop.

The attitude of a number of people in iPloughLane was vendetta-worthy, and much to my personal disappointment, the virtual stewards decided to side with the bitter Englishmen and ban me from their cesspool of a virtual stadium. It was not a very happy experience.

And it's a shame because this was a great run. I enjoyed my time writing about AFC Wimbledon. But the many arguments I had dealing with the low-lifes on iPloughLane made me think less of this team. And those differences are irreparable. They don't pay for my college loans, so I am not compelled to hold in regard their lack of class.

Maybe that's what happens when you have terrible football to go with it. Crap football equals crap fans. In that I can understand. But at the end of the day, I still consider myself a Dons fan.

Only this time, it's with the other Dons. The better Dons. The original Dons.

Now Milton Keynes, good as they are, would not stand a chance against the Los Angeles Galaxy, although they will match better against a middle-of-the-road team in MLS.

But now I am compelled to believe that the move that was made was warranted, and it was right. The people who founded AFC Wimbledon deserved what they got in the end, and I now consider myself a casual follow of the Milton Keynes Dons.

As always, you will still see me post coverage on the Galaxy, LA Blues, Pali Blues men and women and Melbourne victory. Actually, the only real reason why I am writing on the Victory is not because of their success in the early days of the A-League, but rather the fact that Bleacher Report has not covered the A-League at all.

Hey, someone's gotta keep the View from the Victory alive. And with that, the View from Kingsmeadow signs off forever.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 66: AFC Wimbledon get punched on Boxing Day

2011-12-26T06:13:00.001-08:00

This has been nothing more than a sorry December for Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon, who have failed to secure a victory this month. On Boxing Day, they had a puncher's chance to salvage matters against Oxford United.

“Oxford United’s push for play off spot will ensure an exciting end to end game and we are due to exact some revenge for previous defeats when we were in the Conference," Brown told reporters. "They possess a real threat up front in [forward James] Constable, [forward Tom] Craddock and [midfielder Alfie] Potter but as we have proved this season, if we get our game going we are more than a match for anyone.

“I haven’t really set a target for the players over the Christmas and New Year period. However, we always look for three points in every game – especially at home."

Last season , the Us finished 12th in the Football League Two. Aside from Constable, who has eight goals to his credit this season, forward Robert Hall has also been a problem for opposing defenses, recording six goals this season.

Oxford midfielder Peter Leven has been hot as well, with five goals to his name. Coming into the match, Oxford were just out of a playoff position, sitting in eighth with a 9-6-6 record (33 points).

The gauntlet was thrown down for the players ahead of the contest: deliver the points or get sent packing in favor of players who can produce.

“We have got three games over Christmas and we need to get something out of them,” Brown told the Wimbledon Guardian's Graham Moody last Tuesday. “I don’t want to be saying we played some good football and deserved points – we have to get points. This takes us into the January window and my players have to realise their performances over the next three games determine how deep I have to delve into the window.

“If we pick up no points over the next three games then I will have to definitely let some players go and get some in.”

Constable opened the scoring in the 18th minute for Oxford. In the 44th minute, Asa Hall doubled the advantage on a textbook corner. That was all the Us needed as they outboxed an overmatched AFC Wimbledon outfit that was too ill to enter the ring that was Kingsmeadow to the tune of 2-0.

It will not get any better for AFC Wimbledon, who are marching towards the Transfer Window on their hands and knees: crawling, struggling, and bedecked with questions and finger-pointing regarding their abysmal performance this month.

Two games in three days will await the Dons. Up next is a match against Southend United on Saturday, Dec. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET. Wimbledon will then face Swindon Town on the road on Monday, Jan. 2. Kickoff at The County Ground is scheduled for 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET.

This is the Los Angeles Galaxy: Jose Villareal and Nick Noble

2011-12-25T17:35:00.001-08:00

This is Part Six in a series of players who will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

Jose Villareal

The Los Angeles Galaxy Youth Academy, under the stewardship of Chris Klein and Under-18s manager Kenny Arena, have made inroads as one of the strongest academy clubs in the country. Boasting a 7-0-2 record in U.S. Soccer Development Academy play this season as of this article date, the Galaxy Under-18s feature some players who have a great chance at succeeding at the next level.

One of those players in Jose Villareal, who signed a contract this past week to become LA's third-ever Home Grown Player.

Villareal, whose younger brother Jaime plays for the Under-16s, began his career as a member of the South Bay Force.During his stint with Pateadores, Villareal scored 20 goals in 31 games during the 2010-11 season.

Villareal was instrumental in helping Pateadores win the Development Academy Under-18 championship, recording a brace. As a member of the national team, he joing the Under-23s for camp in November and played in a scrimmage against Azerbaijan.

Whether or not Villareal is thrown into the fire on March 7 against Toronto FC remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain: young up-and-coming players like Jose Villareal speak volumes about the depth of talent the Los Angeles Galaxy Youth Academy is blessed with.

Nick Noble

Sometimes, coming back home is the best thing that could ever happen to you. For goalkeeper Nick Noble, that means returning to Major League Soccer after spending time as a backup goalkeeper in his first stint.

No stranger to American soccer, Noble will look to add depth to the Los Angeles Galaxy in goal as MLS's top club of 2011 looks to prepare for another heady campaign in 2012.

Noble was born on Sept. 1, 1984 in Charleston, West Virginia. A local product, Noble played for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 2003-2006, spending some time with the Bradenton Academics and West Virginia Chaos along the way.

In 2006, Noble was named Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year after appearing in 80 matches for WVU. Noble was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Fire in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft.

However, he spent time only as a backup goalkeeper and never started a match from 2007-2009. After a brief stint with the Austin Aztex, where he made five appearances in goal, Noble plied his trade with Swedish Superettan side Ljungskile SK, making 59 appearances in goal.

Noble's skills on goal compelled the Los Angeles Galaxy to give him another chance in MLS, and on Dec. 22, 2011, he was signed as a backup goalkeeper.

Now an understudy to incumbent starting netminder Josh Saunders, Nick Noble will use his expertise playing abroad to create some formidable depth defensively for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, December 25, 2011

2011-12-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

A couple of signings...

On Friday, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced that the club signed goalkeeper Nick Noble and forward Pat Noonan to contracts ahead of the club's 2012 campaign.

Noble, who was originally drafted in 2007 by Galaxy assistant manager Dave Sarachan, who was then the head coach of the Chicago Fire, has spent the last two seasons with Ljungskile SK of the Swedish Superettan (Second Division).

Noonan has scored 41 goals and added 33 assists in 173 career regular season games with the New England Revolution, Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders FC. Noonan also spent six months with Aalesunds FK of the Norwegian Tippeligaen in 2008.

A special on Noble will be published on the View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report as part of its ongoing This is the Los Angeles Galaxy series.

...plus a third...

In addition to Noble and Noonan signing with the Galaxy, Jose Villareal of the Galaxy Youth Academy Under-18s has been signed as a Home Grown Player. Villareal is the third-ever Academy product to have been signed by Los Angeles, following Tristan Bowen in 2008 and Jack McBean in 2010.

Villarreal is in his first season with the Galaxy Academy after joining the club from local club team Pateadores after helping them win the U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-18 championship in July, scoring 20 goals in 31 games for the club, including two in the U-18 Development Academy Final.

“It’s been my dream ever since I was little to be a professional soccer player, so to be able to do that and stay close to home so that I can play in front of my family and friends is a dream come true,” Villarreal told reporters. “Growing up here in the area I’ve always watched the Galaxy and been a fan of the team so this will be a great experience for me.”

This season, Villareal-who began his club career with the South Bay Force-has scored three times in the six games that he has played in a Galaxy uniform. The Galaxy Under-18s currently own a 7-0-2 record so this season.

A special on Villareal will be published on the View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report as part of its ongoing This is the Los Angeles Galaxy series.

...and a few resignings

While three new players join the club, a trio of familiar faces are gonna be in it for the long haul.

Forward Adam Cristman, midfielder Bryan Jordan and defender Sean Franklin resigned with the Galaxy on Friday. Jordan's option was exercised, while Cristman and Franklin agreed to new deals.

Franklin, who has been with the team since 2008, finished the season with four goals and three assists, with all of those coming in a seven-game stretch over the summer. As an integral part of LA's back line, the Galaxy equaled an MLS record with 17 shutouts in the regular season and allowed just 38 goals in 46 games in all competitions.

Jordan has also been with the team since 2008, spending much of the last two years playing wide in the midfield or at right back. Los Angeles were 5-0-0 in the games that Jordan started, including a run of four straight wins in September and October in which the club kept three clean sheets and outscored opponents 7-1.

Cristman, who was traded from D.C. United, appeared in 20 games for the Galaxy and scored in all competitions LA has taken part in, as well as friendlies against Real Madrid and the Philippines.

Rogers Centre venue for first leg of CCL Quarterfinal

The first leg of the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals between Los Angeles and Toronto FC will take place at the Rogers Centre on March 7, 2012.

“A lot of thought went into selecting the home site for this very important match,” Toronto FC senior director of business operations Paul Beirne told Larry Millson of MLSSoccer.com. “While we would have loved to host our quarterfinal match at our home, BMO Field, ultimately the decision came down to our ability to deliver a safe and enjoyable event in a venue that could withstand the unpredictability of March’s weather conditions.

“We felt that BMO Field’s infrastructure in its present state, combined with the exposure to the winter conditions, would not deliver on this experience.”

A major issue for the contest will be the pitch, which is far from ideal. However, it was a step up from having to play in a very hard, frozen surface that lacks proper heating.

“Last year, we probably had $100,000 in frozen pipes and snow removal costs just for that first regular-season game [on March 26, a 2-0 win vs. Portland],” executive vice president and chief operating officer of MLSE Tom Anselmi said. “There were all kinds of things, like keeping the water running so the pipes don’t freeze.”

National team callups for Maryland products

Back to the national team, Omar Gonzalez and A.J. DeLaGarza. The central defender tandem were called up to the 20-man roster ahead of the USA Men's National Team camp, which concludes with friendlies against Venezuela on Jan. 21 in Glendale, Ariz. and Jan 25 in Panama City, Panama.

Gonzalez has collected two caps so far in his international career, making his U.S. debut against Brazil in August 2010 while also starting in the 1-1 draw with Chile at The Home Depot Center in January 2011. Named to the U.S. roster for the third consecutive January camp, Gonzalez is a central figure in the Galaxy defense that tied an MLS record with 17 regular season shutouts and allowed just 38 goals in 46 games in all competitions, with the team going just 2-3-1 in the six games that he missed during the year.

DeLaGarza was a part of the U.S. camp at The Home Depot Center in January 2011 and was included in the 18-man squad for the friendly against Chile but was an unused substitute for the match. In his three seasons with the Galaxy, the Maryland native has appeared in 69 regular season games and nine postseason games, helping LA reach MLS Cup twice, including last year when the Galaxy won their third championship.

DeLaGarza started 30 of the Galaxy’s 34 regular season games as the team allowed just 28 goals in the season, which were the fewest in MLS on the year and eight less than any other team in the league.

View from the Victory, Volume 14: Tables Are Turning In City Derby

2011-12-23T12:32:00.000-08:00

Mehmet Durakovic's Melbourne Victory were taking on Melbourne Heart on Friday at AAMI Park in the renewal of the City Derby. A win over their city rivals was sure to give Victory some hope coming into the rest of the season.

"I think we've improved a lot. The past month, I think we're really starting to play some of our best football. I think we've got our formation right, there are a few youngsters that have come in and done very well," team captain Adrian Leijer told reporters. "There's a bit of a spring in the step at the moment so hopefully we can build on that. I think it's a very good time for the derby to come along."

Young defender Peter Franjic was hopeful that the Victory could also secure a result with a strong effort in the backline.

"It just shows how strong the team is and how competitive the places are and I've been given an opportunity from the coach and hopefully I can repay it and play well because I know Rody will always try and get back into the team," Franjic told reporters after training on Tuesday.

"Just as a player in general, the more games you get the more confident you feel and I've had three games in a row now and feeling a bit more confident, but always knowing that I've got to keep performing because other players are available for selection as well."

"Everywhere throughout the team, there are some good players that aren't even on the bench in the last couple of weeks. If someone gets injured or suspended we're always believe that the players that come in can do the job."

However, Melbourne Heart were up to the task and defeated the Victory 3-2. A brace from Heart's Matt Thompson in the 37th and 39th minutes did the job, while Alex Terra scored the match winner in the 62nd minute. Archie Thompson scored in the 21st minute for the Melbourne Victory, while Carlos Hernandez recorded a consolation goal in the 90th minute.

With the defeat, Melbourne victory drop to sixth in the A-League standings with a 3-3-6 record (15 points), putting Durakovic in the hot seat.

Melbourne Victory's next contest will be on Dec. 31, when they take on Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. AEST.

World Football: Could Ronaldinho be moving in with the LA Galaxy?

2011-12-22T14:28:00.001-08:00

The race to replace the LA Galaxys David Beckham continues, and Ronaldinho is reported to have thrown his hat into the ring, according to MLS-News.fr.

In the report, the Galaxy have been reported to offer Ronaldinho a $10 million annual salary.

Ronaldinho's long, storied career has seen him play for Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan and his current club, Flamengo.

This past season, Ronaldinho made 31 appearances for Flamengo, scoring 14 goals along the way. A decorated member of the Brazilian national team, Ronaldinho has recorded 33 goals in 93 appearances for A Selecao.

Ronaldinho has made it clear that he wants to remain with Flamengo. But according to Xinhua News, the club has not paid him in four months, despite being under contract with the club until July 2014.

Other clubs have expressed interest in acquiring the Brazilian's services, including a club from Greece.

World Football: LA Galaxy make one last-ditch bid to keep David Beckham

2011-12-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham has a huge decision to make: go to Paris Saint-Germain and help them win a Ligue 1 title or finish his career as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The local newspapers in France have declared victory, but agents close to Beckham suggest otherwise.

"All we can do is reaffirm that no decision has been taken as yet. It might not be long before a decision is reached, but that decision is purely down to David. The fact is that he has yet to decide," a spokesperson said otherwise, according to ESPN Football Correspondent Harry Harris.

"David knows [PSG director of football] Leonardo having worked with him at Milan, but he's just had a great season at LA, and with Robbie and Landon there the quality has improved," a source told ESPNsoccernet. "The new [MLS] season starts in March with plenty of time to be in top shape for the Olympics, so it's a big decision, but one that has yet to be taken."

Managers in Ligue 1 are aware of Beckham's star power, now that he has won league titles in three different countries.

“It’s not surprising,” Marseille manager Didier Deschamps told Jerome Pugmire of the Associated Press. “He’s still a great professional, even though he’s not so young anymore.”

PSG defeated Saint-Etienne 1-0 earlier today to move to the top spot in Ligue 1 over Montpelier.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Moyes to throw Donovan into the Everton fire early

2011-12-20T13:01:00.001-08:00

Everton FC boss David Moyes did not pull any punches when saying that he intended to bring Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan into the fire starting Jan. 4 against Bolton Wanderers.

The Galaxy's team captain will be on loan for Everton for two months before returning to Los Angeles for their 2012 campaign.

“We’ll try and get Landon as many starts as we possibly can,” Moyes told MLSSoccer.com's Fidencio Enriquez, “but obviously that’s down to form, fitness, and all the things that go with it. … He comes in a real busy period for us – January, there’s a lot of games over here – so he’ll get his football, he’ll get his playing time, and hopefully he can be as successful as he was last time.”

In his last loan for the Galaxy, Donovan scored two goals in 10 league appearances for the club. Donovan could appear in as many as 11 matches this winter for the Toffees.

Currently, Everton sit 14th in the Premier League table with a 5-8-2 record (17 points) and are in need of some serious production.

“Landon, in his own way, gave us speed, gave us ability,” said Moyes of Donovan’s efforts in his previous loan stint.. “He came in and did great against Arsenal, played in some big games for us. We were in a very good run at the time, and Landon was very much a part of the team.

"[Donovan] was very good at integrating with the players, but more importantly for us was his speed, his attitude and, because he was experienced, it helped us a lot.”

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 19, 2011

2011-12-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

Juninho leaves LA to sign 3-year deal with Sao Paulo

After a few years with Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, it looks like the loan from Sao Paulo FC is complete with Juninho. And for LA fans, it's not the news they wanted.

According to a twitter feed from FM Sports, Juninho has signed a three-year deal with Sao Paulo. Unless the midfielder is immediately loaned back, the absence means that there is a huge void in the midfield, and Marcelo Sarvas's role will become magnified when next year's matches begin.

From 2010 through 2011, Juninho made 55 league appearances for the Los Angeles Galaxy, scoring six goals and leading the team to a couple of MLS Supporters' Shields and and MLS Cup. In addition, the midfielder's work resulted in the Galaxy progressing to the Championship Round of the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League.

Not only will Sarvas be required to fill in the shoes of the outgoing Brazilian, but now another midfielder will need to be acquired to make up for the loss of Juninho to Sao Paulo.

More business work for the rest

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation celebrated the holiday season by hosting their annual Holiday Assist Program for children and families in need last Thursday at the Home Depot Center.

Galaxy captain Landon Donovan, who will be taking off for Everton at the end of the year; defender Sean Franklin; mascot Cozmo; and other Galaxy front office staff and volunteers were all on hand for this event.

The Galaxy Foundation’s Holiday Assist Program was created to address the difficulties many children and families face during the holiday season. In the past the program has been implemented in a variety of ways including building and handing out Soccer Santa teddy bears and toys with Galaxy players and staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, adopting and taking 100 children on a holiday shopping spree at a local retailer as well as hosting a winter wonderland Holiday party for children in need.

Herzog reunites with Jurgen again

Filling in the coaching ranks on the USA men's national team's front is former Austrian international Andreas Herzog, who stepped from his post as the manager of Austria's Under-21 national team this past weekend.

“[Current USA Men's National Team Manager] Jurgen Klinsmann and I have been close friends for many years now. I face this new challenge with great confidence,” Herzog said in the Austrian federation’s statement, according to MLSSoccer.com.

Herzog also was a former Los Angeles Galaxy player, appearing in 27 matches for the G's in 2004. Herzog is also the all-time leading scorer for the Austrian national team (26 goals) after appearing in 103 international matches between 1998-2003.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 18, 2011

2011-12-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

El Hadji Diouf to the Galaxy?

Senegalese striker El Hadji Diouf has been contacted by two clubs: Anzhi Mahachkala and the Los Angeles Galaxy, for his services.

"I'm in contact with Anzhi officials. I'm being called often, even three days ago, but I'm yet to decide. Negotiations will begin in earnest anytime soon, but for now nothing is certain, that's on my part," Diouf told Dakar-based newspaper L'Observateur.

Diouf's career has included stops in Sochaux, Rennes, Lens, Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Rangers, and his current club, Doncaster Rovers.

The Beckham drama continues...

David Beckham's move to Paris-Saint Germain is not set in stone yet, according to sources close to the midfielders.

"No deal has been done with any football club yet and David is not in Paris," a spokesman for the player was quoted as saying on skysports.com.

However, his wife Victoria is apparently looking for a house in France.

"Victoria Beckham visited a luxury townhouse in the Avenue Montaigne, in the fashion quarter, on the weekend of November 11," Marie-Helene Lundgreen, the head of Belles Demeures de France, told AFP.

View from the Victory, Volume 13: Melbourne bounce back big

2011-12-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

Mehmet Durakovic's Melbourne Victory needed to get back on the winning track when they took on Wellington Phoenix on Sunday at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

"If those (many) chances (on goal) go at the back of the net, then we're going to hurt teams," Durakovic said after training at Gosch's Paddock on Friday.

"I've been very happy with the way we've been playing the last three or four weeks and if we continue like that we're going to win more games than we're going to draw."

In their last match, Wellington defeated the Brisbane Roar 2-0 thanks to some superior set piece play. Marco Rojas, formerly of the Phoenix, wanted to make amends for his lack of form by playing more matches.

"I think you've got to fight for your position and I knew that coming here," Rojas told the Melbourne Herald Sun. "I've been in and out of the starting 11, so I've got to play so I can gain the match speed and be comfortable playing 90 minutes each week.

"At the moment, I haven't got there because some weeks I haven't performed that well. But against Adelaide, I didn't do too bad when I came on and I'm hoping to build on that and start performing again."

In the fourth minute, Archie Thompson opened the scoring. Diogo Ferreira scored in the 25th minute after Vince Lia recorded an own goal three minutes prior. .

Alex Smith earned a consolation goal for Wellington.

With the victory, Melbourne move to fifth on the ladder with a 3-2-6 record (15 points).

"The last three or four weeks we've been playing some really good football and today capped it off," Durakovic told reporters. "The short, sharp passing game that I want these players to play, they basically kept it up right from the start to the end.

"On another day it could've been another four or five goals but to have three or four chances one on one, at least we're creating chances."

Up neXt for Melbourne is a match with rivals Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. AEST.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 65: AFC Wimbledon's losing streak continues

2011-12-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

It has been nothing short of a miserable season for Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon, who were looking to get back on the winning track when they traveled to face Rotherham United in Football League Two play.

"We are travelling up early today, hoping to miss most of the bad weather and giving ourselves every opportunity to turn in a solid performance at Rotherham," Brown told reporters. "It is important that we bring something back from Rotherham and set ourselves up for what will be a very testing and exciting Christmas period."

Last season, Rotherham finished ninth on the Football League Two table with a 17-14-15 record.

"Rotherham's manager, Andy Scott, has a great track record and in particular was very successful at Brentford where he took them to promotion from League 2 at his first attempt," Brown added. "He builds winning teams and has a very strong squad, with the very impressive striking trio of Alex Revell, top scorer Lewis Grabban and Brett Williams, who we watched when he was at Eastleigh but who is now on loan from Reading. They will be a handful.

"Saturday is a real challenge but we know that on our day we will be a handful for them and we will, as always, be looking for three points, not one."

Sam Wood scored the go-ahead goal for Rotherham in the 78th minute of play to give the home side a 1-0 victory.

With the defeat, AFC Wimbledon drop to 7-9-5 and are staring down the face of relegation as they ride a three-game losin streak. Something needs to be done in terms of bringing in results, or Terry Brown could see his hot seat get too unbearable by spring.

Up next for the Dons is a Boxing Day match with Oxford United. Kickoff at Kingsmeadow is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 26 at 4:15 a.m. PT/7:15 a.m. ET.

World Football: Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan returns to Everton on loan

2011-12-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

More than one year ago, Landon Donovan said farewell to Everton football club after a successful loan spell.

“It was a little bittersweet to leave, but the reality was that the agreement all along was for me to be there until March 15,” the Galaxy team captain told reporters. “I’m a big part of this team and I understand that and I enjoy being a part of this team. I wouldn’t have made the commitment I did to this team if I didn't want to be here.”

But as the old saying goes: once a Toffee, always a Toffee.

Such is the case with Donovan, who will be going off on a two-month loan spell with Everton Football Club this winter.

Donovan is expected to make his season debut for David Moyes's side on Jan. 4 when they face struggling Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park. The loan lasts until February 25, when Everton takes on Liverpool at Anfield.

“The opportunity to return to Everton and play for such a well-respected club and a manager that I hold in such high regard was something that was simply too good to pass up. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Everton in 2010 and I’m hopeful that we can experience similar success this time around,” Donovan told reporters. “I want to thank David Moyes and Bruce Arena, as well as executives from both clubs and Major League Soccer for allowing me this unique and special opportunity.”'

With the signing, Donovan is reunited with fellow USA Men's National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard.

This is the list of matches, courtesy of MLSSoccer.com's very own Simon Borg.

Wed., Jan. 4 – Everton vs. Bolton (EPL)

Sat., Jan. 7 – Everton vs. Tamworth (FA Cup third round)

Wed., Jan. 11 – Tottenham vs. Everton (EPL)

Sat., Jan. 14 – Aston Villa vs. Everton (EPL)

Sat., Jan. 21 – Everton vs. Blackburn (EPL)

Sat., Jan. 28 – Everton vs. TBD (FA Cup fourth round)

Wed., Feb. 1 – Everton vs. Manchester City (EPL)

Sat., Feb. 4 – Wigan Athletic vs. Everton (EPL)

Sat., Feb. 11 – Everton vs. Chelsea (EPL)

Sat., Feb. 18 – Everton vs. TBD (FA Cup fifth round)

Sat., Feb. 25 – Liverpool vs. Everton (EPL)

View from the Blues, Volume 25: Offseason wheelings and dealings for LA

2011-12-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

Blues Under-23 now the Pali Blues men's team

A number of wheelings and dealings have been made this offseason. One of them is the change of name for the LA Blues PDL side, who have now been renamed as the Pali Blues. Manager Federico Bianchi is now general manager of the club.

“Everything should be easier in 2012, because I’m taking the reigns from the beginning and have a chance to select my own players and make other important decisions,” Bianchi told Gunnar Berndt of labluesprosoccer.com. “Last season, I was brought in late and had to work with what I was given, which made it more difficult to interact with the players and get them all on the same page.

"With [assistant manager] Anthony [Barberio] and me having been here from day one this time around, that should translate into more respect from the guys and give us a chance to really implement our own style.”

Tryouts for the Pali Blues men will be scheduled for January 28-29 and February 25-26. Because of the name change, any news on the Pali Blues men will be included as part of the "View from the Pali" series later next year on the View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report.

Just leave it to Charlie

It seems Charlie Naimo is going to manage two sides instead of one when it comes to Blues soccer. Not only is Naimo retaining his role as manager of the LA Blues, but he will also reclaim his role as manager of the Pali Blues women.

Shayon Jalayer will be the assistant manager for both teams.

“My success with the men and the women really depends on who I surround myself with,” Naimo told Berndt. “As long as everyone in the coaching staff and the front office is working hard and helping create a professional environment, I can be effective as a coach for both teams. It starts with [Shayon], who is the best person anyone could ever ask to have on their side. He and I are working to determine how exactly we’re going to deal with potential conflicts.

“When it comes to signing players for the men and the women, my priority this year is to find good personalities first. I need players who really want to be part of the Blues and help the entire club succeed.”

Naimo had success coaching the Pali Blues women to a couple of W-League titles, but since then, their talent level took a dip. He will look to help Pali return to its former glories when the W-League season resumes next summer.

Great Scot, it's another signing!

Goal production was an issue for the Blues last season, which explained a number of their defeats last year. They may have an answer to all that.

Forward Alan Russell, a 30-year old veteran who last played for the Carolina Railhawks of the NASL, signed with the Los Angeles Blues earlier this month.

Russell, a Scottish international, spent time with lower-division sides in England and Scotland before breaking through during the 2007-08 season for Airdrie United. He also spent one season with Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock before making the jump to Carolina in 2010.

“What sold me on the club is that it’s so new and has tremendous potential for growth,” Russell told Berndt after a training stint. “Everyone is focused on building the club up and making it a success. I’m itching to do my part to help the Blues win the championship and have a good run in the U.S. Open Cup by being a good team-mate, a good professional and a goal-scorer.”

Young gun joins the Blues

While Los Angeles have secured the rights of a proven finisher, they needed to find a player who could deliver in the clutch. This week, they found one.

On Wednesday, the Blues signed former Kitsap Pumas and University of San Francisco star Bryan Burke to a contract. Burke was responsible for setting up a game-winniner for the Pumas's Robby Christner in Kitsap's 1-0 victory over the Laredo Heat.

“I saw them playing on TV in the summer and they looked like a really good team,” Burke told Berndt. “My agent started talking to Charlie and I was eventually invited to participate in the training sessions. I really had no idea what to expect going in, but the next thing I knew I was enjoying it a lot.

"I really like Charlie and the entire coaching staff, and I’m extremely excited that they saw something in me that made them offer me a contract. Hopefully we can build a good enough team to give ourselves a realistic shot at winning the championship.”

This is the Los Angeles Galaxy: Jon Conway

2011-12-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

This is Part Five in a series of articles on the players who will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

Continuity is the hallmark of any great football team. If one player in one position leaves for another side, another player will look to take that person's place to ensure there is depth with the same talent and skills at that position.

Jon Conway, who played backup goalkeeper to Sean Johnson of the Chicago Fire last year, will now be a backup to Josh Saunders of the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

While Conway brings years of experiences as well as a few titles, he also brings baggage to the side and will look to make amends by helping lead the Galaxy to MLS Cup glory with a successful silverware defense.

Conway was born on May 6, 1977 in Media, Pennsylvania, located 12 miles west of Philadelphia. After playing youth soccer for F.C. Delco, Conway spent four years playing for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights from 1996-1999.

In the 2000 MLS SuperDraft, Conway was selected as the 28th overall selection by the San Jose Earthquakes. Originally a backup to Joe Cannon, Conway was given the nod in 2003 after Cannon took his trade to France.

Though he made four appearances for the Bay Area Seals on loan, Conway was used sparingly, making 18 appearances on goal. As a member of the original Quakes, he won two MLS Cup Championships.

From 2006-2009, Conway had his best stint of his playing career, as a member of the New York Red Bulls. He made 63 appearances on goal. However, his time at New York was marred by controversy.

In October 2008, Conway and defender Jeff Parke were suspended for 10 matches after testing positive for androstatriendione (ATD) and boldenone metabolites. These are the longest drug-related suspensions in MLS history, according to Ives Galarcep.

After being snubbed in favor of Senegal international Bouna Coundoul, Conway was traded to Chivas USA for a fourth-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, according to goal.com. Never making a single appearance, he was acquired by Toronto FC and became their back-up goalkeeper.

While he only made one league appearance for TFC, Conway did start in goal during Canadian Championship and CONCACAF Champions League matches. That season, he helped the Reds win the Voyageurs Cup.

In 2011, Toronto traded Conway to the Chicago Fire in exchange for the 49th overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, Joao Plata. A backup to Johnson, Conway made six league appearances in goal.

At the conclusion of the 2011 MLS season, the Los Angeles Galaxy looked to find a keeper to replace Donovan Ricketts, who was sent to the Montreal Impact. The Galaxy selected Conway in Stage 2 of the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft, effectively making Conway the back-up goalkeeper to Josh Saunders.

Continuity at any position. Continuity in terms of depth. Continuity in terms of production. That word—continuity—is what separated good teams from great teams.

With his years of success as a reliable backup, Jon Conway will aim to ensure continuity at the goalkeeper position for Bruce Arena's Galaxy in 2012.

This is the Los Angeles Galaxy: Pat Noonan

2011-12-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

This is Part Four in a series of articles on the players who will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

Pat Noonan is a forward that has had a long, storied career playing in Major League Soccer, especially with the New England Revolution.

Having spent time with six different clubs, including a side from Norway, Noonan will look to win a second MLS Cup, this time as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Pat Noonan was born on Aug. 2, 1980 in Ballwin, Missouri. Ballwin is a suburb of St. Louis, ranked at one time by Money Magazine as one of the 100 best cities in America.

Noonan played for the Spartans of De Smet Jesuit High School in nearby Creve Coeur. His scoring prowess saw him play for Jerry Yeagley's Indiana Hoosiers from 1999 to 2002. Named an NSCAA first-team team All-American in his senior and junior season, he finished as a runner-up to Alecko Eskandarian for the Hermann Trophy in 2002.

On the senior side Noonan first broke on to the scene as a member of the Michigan Bucks, scoring nine times in 17 appearances. In 2003, Noonan was selected by the New England Revolution as the ninth overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft.

From 2003 through 2007, Pat Noonan was a fixture up top. In his first season, he recorded 10 goals and seven assists and was a runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award. In 2004, Noonan recorded 11 goals and eight assists and tied Amado Guevara for the Budweiser Golden Boot.

2005 was not as friendly for Noonan, who just managed eight goals and seven assists. That set the stage for a tough 2006 campaign, where the injuries began to take their toll. That season, Noonan managed just 14 appearances and only one goal. 2007 would be his final year with the Revolution, but while injuries did limit his playing time, he recorded seven goals that season while winning a U.S. Open Cup.

Overall, Noonan scored 37 goals in 119 league appearance for the New England Revolution.

In 2008, Noonan began the season playing for Aalesunds FK of the Norwegian Tippeligaen, and made eight appearances for the Tangoshirts. Midway through the year, Noonan returned to MLS and signed with the Columbus Crew.

Noonan's time with the Columbus Crew may not have been as long as that with the Revs, but that year, he helped the team win the MLS Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup double.

2009 saw Noonan split time with the Crew and Colorado Rapids. After 16 league appearances with Columbus in which he only scored once, Noonan was traded to the Rapids in June 2009, scoring twice in 17 league appearances.

In March 2010, Noonan was waived by the Rapids, according to OurSportsCentral, and signed with the Seattle Sounders after going on trial, according to the News Tribune. From 2010-11, Noonan made 21 appearances, winning a Cascadia Cup and two U.S. Open Cups.

As a member of the USA Men's National Team, Noonan won a CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2005. He made 15 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, recording one goal.

At the end of the 2011 MLS season, Noonan was selected in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Three U.S. Open Cups. A Supporters' Shield. An MLS Cup and a CONCACAF Gold Cup. Indeed, Pat Noonan has won plenty of hardware as a forward.

And now as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Noonan will look to add more to his trophy collection.

This is the Los Angeles Galaxy: Chris Leitch

2011-12-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

This is Part Three in a series of articles on the players who will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

For many players in the USA, Major League Soccer is the only league they have ever plied their trade in. Defender Chris Leitch is an example of such a player.

Having spent his time playing for three other clubs in MLS, with two clubs fortunate to receive two stints each, Leitch now plies his trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy, hoping to win an MLS Cup in 2012.

Leitch was born on April 1, 1979 in Pickerington, Ohio. Pickerington is a suburb of Columbus, the home of the Crew. A number of famous people have called Pickerington home with the most notable being NFL standout A.J. Trapasso, acrtress, Lindsay Hollister, and the Ryan brothers—Dan and Tom—of Halo 2 fame.

After playing prep soccer in his hometown, Leitch took his defending skills to the University of North Carolina, were he led the Tar Heels, then coached by Elmar Bolowich, to their first national title in 2001. During his time at Chapel Hill, Leitch set school records for career games played (81) and games started (87).

In the 2002 MLS SuperDraft, Leitch was selected as the 47th overall selection by the Crew. He was coming back home again. Leitch's first season, however, saw him receive limited playing time and as a result he only managed 13 appearences. He did win a US Open Cup as a member of the Crew.

In 2003, Leitch was traded to the MetroStars. The defender spent three seasons with the club, recorded 72 appearances in the back line. Although he was named the team's Defender of the Year in 2005, the MetroStars elected to waive Leitch and that allowed Columbus to pick him up again.

2006 was Leitch's final season in Columbus, and he made 24 appearances for the Crew before they waived him again, this time back to New York, at which point the club was rebranded as the New York Red Bulls.

From 2007-08, Leitch made 29 appearances in the backline and helped lead the club to an MLS Western Conference playoff championship, as well as an MLS Cup appearance.

In 2009, Leitch was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes for an undisclosed sum of allocation money and an international player slot, according to the San Jose Mercury News. That season was Leitch's best year with the Quakes, as he made 29 appearances while recording seven assists.

During his time in San Jose from 2009-11, Leitch made 58 league appearances. At the end of the season, the Los Angeles Galaxy, San Jose's rival to the south, picked up the rights to Leitch in the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft.

As Leitch prepares for his 11th season playing in Major League Soccer, he is aware that time is running out before he can finally lift what he couldn't lift in 2008.

With the capability to shoulder a defense in need of depth, Chris Leitch will aim to complete an act of redemption that will be four years in the making: win an MLS Cup.

This is the Los Angeles Galaxy: Andrew Boyens

2011-12-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

This is Part Two in a series of articles on the players who will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

New Zealand is not a footballing powerhouse per se.

While they are the strongest country in the Oceania Football Confederation, the All Whites are ranked 119th in the world, according to the November 2011 FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings.

One of those All Whites is going to be donning another mostly-white garb. That player in particular: defender Andrew Boyens, who has made 19 appearances to date for his national team.

A defender with plenty of Major League Soccer and World Cup experience under his belt, Boyens will look to add an MLS Cup to his list of accomplishments.

Boyens was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and spent his childhood in Napier. Boyens broke onto the scene as a defender for semi-pro side Dunedin Technical in 2002, and after receving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Otago, Boyens continued his collegiate career playing for the New Mexico Lobos from 2004-2006.

After wrapping up his college soccer days in Albuquerque, Boyens returned to New Zealand to play for New Zealand Football Championship side Otago United from 2006-2007. His skills as a center-back were prized, and in 2007, Boyens was selected by Toronto FC as the 10th overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft.

Boyens spent his first seasons with the Reds, making 23 appearances and scoring once. In 2008, he was traded to the New York Red Bulls and made 33 league appearances from 2008-2010.

In 2011, Boyens was traded to Chivas USA. However, he only made 12 appearances for the side, scoring once. At the conclusion of the 2011 season, Boyens was on the list of players that the Goats were offloading in the Re-Entry Draft.

On Dec. 12, the Los Angeles Galaxy picked Andrew Boyens in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft as part of the club's plans to add depth behind Omar Gonzalez and A.J. DeLaGarza.

All in all, Boyens may not have struck it rich with Toronto FC, the New York Red Bulls or Chivas USA, but playing for the best club in MLS now gives this Kiwi a chance to finally win some silverware.

This is the Los Angeles Galaxy: Marcelo Sarvas

2011-12-13T13:08:00.001-08:00

This is Part One in a series of articles on the players who will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012.

There is an old saying that goes like this: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Such is the case with midfielder Marcelo Sarvas Fazzio, who now joins the Los Angeles Galaxy from Costa Rican powerhouse side Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.

With his years of experience as a playmaker, Sarvas now has a chance to not only earn a CONCACAF Champions League title, but also lead his club to glory and a successful defense of their MLS Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup.

Sarvas, who was born in Sao Paulo on Oct. 16, 1981, began his career as a member of Corinthians's youth sides and first broke onto the scene in 2002 with the Corinthians first team. After a spell with third-division club Noroeste, Sarvas began an long European journey.

In 2004, Sarvas played for Karlskrona AIF, then of the Swedish third division. He made 22 appearances for the club, scoring three times.

After Karlskrona were relegated, Sarvas spent two seasons with Kristianstads FF, another Swedish third division team. This was his best stint in Europe by far. Sarvas was a fan favorite at Kristianstads, scoring 23 goals in 48 appearances.

The potential was there, and after the 2006 season, Sarvas moved to Mjallby AIF, who were a Superettan side at the time. The Superettan is the Swedish second division of football. However, Sarvas was rarely-used, making just 12 appearances on the pitch. Midway through the season, Sarvas was offloaded to IF Linhamn Bunkeflo, a relatively new club. In spite of making 12 appearances and scoring twice, Bunkeflo were relegated, and Sarvas was offloaded to Polonia Warsaw of the Ekstraklasa.

Polonia would be the last stop on Sarvas's European tour. From 2009-2010, he recorded two goals in only 28 appearances before making the jump to Alajuelense of the Costa Rican Primera Division.

Sarvas fared well in two seasons of action, scoring three goals in 29 league appearances. However, the fact that Alajuelense were not going to be in the CONCACAF Champions League and the Galaxy—a team with better pay—were proved to be the deciding factor in the current move.

On Dec. 13, 2011, the Los Angeles Galaxy signed Marcelo Sarvas Fazzio to a two-year deal. With the signing, he helps add depth to a midfield that will potentially be missing the services of David Beckham.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And Marcelo Sarvas knows this adage quite well.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 13, 2011

2011-12-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

It's official...Marcelo joins the Galaxy

This was touched on in the Dec. 7 version of the Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, but it is now official: Bruce Arena's Galaxy have signed 30-year old Marcelo Sarvas to a two-year contract.

Sarvas last played for Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and is familiar with the playing style of the Galaxy.

“He’s played against us twice this year, so we know the player," Arena told Luis Bueno of MLSSoccer.com. "He’s a good player. He’s a good passer and is an experienced two-way midfielder. I think he’s going to be a good addition.”

Sarvas adds some flashed of Brazilian to the lineup alongside Juninho, whom the Galaxy are looking to sign for the long haul. Effectively, the ball is in Sao Paulo Futebol Clube's field.

“Juninho has an offer,” Arena said. “[He] knows where we stand, his club knows that, his agent knows that so they’ve just got to make a decision as to what they want to do.”

A special on Marcelo Sarvas as part of "This is the Los Angeles Galaxy" will be posted on the View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report.

Prepare for Re-Entry

On the home front, other new players with years of veteran leadership were added to the roster as part of Stage 2 of the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft.

Defenders Andrew Boyens and Chris Leitch, forward Pat Noonan and goalkeeper Jon Conway were all selected. Meanwhile, Dasan Robinson and Frankie Hejduk were retained by the club and are open to negotiations to have their services back for next season.

All in all, six players were selected in the Re-Entry Draft by the Galaxy.

“I’m not quite sure why other teams did not really choose to use this Re-Entry Draft, but I thought there was some value in it and hopefully it works out in the end,” Arena told Bueno on Monday.

The addition of players is vital to the Galaxy's chances of succeeding in the CONCACAF Champions League and the 2012 Major League Soccer season as it builds much-needed depth.

“When you look at the schedule next year, it’s going to be pretty full and it will require players with experience, and hopefully we’ve gotten enough of that,” Arena explained. “We’re going to bring back some good young players and pick up some good young players in the SuperDraft as well, so I’m confident that at the end of the day we’re going to have a pretty solid roster.”

Specials on a number of these new players will be published as part of the ongoing "This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy" series on The View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report.

Off to Sweden for Gregg Berhalter

This just in: Gregg Berhalter returns to Europe!

No, not as a player, but as a manager. Berhalter was named manager of Hammarby IF of the Superettan, taking over for Roger Sandberg.

Hammarby is partially owned by the Anschutz Entertainment Group, the same owners of the Galaxy. Ah, we saw what they did there.

"I am excited for the challenge that lies ahead and could not be more thankful to AEG and everyone at Hammarby for giving me the opportunity,” Berhalter told reporters. “While I am saddened to leave a club that means so much to me, I feel that my experiences with the Galaxy both on and off the field have helped prepare me for the journey that lies ahead."

The 2012 Superettan (Swedish second division) season begins in April.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Move to PSG 95 percent complete for Becks

According to the Daily Mail, the move to Paris-St. Germain for Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is "95 percent complete."

Beckham will be offered an 18-month contract worth in the region of £12million. Currently, the midfielder is out of contract, but with Beckham signing on to PSG, he has a legit chance to win league titles in four different countries.

Other players that PSG have been reported to pursue include Salomon Kalou and Claude Makelele, according to the report.

Another Soca Warrior to the Galaxy?

With Chris Birchall set to make an exit, another Trinidadian international could be donning the strip of Los Angeles.

33-year old right back Carlos Edwards has been linked with a move to the club, according to SocaWarriors.com.

Edwards has had spells with Luton Town, Sunderland and most recenly Ipswich Town, but his biggest stint came with Wrexham, where he scored 23 goals in 165 league appearances.

The next Captain America?

He may not be the next Captain America, but eight-year old Landon Amand was named after Los Angeles Galaxy team captain/midfielder Landon Donovan, according to his parents.

"He is named after Landon Donovan," said his mother, Genny Armand to Tim Burt of the Orange County Register. "When he was born in 2003, Landon Donavan's picture was on top of the AYSO magazine and his older brother played AYSO so we decided, what a great name and we named him Landon. When Landon scored a goal in the World Cup, my Landon was saying, 'his name is Landon, too.'"

Amand was participating in an AYSO tournament in Irvine that saw the MLS Cup take a front row seat to all the action.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 64: Wimbledon focuses on League Two

2011-12-10T09:00:00.001-08:00

With the only cup tournaments being the London and Surrey Senior Cups, Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon had more time to focus on Football League Two action when they took on Accrington Stanley at Kingsmeadow.

“This week’s training included a midweek friendly against Millwall at our training ground," Brown told reporters. "Unfortunately, Kieran Djilali picked up a hamstring injury which will rule him out for three weeks. This is quite a set back as disappointingly the injury is to the other leg and not the one he first injured. On a positive note Mat Mitchel-King came through a good 90 minutes and will be available for selection tomorrow.

"We will however be without the services of Christian Jolley, Rashid Yussuff, Brett Johnson and Kieran Djilali."

Last season, Accrington finished fifth in the Football League Two and were eliminated from promotion in the playoffs. Many of the top scorers from that 2010-11 side—Jimmy Ryan, Sean McConville, Phil Edwards and Terry Gornell—have moved on.

This year, Padraig Amond leads Stanley in scoring with four league goals. Charlie Barnett and Luke Joyce lead Accrington in assists with four apiece.

The absence of those players mentioned by Brown were felt early and often.

Accrington took an early lead in the third minute thanks to a howler from Wimbledon goalkeeper Seb Brown and team captain Jamie Stuart. After Amond opened up the scoring, Stanley doubled their advantage in the 24th minute thanks to Craig Lindfield.

That would actually be all Accrington needed, as they earned their first road victory since January, a 2-0 win over the Dons.

Up next for Wimbledon is a match with Rotherham United. Kickoff at the Don Valley Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET.

View from the Victory, Volume 12: Another Snoozefest At Etihad Stadium

2011-12-10T02:48:00.001-08:00

After dropping a 4-3 penalty shootout to the Los Angeles Galaxy in a friendly, Mehmet Durakovic's Melbourne Victory were feeling the heat when they faced interstate rivals Adelaide United.

"There's all the talk about Mehmet and about Rini Coolen being under pressure, but at the essence of any sport it's all about the players," former Adelaide manager John Kosmina told Matt Windley of the Melbourne Herald Sun. "What it comes down to now is, coaches aside, the players can take control of their own destiny.

"It's what they want to put in to this game tomorrow night and it's about what they want to put in to this season."

Fans of both teams are apparently disgusted with the current state of affairs, and both Durakovic and current Adelaide boss Rini Coolen are supremos in the hot seat, according to the Age's Michael Lynch.

Nonetheless, assistant manager Kevin Muscat remained optimistic.

"Our last two performances have been relatively good," Muscat told the Age's Jared Lynch. "It's about consolidating and putting our performances into results now because we are a third of our way through the season and it's imperative that we start picking up points.

"Two or three wins and a bounce could really set up your season, and I have no doubt from our perspective that we want that bounce of two or three wins to start now."

A speculative effort in the first minute for Harry Kewell was easily saved by United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic. A minute later, Carlos Hernandez tried a set piece, but Galekovic was there to make another kick save.

The next several minutes saw the Victory try their luck with corner kicks, but the technique was lacking. Fabian Barbiero had a good look on goal in the 23rd minute for Adelaide, but his speculative attempt went high.

Kewell's next chance in the 26th minute was headed over the bar. In the 31st minute, Kewell got involved in a scuffle that happened on the pitch after he tried to quickly restart possession. Barbiero would be cautioned in the 33rd minute for a challenge on Leigh Broxham.

Melbourne had the lion's share of chances in the first half but the possession was nothing short of dismal. Their opportunities in the 42nd and 43rd minutes off corners were the epitome of their efforts. Promising possession, diabolic finish.

In the only minute of stoppage time, Kewell's misfortunes continued, with a long shot going wide right. At the break, both teams went into the change rooms scoreless.

Leigh Broxham tried his luck in the 47th minute, but his shot went wide left. Dario Vidosic had a look on goal in the 52nd minute but his header was collected by Victory goalkeeper Ante Covic. Thompson's attempt in the 57th minute was squandered rather easily, a sign of his age and the possibility that the game was leaving him ever so subtly.

Hernandez's next shot in the 58th minute was saved by Galekovic. In the 59th minute, Thompson was able to finish a header off a Fabio delivery to make it 1-0 to the Victory.

Yet another chance for Kewell was wasted in the 62nd minute, with his shot going wide right. Bruce Djite nearly equalized in the 64th minute, but the shot went high.

In the 67th minute, Thompson was denied a brace thanks to the heroics of Galekovic. In the 75th minute, Kewell tried another shot, but that was also parried away.

Barbiero equalized in the 82nd minute thanks to poor defending from Fabio. Once again, Melbourne have been unable to hang on to leads minutes from time. This has been a cause of concern for the past several weeks: the inability to build on an advantage.

Kewell had one final chance in the second minute of stoppage time, but he could not connect, and that marked another sorry outing for the Melbourne Victory, who were consigned to another draw. Final score: Melbourne Victory 1-1 Adelaide United.

One has to wonder how long will Mehmet Durakovic remain as the manager of the Victory. It has been a terrible first year for Durakovic, marked by a string of setbacks, poor play, too many penalties surrendered, and countless points left on the table.

And so, the countdown continues.

Up next for Melbourne is their second match with the Wellington Phoenix, scheduled for Dec. 18. Kickoff at AAMI Park is scheduled for 5 p.m. AEST.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 10, 2011

2011-12-09T23:53:00.001-08:00

So long, Chris Birchall?

Midfielder Chris Birchall has won some hardware as a midfielder for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy. But the Trinidad and Tobago international is out of contract and is exploring his options as of this article date.

"I've loved my time at LA Galaxy." Birchall told Sky Sports News HD. "LA Galaxy is a great club but I will see what offers come from back home in England before making any decision on my future."

Before playing for Los Angeles, Birchall played for Football League sides Port Vale, Coventry City and Brighton and Hove Albion. All in all, Birchall made 66 appearances for the Galaxy from 2009-2011.

No loan for Keano, says Keano

Forward Robbie Keane has said no to offers for loans from clubs across the pond, electing to spend the offseason training for what is expected to be a grueling 2012 campaign.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to relax,” Keane told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “I have a few niggles to clear up and will look forward to getting back in January.

“It would be stupid to go anywhere to play for a couple of weeks off. It’s been a tough schedule for me for the last three months, doing a lot of traveling once a month since I’ve been here.”

Along with league play and CONCACAF Champions League action, Keane has his obligations to the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine.

“I’ll just do exactly what I do in the offseason if I was in England,” Keane added. “I’ll take these weeks to relax. I feel it a little bit, I feel a few niggles here and there. I’ll take a good few weeks off and look forward to getting back.”

For the record, a niggle is a minor problem, whether it has to do with the body or not. In this case, it applies to match fitness.

Hello, old friends

Adam Cristman, Nate Burkey and Lexton Moy go way back. As in, back to their high school days when they played for an All-State team in Virginia.

Cristman, Burkey and Moy were on opposite teams in the Galaxy's 6-1 annihilation of the Philippines, but meeting familiar faces from way back when? Why not?

“To see two guys from my state team in Manila was the last thing that I expected. It was funny to be so far away from home yet still comes across people that I knew and played with when I was younger,” Cristman told LAGalaxy.com. “I swapped shirts with one of their other guys, but I got Nate’s too, so I’m excited to have that.

"It was just cool to catch up with those guys and know that we’ve all be able to make it this far in the game.”

Cristman also touched base with former D.C. United player Danny Allsopp, who is currently in his second stint with Melbourne Victory. Allsopp played for United during the 2010 season.

"He was always really friendly, would always say hi or joke around with somebody," Cristman said of Allsopp. "He had one of the driest senses of humor that a person can have, if you can understand him. He’s got the accent and he mumbles a lot, like [Dan] Keat on our team really.”

It was only fitting that after the penalty shootout, which the Galaxy won 4-3 after a 2-2 draw, Cristman and Allsopp exchanged jerseys. And the beat goes on.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 8, 2011

2011-12-08T14:28:00.001-08:00

Youth Academy Update

The Los Angeles Galaxy Under-18s, under manager Kenny Arena, continue to shake, rattle and roll after going unbeaten at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Sarasota, Fla.

In their first match, the U-18s shut out the Clearwater Chargers 3-0 thanks to goals from Irving Parra, Jose Villareal and Mario Rodriguez. Villareal was at it again, scoring the Galaxy's only goal against Texans SC Houston. That match ended in a 1-1 draw.

in their third match, the Under-18s recorded another draw, this time a 2-2 result against the Concorde Fire. Rodriguez turned into Super Mario, helping the Young G's rally back with a brace in the 87th and 90th minutes.

with the results, the Galaxy Under-18s are now 7-0-2 this season, while remaining unbeaten in the Western Conference SoCal Division at 4-0-0.

For the Under-16s, it was a totally different story, as they managed one draw against two defeats. In their first match, a brace from Jaime Villareal and a third from Mario Ortiz gave the Galaxy a 3-3 draw against the Clearwater Chargers.

The next two matches were disastrous. The Under-16s were blown apart by Texans SC Houston 4-1. Matthew Perez recorded the only goal for the Galaxy. The U-16s ended their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to the Concorde Fire, with Villareal scoring for LA.

Some questions need to be answered as the Under-16s head into spring. They are currently 4-3-2, 3-1-0 in the Western Conference SoCal Division.

The Under-12s also took part in some action, shutting out Real So Cal 2-0. Owen Zaldivar recorded a brace for LA.

This weekend, the Galaxy Academy Under-13s will take on Pateadores on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Laguna Hills High School in Laguna Hills, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET.

Battle Stations, Young American!

Midfielder Michael Stephens was one of 28 players named to Caleb Porter’s U.S. Under-23 National Team roster for an upcoming training camp in Bradenton, Fla. This training camp will be ahead of 2012 CONCACAf Olympic Qualifying, where they will take on Canada, Cuba and El Salvador.

Stephens has appeared in 25 games in each of his two seasons with the Galaxy, making 33 starts while scoring one goal and adding nine assists. He also came off the bench in two of LA’s four postseason games this year as he helped the club win their third MLS Cup.

This is the list of players that will participate in camp.

GOALKEEPERS (4): David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Zac MacMath (Philadelphia Union)

DEFENDERS (8): Gale Agbossoumonde (Eintracht Frankfurt), Royal-Dominique Fennell (Stuttgarter Kickers), Sebastien Ibeagha (Duke), Kofi Sarkodie (Houston Dynamo), Zarek Valentin (Montreal Impact), Jorge Villafana (Chivas USA), Andrew Wenger (Duke), Sheanon Williams (Philadelphia Union)

MIDFIELDERS (10): Freddy Adu (Philadelphia Union), Bryan Arguez (Montreal Impact), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Danny Cruz (Houston Dynamo), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabæk), Dilly Duka (Columbus Crew), Jared Jeffrey (Mainz), Sebastian Lletget (West Ham United), Amobi Okugo (Philadelphia Union), Michael Stephens (LA Galaxy)

FORWARDS (6): Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Teal Bunbury (Sporting KC), Jann George (Nürnberg), Joe Gyau (Hoffenheim), Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union), Andrew Wooten (Kaiserslautern)

Spring Training in Tucson

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy will be participating in a preseason tournament in Tucson, Arizona. The tournament, the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, will take place Feb. 22-Mar. 3 at Kino Stadium.

On Feb. 22, LA will take on the New England Revolution. Feb. 25 will see the Galaxy face Real Salt Lake. And on Feb. 29, a mouth-watering showdown between Los Angeles and the New York Red Bulls will take place.

"The LA Galaxy are excited to participate in the 2nd annual FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup,” Arena told reporters. “Tucson is an outstanding venue for our preseason as we prepare for the CONCACAF Champions League and the MLS regular season.

"We look forward to the outstanding weather, facilities and hospitality that Tucson has to offer and look forward a challenging competition."

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 7, 2011

2011-12-07T08:48:00.001-08:00

Marcelo Sarvas to the G’s

Apparently Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy are not going to wait for David Beckham to make his decision as to whether or not he will be leaving the club for Paris Saint-Germain of Ligue 1. The Galaxy have signed a two-year deal with Marcelo Sarvas Fazzio of L.D. Alajuelense, according to Goal.com.

Sarvas, 30, is a journeyman with years of European experience, having played for clubs like Karlskrona AIF, Kristianstads FF, Mjalby AIF, Bunkeflo IF and Polonia Warszawa before surfacing with La Liga.

The Brazilian has been instrumental in Alajuelense’s efforts the past few seasons, helping La Liga win the Primera Division crown in 2011 while recently winning the Torneo Invierno. His ability to create plays in the midfield will be crucial to LA’s chances in the CONCACAF Champions League and the 2012 Major League Soccer season.

Impressive performance for Victory, says Beckham

As for Beckham, he was impressed by the performance of the Melbourne Victory in LA’s 4-3 penalty shootout win on Tuesday (the match was a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation).

"I think the first 25 minutes we were poor. I think our legs were still in Philippines. We got ourselves back into the games and Robbie (Keane) got us back into the game with two penalties which was good," Beckham told Bren O’Brien of Sportal. "We are happy to end the tour like this."

“All in all, I think they are a very good team, they've got some talented players and that causes problems."

Arena was also impressed by Victory’s efforts against the Galaxy.

"The game was fun for people watching. Coaches maybe not so happy, but that's okay, it's an exhibition and it’s supposed to be like that," Arena said on Tuesday.

LA Galaxy finish off season in style with victory over Melbourne Victory

2011-12-06T11:38:00.001-08:00

Would you believe it. The 2011 season is officially over for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, and they end they year on a winning note.

After surrendering a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Carlos Hernandez in the 15th minute and Isaka Cernak in the 37th minute, a Robbie Keane penalty brace in the 43rd and 50th minutes set up a penalty shooutout.

Los Angeles won the shootout 4-3, with the youngsters—Hector Jimenez, Michael Stephens, and Paolo Cardozo—and veteran Gregg Berhalter converting. Landon Donovan, who had a terrible final outing along with Todd Dunivant, saw his penalty attempt hit the crossbar.

I think the Galaxy understood why Melbourne Victory have been known for giving up penalties in the box more often than not, and they have been the beneficiaries. Otherwise, it was not the easiest of times for Los Angeles. They were spent, a beaten bunch, and felt like the travel caught up to them.

But it was a job well done, and the Galaxy made history by scoring their first-ever win on Australian soil.

Now a big question remains: will David Beckham be back next year? Will he move to Paris Saint-Germain? Or will he call it a career?

It seems the whole world wants to know of Becks's next move, since everyone is being left in the lurch.

If Beckham decides to make the move, there are other players waiting in the wings to take his place, such as Didier Drogba, who is widely believed to make a move to LA.

Otherwise, the Galaxy are in good hands coming into next season. Keane has proven to be useful when converting penalties and will be needed when the situation arises in the CONCACAF Champions League. It seems that youngsters like Dan Keat, Jimenez, Cardozo and the bunch have passed the audition and will earn more time next year.

And if Juninho can be signed to a full contract, the midfield is going to get some added muscle heading into next season.

All in all, this has been one of the best years for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and it was only fitting that the G's closed the deal out in style.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 3, 2011

2011-12-03T19:57:00.001-08:00

Good riddance Kevin Muscat, says Robbie Keane

Kickoff between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Melbourne Victory will not take place until Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. local time, and already the fireworks are coming out with LA's Robbie Keane calling out Melbourne assistant manager Kevin Muscat.

"He mistimed a lot of tackles in his time," Keane told David Davutovic of the Melbourne Herald Sun. "Kevin and I became good pals and I look forward to seeing him and we'll probably have a beer after the game.

"But I'm very happy he's retired. I wouldn't want to get tackled by him."

Keane has no plans to seek out a loan deal across the pond, opting to get back into fitness during the offseason.

"I could have stayed in the premiership for a few more years but it came at the right time for me and my family," Keane said. "I was always interested in coming to play in the US at some stage. The last few years were up and down for me, and that can happen when you move around a bit.

"Now I'm really enjoying my football, that's most important thing."

Toughest test on hand for Los Angeles

Australia has been a bogey country of some sort for the Galaxy, and Tuesday's friendly with Melbourne Victory will not be a walk in the park.

“First I just want to say it’s great to be here and already the players are out and about walking through Melbourne," said Galaxy president Tom Payne to FourFourTwo. "We don’t like to be landlocked in a hotel. The players feel fresh even though it’s the end of our season and are genuinely excited to be here.”

“We’ve played in Indonesia and Philippines but this will be our hardest test.”

Los Angeles arrived on a charter flight after their 6-1 demolition of the Philippines national team on Saturday night. A training session will take place on Monday at Visy Park in Melbourne. Midfielder David Beckham will visit a children's hospital in the area that morning.

Youth Academy Update

As the first team wraps up their Asia Pacific Tour 2011, the Galaxy Youth Academy had a number of players that took part in a US Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Sarasota, Fla.

Jaime Villareal, Justin Dhillon, William Raygoza, Rolando Muñoz and Manny Padilla represented the Young G's at the Showcase and played on Select Teams.

As for the Under-16 and Under-18 squads, they were in action for three matches this weekend. Coming into the weekend's matches, the Under-16s are third in the Western Conference SoCal Division behing the San Diego Surf and Real Salt Lake Arizona. The Under-18s were unbeaten, with a perfect 7-0-0 record to show for it.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 63: Back to Cup Action for AFC Wimbledon

2011-12-03T08:55:00.001-08:00

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon stepped aside from Football League Two action to take part in a couple of cup matches.

First up was a London Senior Cup tie against Wingate and Finchley. Brown elected to field a strong side for the match.

"The team is a very strong one and sees Mat Mitchel-King get his first taste of the action for over a month," Brown told reporters. "The starting line-up will be: Jack Turner, Ade Osifuwa, Fraser Franks, Mat Mitchel-King, Gareth Gwillim, Max Porter, Lee Minshull, James Mulley, Ryan Jackson, Brendan Kiernan and Louie Theopanous.

"The players who have been banging on my door will want to prove a point tonight and I should hope that with a strong side we should be able to progress to the next round.”

Indeed, AFC Wimbledon sunk Wingate and Finchley 2-1 in extra tiome and would take on either Beckenham Town, Thamesmead Town or the Metropolitan Police on Jan. 14.

The Dons returned to cup action when they returned to Valley Parade to take on Bradford City in the second round of the FA Cup.

"We go into the game in excellent heart and confident," Brown said on Friday. "It's a cliche but still true that the main thing is to ensure that we are in the draw on Sunday and to do that we will need to put in a top quality performance."

Unfortunately, that would not be the case, as Wimbledon reprised their efforts from last season in exiting out at the second round proper.

Bradford took the lead in the 10th minute thanks to Ross Hanna. The Bantams doubled their advantage in the 14th minute thanks to an own goal from Chris Bush.

In the second half, Jack Midson pulled one back in the 50th minute to make it 2-1. Craig Fagan made it 3-1 in the 70th minute to put the game out of reach.

With the Dons eliminated from the FA Cup, the club can now focus on Football League Two play. Up next is a home tie with Accrington Stanley at Kingsmeadow. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:00 a.m. PT/10:00 a.m. ET.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Melbourne Victory: A Curtain Call For David Beckham?

2011-12-03T06:54:00.001-08:00

2011 is drawing to a close, and the David Beckham era may be reaching its conclusion on Tuesday, Dec. 6 when the Los Angeles Galaxy face the Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

With the possibility of Beckham confirming the move the Paris-St. Germain increasing in strength, the final leg of the Asia Pacific Tour 2011 is sure to be a bittersweet one.

Unless an Act of God takes place soon after the match, this contest will be the last-ever match for Beckham in a Galaxy uniform. At the same time, it is a match pitting former Premier League rivals: Beckham vs. former Leeds United/current Victory ace Harry Kewell.

Los Angeles are coming off a dazzling performance in the Philippines. The Azkals were destroyed, from top to bottom, by the Galaxy scoring machine to the tune of 6-1 on Saturday. Australia has not been friendly to the Galaxy, with losses to Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets to show for it.

However, the third time could be the charm, as they take on a Melbourne side that is clearly in a world of hurt.

The Victory are coming off a 3-1 defeat to the Jets on the road, and have underperformed this season under manager Mehmet Durakovic, with most of their matches resulting in draws.

As of this post, Melbourne are 2-5-2 (11 points) and are currently fifth on the table with a handful of teams yet to play in Round Nine of the 2011-12 Hyundai A-League season.

In comparison, the Galaxy have been nothing short of stellar this year, finishing 19-5-10 (67 points), and earning a Supporters Shield-MLS Cup double. In addition, Los Angeles have progressed to the knockout rounds of the CONCACAF Champions League.

For Los Angeles, they have to take advantage of Melbourne's diabolical defending and hope to also win a penalty or two, as the Victory have surrendered eight penalty kick attempts this season.

Kewell is the main marquee player for Melbourne, but he has only managed one goal in nine matches. Nonetheless, he will be kept in check by Omar Gonzalez and the Galaxy back line. LA's biggest worry may be in the form of Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez.

Hernandez currently has four goals this season for the Victory and will need to his stride on Tuesday at Etihad against the team whose talent level exceeds that of defending A-League Champions Brisbane Roar.

In fact, when the Galaxy are on their game, even Brisbane and Besart Berisha may have a tough time solving MLS's top side this year. But speculation is speculation, and so it is safe to say that the Galaxy will not be facing the best team in the A-League.

Prediction:

This has to be the time the Galaxy finally put it all together. All things must come to an end at some point in time. Even futility in a certain nation.

The Galaxy's mindset was irreparable clouded last year after failing to make the MLS Cup, and it showed in their 2-1 loss to Newcastle. As the flag-bearers of the league, Los Angeles should be up to the challenge and make this a clean sweep. The Galaxy will finish the calendar year on a winning note.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Melbourne Victory 1

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. AEST/12:30 a.m. PT/3:30 a.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel in the US and Canada and Fox Sports 1 in Australia.

Los Angeles Galaxy: David Beckham, Star Power Put Philippine Azkals to Sleep 6-1

2011-12-03T06:00:00.001-08:00

First off, I am proud to consider myself Filipino, albeit Filipino-American. My parents and older sister were born there, and I do have a soft side for the Azkals, the Philippines National Team and support their endeavors in helping improve the quality of play in that region.

That being said, I have to wonder how the Philippines will take the euthanization their Azkals took at the hands of Major League Soccer's glamour club, Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, 6-1, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in the capital city of Manila.

Will they take it along the lines of "Well, it was bound to happen. At least we tried"? Or will it be along the lines of "This is an unacceptable result because we did not make the scoreline respectable?"

If the Philippines is to foster its love for the world game, they must take this news along the lines of the latter. Aside from Phil Younghusband's heroics in the 41st minute—more on him later—and the first 20 minutes of the contest, the Azkals were thoroughly outclassed by firepower of the Galaxy.

David Beckham opened the scoring in the 20th minute with his trademark curler that hit the top right corner. Mike Magee made it 2-0 in the 38th minute with a shot reaching top left shelf.

It was the second half that really told the story for both sides, as Los Angeles reeled off four unanswered goals. Robbie Keane continued his hot scoring form in the 48th minute, Adam Cristman recorded a brace in the 63rd and 87th minutes of play and Gregg Berhalter converted a penalty in the 81st minute.

One fan in attendance held up a sign suggesting that the Azkals were ready to face Manchester United. If he was referring to the Manchester United Youth Academy side, the fan may have a case. Unfortunately, with this performance, not even the Red Devil kids will be given a dream match of their own against the Philippines because it's not in the first team's best interests.

Excuse me, I meant Sir Alex Ferguson's best interests. But you get my point.

Back to Phil Younghusband. For a player from a footballing minnow like the Philippines to score on the Los Angeles Galaxy, one would believe that he would have a decent shot at trying out for a side in MLS. He's only 24 years old, and Major League Soccer might be a possibility.

Now Los Angeles has a very strong and vibrant Filipino community, and the Galaxy signing Younghusband to a deal that will see him add depth at the forward position might not be such a bad idea. whether or not that will be even considered is up to the shotcallers at the Galaxy front office to decide.

At the same time, it is clear that the salary is much better than that of his current club, Loyola Agila, which competes in the United Football League. Just food for thought.

As for the Galaxy, this was a breath of fresh air. The first 20 minutes were chaotic, and the Azkals had a number of chances to secure a dream start over LA. But the Galaxy have shown that they able to adjust, and in spite of giving up possessions, Los Angeles generated plenty of space and their sequences made it pesos well spent for the fans in attendance.

One of those fans happened to be boxer/congressman Manny Pacquiao, who is close to signing off on a fight with a certain Floyd Mayweather Jr. next year. After Beckham was subbed out in the 75th minute, he gave his shirt to Pacquiao as a gesture of goodwill to the raptures of the fans.

As a caution, it would be smart for the casual fan to not read too much into this scoreline.

Up next for the Los Angeles Galaxy is a trip to Australia, a place that they have yet to win a game in. The good news is that they are taking on an opponent that hasn't been performing to expectations this season.

Billed as a match between Beckham and Harry Kewell, the G's take on struggling Melbourne Victory in the final leg of the Asia Pacific Tour 2011. If there was ever a time get a large gorilla off their backs, the time would be now.

Kickoff between the Galaxy and Victory is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 12:30 a.m. PT/3:30 a.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.

View from the Victory, Volume 11: Hot Seat Becomes Even Hotter For Durakovic

2011-12-03T02:43:00.001-08:00

Mehmet Durakovic's Melbourne Victory were riding on the heels of a breakthough 3-2 win over Gold Coast United at AAMI Park and needed to build on their result as they hit the road to face the Newcastle Jets at Ausgrid Stadium.

Intimidation has worked in Newcastle's favor against the Victory, as they have dominated at home against their Victorian rivals.

"It is a bit of an eerie place, a bit of a different place to go," Melbourne's Leigh Broxham told David Davutovic of the Melbourne Herald Sun. "We've had some good results there, too, but I guess it's not one of the better places we've had. So this week would be a good statement to back up a good result that we had last week."

Then again, Newcastle also are wary of Melbourne's ability to get results on the day.

"I think they're a very dangerous team no matter what, whether they're full of confidence or not full of confidence," Jets manager Gary van Egmond told the Herald Sun. "They've got players within their squad who are capable of turning a match at any given moment.

"Given time and space they can really punish you you have to take that away from them."

Melbourne swingman Harry Kewell has been able to settle down in his role with the Victory, saying earlier this past week that he felt right at home.

"It may sound stupid, or as if this guy is being a big-timer, but literally I walk out there and that's my home, it's where I feel natural and comfortable, besides my actual house with my family," said Kewell to Michael Lynch of the Sydney Morning Herald. "That is something where I can be in front of one person, 1000 people or 100,000 and it does not worry me. That becomes your reality.

"Yes, the other stuff … being the poster boy for the league, that's more the pressure. I think out there you can be natural, you can be doing what you are good at."

17,245 came out for Saturday's contest in the Hunter Valley, which saw Melbourne add more salt to its own wounds in the form of a 3-1 defeat.

Early on, a chance for Newcastle's Jeremy Brockie in the eighth minute sailed wide left. Fabio was cautioned in the ninth minute for a speculative challenge. A chance for Billy Celeski in the 12th minute was cleared.

Carlos Hernandez broke open the scoring in the 20th minute thanks to a delivery from both Harry Kewell and Marco Rojas. A chance in the 22nd minute missed Adrian Leijer. Labanot Haliti had a few looks on goal, but the Victory defense, led by goalkeeper and former Jets netminder Ante Covic, held their ground.

Rojas commited a foul inside the box in the 26th minute, forcing a penalty for Newcastle. It was the eighth penalty the Victory conceded this season. Ryan Griffiths converted from the spot to make it 1-1.

Tiago Calvano was cautioned for the Jets for a foul on Kewell in the 29th minute. Broxham earned a caution in the 36th minute for a challenge on Brockie. Very few opportunities materialized afterwards, with the halftime scoreline remaining 1-1.

Broxham must be a Nostradamus, because the second half confirmed his suspicions.

Haliti capitalized on a Brockie cross from the right side in the 47th minute to give the Jets a 2-1 lead. He was subsequently carded for excessive celebration. A minute later, Nikolai Topor-Stanley was forced to make a clearance on Archie Thompson.

Kewell tried his luck at a header in the 57th minute, but he did win a corner that was eventually cleared. Another shot in the 66th minute from Kewell hit the side netting, sailing wide right. Ruben Zadkovic was cautioned in the 81st minute for Newcastle.

A 79th minute challenge from Topor-Stanley on Thompson was not called, and a penalty opportunity for the Victory was denied.

The non-call by match referee Jared Gillett would prove to be the turning point of the contest at Ausgrid because minutes later, Ryan Griffiths closed the deal in the 87th minute, capitalizing on a turnover and rebound off the initial shot from Zadkovic.

This defeat is bad timing, with a team that is stronger than the Jets—at least on paper—coming to Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. The match may only be a friendly, but this defeat by Melbourne is falling right into the Los Angeles Galaxy's hands.

Kickoff between the Galaxy and Victory is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. AEST/12:30 a.m. PT/3:30 a.m. ET and will be televised locally by Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports 1.

Melbourne return to A-League action on Saturday, Dec. 10 when they face Adelaide United at Etihad. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. AEST.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 1, 2011

2011-12-01T13:21:00.001-08:00

Taking the cut

It seems event organizers for the match between Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy and the Philippines National Team have decided to make things easier for fans.

Originally set at a price from P2,060 to P15,965, the ticket prices have been reduced by 35 percent so that more fans will be able to attend the match.

“Ticket sales spiked since Monday. We're expecting about 80% capacity on Saturday,” said promoter Jinx Macabenta.

Rizal Memorial Stadium seats just under 13,000 for association football matches but can be expanded to accomodate 30,000 spectators.

However, according to Virgil B. Lopez of Sun Star Manila, P10 million worth of tickets have not been sold yet as of Wednesday, but that is expected to change, given the number of sponsors who have been able to drive the price down.

Tough match on the horizon for Galaxy

The Azkals are looking to give Los Angeles a stern test on Saturday at Rizal. Ace scorer Phil Younghusband is certain that the club will be composed to do their part of the work.

"When you're in the game, your concentrating on the ball and the players around you. During the game, I don't think any of us will be awed," Younghusband told ABS-CBN News.

One player that will not be taking part in the contest is team captain Aly Borromeo, who is nursing a knee injury.

“It's heartbreaking not to be out on the pitch with my team. I grew up watching the Galaxy in college in the US,” Borromeo told reporters.

In spite of the injury to their co-captain, the Azkals press on.

"I think it’s important we concentrate on our own game," Younghusband told Jasmine W. Payo of the Phillipine Daily Inquirer. "Obviously, LA Galaxy have players of a high standard so we have to play more defensively when you’re playing against such strong attacking players.”

As for midfielder David Beckham, the hope will be that it will be business as usual for the guests of honor.

“We expect the game to be exactly the same [as the match against the Indonesian Select XI]," Beckham said. "We know there are talented players here, so we expect a difficult game.

"We always try to play diplomatic football, but that doesn’t always happen. We want to win the game no matter if it’s a friendly.”

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, November 30, 2011

2011-11-30T10:51:00.001-08:00

Cristman, Hejduk, Robinson in Re-Entry Draft

Three players on Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy squad have been placed on the list of players available for the MLS Re-Entry Draft. They are midfielder Adam Cristman and defenders Frankie Hejduk and Dasan Robinson.

The Re-Entry Process consists of two stages. Each club may either select a player from the eligible player list, or pass. Once a team has passed, they may no longer participate in that stage of the Re-Entry Process. Each stage will continue until all 19 clubs have passed on the available players.

Clubs must exercise the option for, or extend a Bona Fide Offer to, players selected in Stage 1.

Players that were out of contract may either accept or reject the Bona Fide Offer. Should a player reject the offer, the drafting club will hold the right of first refusal for that player in MLS. Players with option years left on their contract will automatically be added to the drafting club’s roster.

Any player selected in Stage 1 will remain on the drafting club’s 2012 budget at the option price or Bona Fide Offer price until April 1, 2012. Clubs and players may not mutually renegotiate that price to a lower number until April 1, 2012.

Clubs may not select their own players in Stage 1. Players will have the opportunity to negotiate contracts and sign with their previous clubs after the Stage 1 draft is complete through 5 p.m. ET on December 9.

In Stage 2, clubs may select from players that are under contract and those not under contract. If a player is not under contract, the drafting club will be required to make a genuine offer to the player within seven days. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached between the drafting club and an out-of-contract player, the drafting club will hold the right of first refusal for that player in MLS.

Clubs may select their own players in the Stage 2 draft only after all other clubs have declined to select those players.

If a player is not selected in either stage of the Re-Entry Process, that player will be available on a first come first serve basis to all clubs.

Stage 1 is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 5, while Stage is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12. Los Angeles gets the 18th choice in both stages.

So that's why all the fans weren't in the house...

Apparently there has been a clear explanation as to why there was a small crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Wednesday night between the Galaxy and the Indonesian Select XI.

A forum moderator on BigSoccer by the name of TrooperBari, who is a resident of Jakarta states that this was part of a boycott by the members of Jakmania, a supporters group of Persija Jakarta, a club that competes in the Indonesian Super League.

According to the user, a hostile takeover of the club by the Indonesian FA, or PSSI, has resulted in the boycott. On match days at the Bung Karno, Jakmania generally would comprise 75 to 80 percent of the crowd. Because of the lack of crowd, artificial noisemakers were used in their place.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Philippines National Team: Friendly...or Dogfight?

2011-11-30T07:11:00.001-08:00

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy continue their Asia Pacific Tour 2011 when they take on the Philippines National Team on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

The Galaxy, the 2011 Major League Soccer Supporters Shield and Cup holders, are coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Indonesian Select XI in Jakarta, and Arena is keen to give the young players a chance to audition for next season.

Led by Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Robbie Keane, the Galaxy are hoping to improve on a performance which saw numerous chances to impose their will, but only one goal to show for it.

Players like Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong, James and Phil Younghusband, Rob Gier, Ian Araneta and Chris Greatwich head the lineup for the Azkals, who will be without a number of players due to European commitments.

The Philippines national team, who were eliminated by Kuwait in the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifying in the Asian region, will be bolstered by a number of Under-23 players, some who are making their debut against the Galaxy.

"This international recognition of football’s resurgence in our country connects us further with the wider global community of football fans and enthusiasts," said national team manager Dan Palami to Bong Pedralvez of Malaya Business Insight. "[Saturday's match] will firm up the foundations that have been laid this year and generate even more support and more important, participation in the game in the Philippines.

"This will be a necessary step in attracting a wider base of players from which we could select fresh talent for our national teams."

Phil Younghusband, who used to play for Chelsea's youth academy, welcomes the Galaxy visiting Manila.

"It's good exposure for the Azkals, not only locally but internationally and it'll be a good experience for the team," Younghusband told Andrew Slevison of Tribalfootball. "[David Beckham] was one of my, my biggest idols, football idols, ever since I was seven or eight years old.

"To get the chance to play with him, knowing that he's coming to the end of his career, it's a dream come true for me.”

Among the players that will be sitting out the match due to other commitments include goalkeepers Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller, according to Tempo. That will give local products like Edward Sacapano and Paolo Pascual a chance to contain the lethal attack that the Galaxy bring to the table.

There is one issue that could take the luster off the so-called "dream match."

High prices for tickets, ranging from P2,000 to P15,000, have driven away would-be spectators to the match, even though Rizal only seats under 13,000, according to PhilSTAR.com. Not only that, according to Jonas Terrado of the Manila Bulletin, prices for the training session are also high, ranging from P1,500 to P3,000.

Regardless of turnout, the Azkals are expected to give Los Angeles a test, as with their match against the Indonesian selection.

Prediction:

Los Angeles must improve on their finishing, while the young players need to step their game up against the home side. As for the Philippines, they are team capable of producing one of the biggest shock results of the year, in spite of this being a friendly.

The Galaxy will take this one en route to a destination that has been unfriendly to them as of late: Australia.

Los Angeles Galaxy 2, Philippines 0

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 a.m. PT/6:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Robbie Keane, Galaxy defeat Indonesian Select XI 1-0

2011-11-30T06:35:00.001-08:00

Is it just me, or does it feel like MLS Cup 2011 was last week? Actually, it took place 10 days ago, but it does feel like the Asia Pacific Tour 2011 is an extension of the season for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy.

In the first of three friendlies that comprise this Asia Pacific Tour, a 14th minute goal from Robbie Keane proved to be the ultimate difference, as Los Angeles defeated the Indonesian Select XI 1-0 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Wednesday night. Or Wednesday morning if you're stateside. Or Wednesday afternoon in Europe.

As much as it was a meaningless friendly for the starters, for the youngsters and fringe players this was effectively the first audition since the 2011 MLS regular season finale against the Houston Dynamo.

While other clubs were releasing players left and right, most of the Galaxy remained intact (Donovan Ricketts being the notable exception), and the nonstarters needed to make an impression or else they would either not see much playing time, or be released.

Turns out...they can defend, and dodged some bullets from veterans on the Indonesian senior national team, the most notable being the prolific scorer known as Bambang Pamungkas.

Also poking holes at the Galaxy first-string defense was Under-23 ace Andik Vermansyah, who will be name to watch as he graduates to the senior side come the next World Cup Qualifying cycle.

In all honesty, Los Angeles should have won this match 2-0, but two chances on goal hit the post and crossbar in quick succession. Finishing has been a problem for the Galaxy, and even in a friendly against a mediocre opponent like Indonesia, the inability to capitalize proved apparent.

Then again, most of the 25,000-plus in attendance were not necessarily there to see the Galaxy, but rather to see David Beckham. The man, the myth, the legend.

A footballer who has yet to make a decision regarding his playing future, Beckham played for 84 minutes before subbing out to a rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

Indonesia gave up a hatful of set piece opportunities and must consider themselves a lucky team to only go down by a single goal. Bad touches, bad finishing, and a furious attempt at a comeback made this an interesting friendly to watch.

As for the Galaxy, they must do a better job at completing their sequences before they are surprised by the unlikeliest of teams...the Azkals, the Philippine national side.

Kickoff between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila is scheduled for Saturday Dec. 3 at 3:30 a.m. PT/6:30 a.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.

LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts Traded to Montreal for Allocation Money

2011-11-28T16:07:00.001-08:00

Donovan Ricketts's days of playing goalkeeper for the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer are numbered.

The Jamaican international was traded to the Montreal Impact in exchange for allocation money, perhaps to secure the rights to Juninho or a replacement player for David Beckham should he leave the club, according to LAGalaxy.com.

Ricketts was responsible for helping improve the Los Angeles Galaxy's defense after allowing 62 goals in 2008. Named as an MLS All-Star in 2009 and 2010, Ricketts helped the Galaxy reach MLS Cup 2009 and MLS Cup 2011.

He made his MLS debut on April 11, 2009 against Chivas USA, and was named a finalist for the MLs Goalkeeper of the Year Award, playing in 26 of Los Angeles's 30 league games while recorded nine clean sheets.

2010 was Ricketts' most defining season. Playing 29 of the 30 league games, he recorded 11 shutouts and a 0.90 goals against average to be named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Injuries set back Ricketts in 2011, although he did make appearances early in the season and sporadically in goal in relief of Josh Saunders.

As a result of the trade, Ricketts will not be on the traveling party of players on the Asia Pacific Tour 2011.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Indonesia U-23s: The Asia Pacific Tour Begins

2011-11-27T17:09:00.001-08:00

It's been one week since Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy lifted the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, drinking beer and champagned from the chalice of victory in their locker room after a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo in MLS Cup 2011.

So, what will David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and the rest of the Galaxy do for an encore? How about jump across the Pacific for a trio of friendlies?

The first of these friendlies is on Wednesday, Nov. 30, when they take on the Indonesia Under-23 men's national team at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Originally, this was scheduled for be a friendly between the Galaxy and a select side of players from the Indonesian Super League.

However, the Young Garuda's performance at the Southeast Asian Games motivated the top brass of the Persatuan Sepak bola Seluruh Indonesia (PSSI), or Football Association of Indonesia, to reconsider its decision and send in a combined team of Young Garuda and senior national team players instead.

Indonesia finished as silver medalists at the SEA Games in Jakarta, losing 4-3 on penalty kicks to Malaysia after a 1-1 draw.

Three major players to watch for Indonesia's Under-23 players include Oktovianus Maniani, the MVP of the football tournament at the SEA Games, and the scoring tandem of Titus Bonai and Patrich Wanggai.

Wanggai, who plays for Persidafon Dafonsoro of the Indonesian Super League, is the team's leading goalscorer with eight, while Bonai of Persipura Jayapura has six goals to his credit.

Players that have been called up from the senior side include forwards Cristian Gonzalez and captain Bambang Pamungkas. Gonzalez has recorded 11 goals for the Garuda, while Pamungkas is one of the national team's most prolific scorers with 37 to his credit.

Indonesia's senior national team were eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2014 qualification following their loss to Qatar on Nov. 11.

The Galaxy will be sending their strongest side possible to this event, essentially fielding the same team that won the Cup. Defenders Sean Alvarado and Leonardo and forward Chad Barrett will not make the trip due to injury.

In league play, midfleder/team captain Landon Donovan scored 12 goals for the Galaxy, while midfielder David Beckham recorded fifteen assists.

The Galaxy are not only coming off a successful MLS Cup victory, but also a successful MLS Supporters' Shield defense and a Group Stage victory in the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League.

Los Angeles ended the regular season with a 19-5-10 record (67 points) and finished the year on a four-game win streak, winning all of their playoff matches including MLS Cup 2011.

Prediction:

On paper, this should be a win for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The only way that Indonesia can pull off a shock result is if the Galaxy do not take this match seriously and play the type of football that has made them the success story stateside.

The talent level for the Galaxy will prove to be too much. The Garuda/Young Garuda outfit aren't going to make things easy for LA, but otherwise it should be a walk in the park.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Indonesia U-23s 0

Kickoff at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is scheduled for 4 a.m. PT/7 a.m. ET.

View from the Victory, Volume 10: Hard Times at AAMI Park against Gold Coast

2011-11-27T00:00:00.001-08:00

Mehmet Durakovic was under the microscope on Sunday as his Melbourne Victory took on Gold Coast United at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Lingering near the bottom, the Victory were in need of a victory to remain in playoff contention.

The fans were getting restless and were losing their patience with Durakovic for the lack of results.

"Promoting a young coach from the youth team is one strategy, and can be an excellent one," said Craig Foster in a article for the Sydney Morning Herald. "It brings a coach with an understanding of the culture and overall playing idea through the system, although usually there would be a period as first team assistant before the head role.

"But a young coach should always be backed by an experienced assistant, football director or chief executive. Otherwise, the potential for chaos under pressure is too great."

In addition, the club faced another distraction in the form of the Abel Balbo deal going up in smoke, according to reports from the Herald Sun. Balbo would have been the technical director for the Victory, but in a report by the Australia, Durakovic raised an iron fist.

"I am the boss of this football club," Durakovic said after training this past week. "The buck stops with me. Kevin Muscat is my assistant coach and so is Steve Mautone. We have known each other since day one. But at the end of the day, I call the shots here."

Team captain Adrian Leijer did all he could to put on a brave face in spite of the dire circumstances that surrounded his team.

"It's round eight, there's still a long way to go and we are confident we can turn this around," Leijer told Michael Lynch of the Sydney Morning Herald. "This year the spotlight has been on us a lot more, whether that's part of the reason for the performance who knows. But we are all professional and have to deal with it.

"This is a tough time and that's how you get together. If anything this has probably pulled us together."

As with last week's match against Perth Glory, the Victory would storm to an early lead, only to lose it later on. But this time, before a crowd of 16,522, they would get it back and win 3-2.

In the fourth minute of play, Harry Kewell earned his first-ever goal for the Victory, on a penalty conversion. Carlos Hernandez doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute off a Jonas Salley handball.

However, Melbourne have been a team incapable of hanging on to advantages, and it wouldn't be long before they showed why.

Rodrigo Vargas was sent off in the 33rd minute for a rough challenge on Gol-Gol Mebrahtu. Mebrahtu won a penalty in the third minute of first-half stoppage time after being challenged by Diogo Ferreira. Gold Coast's Dylan MacAlister coverted the spot kick to make it 2-1 at the break.

In the second half, Gold Coast equalized thanks to Peter Jungschlager in the 47th minute of play. Hernandez took back the lead in the 79th minute thanks to an Archie Thompson cross.

Up next for Melbourne is a match with the Newcastle Jets at Ausgrid Stadium in Newcastle, NSW. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:45 p.m. AEST.

2014 FIFA World Cup: Baby Steps Will Do For American Samoa

2011-11-26T22:00:00.001-08:00

According to the great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, "The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet." For the American Samoa national football team, baby steps will have to do for this island territory of over 60,000 strong.

American Samoa, managed by Thomas Rongen, scored their first-ever victory in FIFA World Cup Qualification by defeating Tonga 2-1. They followed that up with a 1-1 draw against the Cook Islands before falling to the hosts Samoa 1-0 at the Toleafoa J.S. Blatter Complex in Apia on Saturday.

This is American Samoa. One of the world's worst football teams, if not, THE WORST, when it comes to playing soccer. American Samoa is more known for athletes who play American Football.

However, despite not qualifying for the Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup in June 2012, American Samoa are making progress. Big progress.

Gone are the days when they were well known for being the team that was blown apart by Australia 31-0 in 2001. Those times feel like a decade ago, because they did happen a decade ago.

Now American Samoa are playing like a team that wants to make the next step towards becoming a major player in the OFC, the weakest confederation in FIFA.

THey are a young side that will only get better. One bright star from their team is forward Shalom Luani, who is only a high school student.

Luani is tied with Ramin Ott for the most goals on this team all-time with two, and has all the makings of being the best player on this side since Nicky Salapu, who put on a stellar performance in goal for American Samoa this past week in Samoa's capital city. All he needs is an opportunity to play college soccer and he could be on his way.

And that's just the start. Here are some things Football Federation American Samoa can do to improve their chances of becoming a force in FIFA World Cup Qualification.

Find American players in the mainland. I'm not asking for the likes of Sebastien Le Toux to consider playing for this team. Other players with Samoan roots who play in the mainland could be lured to compete for American Samoa. After all, they are a U.S. territory and therefore prospective players on the mainland are eligible to compete. If you can't get picked from the USA men's national team pool, take the next best thing and declare yourself available to play for American Samoa.
Find players with American Samoan roots who have not been called up to their mother country. They don't have to all come from the mainland, Alaska or Hawaii. If there are players who have American Samoan descent in them and are based out of different countries but are not being called up, playing for American Samoa and a chance to progress in World Cup Qualification is a great opportunity. A database of players with American Samoan heritage must be estalished.
Build a lifelong partnership with U.S. Soccer in terms of coaching and development. Another no-brainer. Hiring a former U.S. coach in Thomas Rongen was the first step. An exchange of football knowledge by bringing in coaches with experience winning on the mainland will help improve the profile of American Samoa.
Establish youth soccer academies on the islands. Having a few development academies to draw young players to the game of soccer and improve their skills will be invaluable.
Establish a national league/first division. It doesn't have to be fully-professional for a place like American Samoa. If it's a semi-professional league, or a league similar to many recreational league across the United States, players can be picked out of the pool of talent to compete for the national team. High schools are not enough. A semi-professional or USASA-quality league must be established.
Have American Samoa play in friendlies against sides from the USA and elsewhere on a consistent basis. They don't have be big-name teams like the Los Angeles Galaxy or Seattle Sounders, but they can be NCAA teams from power conferences that are willing to show American Samoa a quality of football that will drive them to improve their game and increase their chances of beating opponents like their Western neighbors.

Indeed for American Samoa, a journey of 1,000 miles begins at their feet. This team has many hurdles to overcome before they can establish themselves as a legit force in Oceania. However, when progress has been made, there is no other option but to build on the baby steps the American Samoa national team has taken this past week.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, November 26, 2011

2011-11-26T18:21:00.001-08:00

Travel Roster Announced for Asia Pacific Tour 2011

The Los Angeles Galaxy announced this weekend the roster for their 2011 Asia Pacific Tour, which will include matches against the Indonesia Under-23 National Team, the Philippines National Team and Melbourne Victory FC.

Here is the roster.

LA Galaxy Roster for Asia Pacific Tour 2011 presented by Herbalife

GOALKEEPERS (3) – Brian Perk, Donovan Ricketts, Josh Saunders

DEFENDERS (8) – Gregg Berhalter, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Frankie Hejduk, Dasan Robinson, Ryan Thomas

MIDFIELDERS (12) – David Beckham, Chris Birchall, Paolo Cardozo, Landon Donovan, Hector Jimenez, Bryan Jordan, Juninho, Dan Keat, Jovan Kirovski, Mike Magee, Dustin McCarty, Michael Stephens

FORWARDS (4) – Adam Cristman, Robbie Keane, Miguel Lopez, Jack McBean

HEAD COACH – Bruce Arena

Essentially this is the entire roster save for Sean Alvarado, Chad Barrett and Leonardo, who are injured.

Move to PSG closer for David Beckham

Paris-St. Germain, who are owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, are offering an 18-month contract to Galaxy midfielder David Beckham worth $17.9 million, according to ESPN.com's Scott French.

In MLS, Beckham's compensation was $6.5 million. PSG are currently the league leaders in France's Ligue 1 and could secure their spot at the top if Beckham signs with them.

Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to have interest in Beckham. A decision is expected to be made following the Asia Pacific Tour 2011.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 62: Scunthorpe Highs and Burton Lows

2011-11-26T11:11:00.001-08:00

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon began the week with the first round replay of the 2011-12 FA Cup between AFC Wimbledon and Scunthorpe United.

"The boys took part in a bright training session this morning prior to leaving at lunchtime for Scunthorpe," Brown told the press on Monday. "Two players who weren't on the coach were Christian Jolley and Gareth Gwillim who are unavailable for selection. Christian has a slight hamstring pull and Gareth is suffering from a virus.

"Fortunately we still have a strong squad to choose from and we ran through our pattern of play prior to boarding the coach for Scunthorpe. The players have prepared themselves very well for what is an exciting opportunity to progress into the second round."

In the 64th minute, Luke Moore took advantage of a Jack Midson rebound to give AFC Wimbledon a 1-0 lead. That was essetially all they Dons needed, as they progressed to the next round, where fellow League Two side Bradford City awaited.

Speaking of the Football League Two, AFC Wimbledon continued their season against Burton Albion. It was another goal festival on Saturday, with Wimbledon coming up short 3-2.

Billy Kee scored a brace in the 14th and 29th minutes for Burton. Luke Moore pulled one back at the stroke of halftime, but Albion's Adam Bolder scored the eventual game-winner in the 62nd minute. Aaron Webster scored an own goal for Burton in the 82nd minute of play.

Up next for AFC Wimbledon are a couple of Cup matches. First up is the London Senior Cup against Wingate and Finchley. Kickoff at the Abrahams Stadium is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 11:45 a.m. PT/2:45 p.m. ET.

The Dons will then return to FA Cup action when they take on Bradford City in the second round proper. Kickoff at Valley Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins And Outs, November 25, 2011

2011-11-24T22:32:00.001-08:00

Omar Gonzalez...off to Europe?

When you are a top defender playing for the champions of your league, the interest from Europe will build and build.

Such is the case of MLS Defender of the Year Omar Gonzalez, who is receiving interest from clubs in France, Germany and England, according to tribalfootball.

As a member of the 2011 LA Galaxy first team, he helped his side equal a league record by recording 17 clean sheets and setting a club record by allowing just 0.82 goals per game, which was the third lowest goals allowed per game average in Major League Soccer history.

Voted the Galaxy’s Defender of the Year by the local media for the second consecutive season, Gonzalez has played every minute of LA’s four postseason games, helping lead the Galaxy to a second MLS Cup berth and their third-ever title in his three years with the club.

A key hurdle to Gonzalez playing overseas is his callups to the USA men's national team. He has only been called up twice, so obtaining a work permit would be difficult. However, should Gonzalez be able to do so, a significant transfer fee will have to be paid by those willing to sign him.

What about Beckham?

Leonardo of Paris-St. Germain has been engages in talks with David Beckham about making a move to France, and the leaders of Ligue 1 at that.

Such a move could put Beckham in a spot to potentially win league titles in four different countries, something no Englishman has been able to do.

"Yes, we've spoken,” PSG sporting director Leonardo told The Sun, according to Greg Lalas of MLSSoccer.com. “These situations take time. We'll see if something suits him and suits us.

"I know his history and he doesn't need to tell me his past. He went to Milan and it was the same thing. There is a rapport with him.”

However in an interview by Sports Illustrated in October, Tim Leiweke, president of the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), is confident that no move will take place.

“I believe David will be here again next year,” Leiweke said. “People can make any offer they want. The loyalty he has to this club, because of the way we have treated him and stood by him, is going to be rewarded if we so choose to continue with David."

As if France hadn't been a distraction enough, Beckham has also been coveted by Italy. Again.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Why It's Time For David Beckham To Retire Once And For All

2011-11-22T22:39:00.001-08:00

In spite of all the hate and vitriol people have laid on David Beckham for the past five years, it has all been nothing but wasted energy and foolish, unfounded ignorance. And that ignorance has been converted into blissful success.

That's right, you naysayers. The David Beckham Experiment was a success. Beckham now completes his five-year deal as a champion in Major League Soccer. The people who have been in Beckham's corner through thick and thin have won the argument for life.

“David’s a champion. I’ve been around great athletes and competitors in my life in different sports, and this guy is as good as it comes," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena told reporters on Sunday following LA's 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo. "He has an unbelievable desire to win. He’s a great teammate. He’s a great person. I’m so happy for him. He’s done it all now – in every country he’s been in.”

And with that said, it is officially time for Becks to call it a career.

Let's face it. The man is now 36, with his best playing days behind him. And he is now a family man, first and foremost.

His eldest son Brooklyn could continue the line of players playing for the Galaxy under the Beckham name, as he plays in the club's youth academy. Life is wonderful in Southern California for David and Victoria. And the other kids are having a blast living life as American citizens.

Moreover, Beckham has followed Trevor Stevens's lead as a Englishman to have won titles in three different counties.

The success he had in 2011 with Los Angeles, however, means that he is still being looked at by other European clubs, most notably Ligue 1 leaders Paris-St. Germain.

From this columnist's perspective, I don't understand why Beckham would want to consider going for titles in four different countries. Clearly three should be enough.

MLS Cup 2011 brought the Hollywood ending that Beckham sought after for so long. Even the fans had a feeling that this could be the last time they saw Becks in a Galaxy uniform.

And it has to be. It must be. Why should Beckham, given his current health, try his luck playing in France? It doesn't make any sense.

Beckham needs to retire and consider continuing his involvement in MLS, but in an administrative capacity. Continuing to be involved with the Galaxy in this state is a good example.

There is no question that Beckham's brand name has paid off here, as it has in England, Spain, and other places around the world. Beckham's work ethic has made him the Comeback Player of the Year, and can also be considered one of the feel-good stories in MLS.

But now, the Galaxy can move on without Beckham. They will still have Landon Donovan, and they will have Robbie Keane.

And with this MLS Cup victory, there will be top players who will want to take a chance and jump across the pond to sign with LA as the transfer window looms near.

The 2011 Major League Soccer season is officially over. And it can also be certain that the David Beckham era is coming to a fitting conclusion in the city of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, November 22, 2011

2011-11-22T10:41:00.001-08:00

Expansion Draft Decisions

On Monday, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced their list of protected and unprotected players ahead of tomorrow's MLS Expansion Draft for the Montreal Impact. Teams that competed this past season were allowed to protect 11 players as well as any Generation Adidas or Homegrown players.

Here's the list.

Protected

David Beckham – Midfielder
A.J. DeLaGarza – Defender
Landon Donovan – Forward
Todd Dunivant – Defender
Sean Franklin – Defender
Omar Gonzalez – Defender
Juninho – Midfielder
Robbie Keane – Forward
Mike Magee – Midfielder
Jack McBean – Forward (Homegrown Player)
Donovan Ricketts – Goalkeeper
Josh Saunders – Goalkeeper

Unprotected

Sean Alvarado – Defender
Chad Barrett – Forward
Chris Birchall – Midfielder
Paolo Cardozo – Midfielder
Adam Cristman – Forward
Frankie Hejduk – Defender
Hector Jimenez – Midfielder
Bryan Jordan – Midfielder
Dan Keat – Midfielder
Leonardo – Defender
Miguel Lopez – Forward
Dustin McCarty – Midfielder
Brian Perk – Goalkeeper
Dasan Robinson – Defender
Michael Stephens – Midfielder
Ryan Thomas – Defender

Once a Toffee, Always a Toffee?

While David Beckham looks to be on his way to Paris-St. Germain, Landon Donovan could be returning to Everton on a second loan deal.

In 2010, Donovan had a successful loan spell with the Toffees before returning to the Galaxy, and could be back with them to help boost their chances of staying in the Premier League.

"It's something we will probably look at to see if there's an interest from him," Everton manager David Moyes told the New York Post. "He was popular here, and we could do with some speed and width on the right."

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins And Outs, November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T04:03:00.001-08:00

Like A Boss

Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena was all smiles following the club's 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo in MLS Cup 2011. Sunday, Arena elected to unveil one of the biggest secrets not known to those who follow the league.

All right, it wasn't a secret to begin with. The proof was in the pudding from Day One.

“The secret is that they are good players, and they play together as a team," Arena said, according to MLS Cup Communications. "Tonight, our team played well. We certainly didn’t do well in and around the penalty area. I think there were a few more goals there for us.

"Give Houston some great though, they hung in there. They were tough to score on. It was a great combination play between [Robbie] Keane and [Landon] Donovan to score that goal. It’s been a great year for our team and our organization.”

Arena became the first-ever manager to win three MLS Cup rings. He was the manager of the MLS Cup-winning D.C. United teams of 1996 and 1997.

So long and thanks for all the fish, David?

MLS Cup 2011 marked a fitting conclusion to what was a rollercoaster ride of a career for David Beckham that ultimately ended on a high. Earlier in the month, the midfielder was named MLS Comeback Player of the Year and now becomes just the second Englishman to win titles in three different countries.

“At Manchester United, I was lucky to almost win a trophy every year of my contract. At Real Madrid, it was just coincidence. And, I’ve now won a trophy here in my fifth year," Beckham told reporters.

The possibility of this being his final competitive match for the Galaxy is very strong, as a possible move to Ligue 1 leaders Paris-St. Germain seems imminent.

“We’ve been through a lot this season," Beckham said. "We’ve had a lot of games. Bruce and his staff are the ones that got us to this game tonight. Our families have put up with a lot this season with us being away.

"This makes it up for them.”

Captain America to the rescue!

It was only fitting that the Galaxy's captain, midfielder Landon Donovan, put the finishing touch to a banner year for the G's, scoring the game-winner in the 72nd minute of play.

When asked of the victory, Donovan was all smiles.

“It’s a sense of elation," Donovan said. "It has been a long year, a trying year. I’ve got to say that there are times through it all you get tired and mentally worn down. The way David has played through some pretty serious injuries that last few weeks has really inspired me. I think it forced a lot of us just to get on with it.”

But what was even sweeter was that the victory came at the Home Depot Center. In front of a home crowd. In what was essentially a glorified home game. The season finale of all season finales. And the superlatives go on and on.

“As an athlete, it’s an unbelievable accomplishment to be able to win a championship in your own stadium," Donovan said. "It makes it better. The atmosphere was fantastic tonight. The stadium was electric. And, to do it in your own stadium is really, really special. I’m going to remember this forever.”

MLS Cup 2011: It Was Just Galaxy Soccer That Won The Day For LA

2011-11-21T01:51:00.001-08:00

Forget about the pomp. Forget about the circumstance. Forget about the buildup and the fact that this was essentially a glorified home finale for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy against Dominic Kinnear's Houston Dynamo.

MLS Cup 2011 was just another day at the office for the Galaxy.

And we have been seeing this all season from Los Angeles. Poor finishing, they someone score thanks to good old-fashioned perseverance, they add an insurance goal or two if they lucky, and then they close it out with a defensive clinic for the last fifteen minutes of so.

This game was a microcosm of how the Galaxy plays their brand of world football. After an absurd amount of attempts on goal, they get the break thanks to Landon Donovan in the 72nd minute, then they finish it out with the smothering defense that has been their calling card to secure 1-0 victory and Star Number Three for Los Angeles.

As I said, it was just another day at the office. It's nothing special. Just disciplined football and a technical style of attack that has been the Bruce Arena way. It worked during his time with D.C. United, and now it has come to fruition with the Galaxy.

The Dynamo have to be a very, very, very lucky team. They could have been put to the sword early had Adam Cristman dialed in three chances in the first half off of David Beckham deliveries (more on Becks later). In fact, Cristman's night was off enough to warrant him a yellow for his troubles.

Speaking of cards, I found it hilarious that Donovan himself would be cautioned late for time-wasting. I found it even more hilarious that Ricardo Salazar—of all referees—was the person that had to do it. Now I don't have anything against Ricardo—after all, he does share the last name as me and he earned the right to be the referee in the final—but this proves that he is no worse than any other official you see in this league, and boy are they bad.

Who knows how many goals Los Angeles could have scored this match? And another reason why I find this MLS Cup Final to be average is that Houston didn't really threaten at all on Sunday night.

Obviously, there are those who say that Brad Davis's absence proved to be the difference. But I maintain my argument that this is a Dynamo team that can win without Davis. I was looking for some buildup leading to an equalizer, but Omar Gonzalez, Josh Saunders and the defense treated the match as if it was just a regular season encounter.

The Dynamo were reduced to a whimper thanks to the Galaxy's defending, and I don't think, for a second, that David being in the lineup could have changed the dynamics or the outcome.

And to the Dynamo fans: do your beer-cup throwing at your own stadium that you will get to play in next year. Not at Victoria Street, unless you want to be banned for life. Mind your manners, residents of El Batallon and the Texian Army. Just saying.

But with every average day at the office comes perks. On any given day, there will be perks. (I'm not referring to the "Brian" variety, for the record.) And since this was MLS Cup 2011—the North American Carling Cup where you get stars above your logo for your efforts—there were plenty of perks.

Of all the people on the Galaxy team that wanted this more than anything, David Beckham easily stood out. This was someone who was crucified by Grant Wahl in his book "The Beckham Experiment," and a player that was in the last year of his contract, and needed to deliver.

Well, Grant, put this in your crack pipe and smoke it: David Beckham is an MLS Champion. He's a Comeback Player of the Year. And there's a chance that if he decides not to pursue a final curtain call in Europe or extend his expiring contract...this match may have been his final competitive contest for the Galaxy.

Note that I said "competitive contest" because the Galaxy's year is not over. More that in a little bit.

For Robbie Keane, the people at Tottenham Hotspur may be wondering if letting him go was the right option. Thanks to the Spurs' gift, Keane now owns an MLS ring in just months. Keane has not even competed a full calendar year with Los Angeles, and now he is getting the full treatment. Luck of the Irish? No surprise.

Omar Gonzalez might be given a look by some scouts from across the pond after winning the MLS Cup. Gonzalez put in another great effort on the backline, and because of it, his value as a defender skyrockets. A situation now might go along the lines of, "Good evening, Omar; this is Europe calling. Would you like to try out for [insert European club name here]?"

And what of Juninho? Since he is on loan, his future with Sao Paulo is still in the balance.

If the Galaxy can buy him out of his loan, the young Brazilian is sure to establish himself in the midfield for seasons to come. Juninho is a major reason why the Galaxy cruised to the CONCACAF Champions League Championship Round, and they will need his services for the long haul.

Poor Chad Barrett. Although he will finish the season as an MLS Champion, it's a bittersweet honor, having to sit out the match due to an injury during training. Cristman did all he could to fill in Barrett's shoes, but the lack of production on Sunday for LA is due in part to Barrett's injury.

The goalkeeper situation will need to be sorted out. Who will stay and who will go? Either Brian Perk or Donovan Ricketts may have to pack their bags and head for icy Montreal and join the Impact if they are not protected, because it is clear Josh Saunders will be the Galaxy's No. 1 netminder for the long haul.

As for Landon Donovan...the name, the player, the legacy speaks for itself. Now a four-time MLS Champion, it was only fitting that Captain America himself closed out the season with the final goal in MLS play for all 18 competing teams.

In the end, this was no ordinary day at the office. This was MLS Cup 2011, and LA Galaxy Soccer won the day for the league's best team. Plain and simple. This game now affirms the 2011 Los Angeles Galaxy as one of the greatest sides in the club's history, one that will be remembered for many years to come.

And even more impressive...the year is not even over. There's three more matches left to go. And they are all friendlies. The question now: will they be up for this?

Up next for the Galaxy is a match with the Indonesia Super League XI at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 12 a.m. PT.

View from the Victory, Volume Nine: Misery continues for Melbourne

2011-11-21T00:44:00.001-08:00

Mehmet Durakovic's Melbourne Victory were in desperate need of a win when they took on Perth Glory this past weekend at Etihad Stadium.

"You just want to win games of football," team captain Adrian Leijer told Stephen Rielly of the Australian. "We haven't been conceding a lot of goals but going forward we haven't been scoring a lot, either.

"It's a balance. It's a team game and at the end of the day our fans want to see us scoring goals and I want to see us scoring goals. It's about getting maximum points."

Adding to the issues for Melbourne Victory was the health of Harry Kewell, who suffered tightness in his hamstring after the Socceroos lost 1-0 to Oman in FIFA World Cup Qualifying.

"Of course, it is a bit of a disappointment (if Kewell is unavailable) - fans love to see him play, he's an asset to the team," said midfielder Leigh Broxham to Roger Vaughan of the Sydney Morning Herald. "But he's only human, it's bound to happen every now and again throughout the year, as it does with everyone."

In the end, it was the same old story for Melbourne, who have been unable to hang on to leads and ended up settling for a 2-2 draw to the Glory.

Carlos Hernandez scored a penalty in the 53rd minute, which was a controversial one won by Archie Thompson, the true revelation of the Victory this year. Danny Allsopp made it 2-0 in the 58th minute but goals from the Glory in the last 20 minutes salvaged the draw for Ian Ferguson's side.

As a result of their efforts, the Victory were deservedly booed off the pitch, a microcosm of an appalling start to their Hyundai A-League campaign.

"It was disappointing," Durakovic told Michael Lynch of the Australian. "We were leading 2-0 and gave the ball away in the last 20 minutes. We give a goal from a free kick and suddenly you are under pressure. We need to get three points at home … we need to get as many points at home as we can."

Up next for Melbourne is a match with Gold Coast United at AAMI Park. Kickoff is scheduled for Nov. 27, 2011 at 5 p.m. AEST and will be televised by Fox Sports 1.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 61: Of cups and Swindon for AFC Wimbledon

2011-11-19T15:30:00.001-08:00

More cup clashes were on the way for Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon. The week did not begin rather nicely, with the youth side falling 2-1 to Bristol Rovers. However, they would get a reprieve when taking on Tooting & Mitcham United in the Surrey Senior Cup.

"We are looking forward to tonight's game. Several players who have not being playing regularly will get an opportunity to shine tonight," Brown told reporters on Wednesday. "Unfortunately, both Ricky Wellard and Charles Ademeno are suffering from a bug and can't play but they will hopefully be fit and available for the weekend.

"Tonight's game will also give an opportunity to some of Marcus's young fledglings who will be able to play alongside some first team regulars in what I am sure will be a very competitive cup tie. Previous encounters against Tooting have always proved to be very close and I've no doubt that tonight won't be any different. Hopefully we'll see a lot of our fans there tonight to cheer our young boys on."

AFC Wimbledon prevailed, 2-1, and will take on either Molesey or Corinthian-Casuals.

With the Surrey Senior Cup in their rear view mirror for the time being, it was back to Football League Two action against Swindon Town, who they previously faced in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Last season, Swindon were relegated from the Football League One, finishing 244th with a record of 9-23-14 (41 points). The Robins are led by forward Mehdi Karrouchie, an Algerian international who has eight goals on the year.

Sam Hatton opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but a 73rd minute equalizer from Alan Connell consigned the Dons to a 1-1 draw at Kingsmeadow.

Up next for AFC Wimbledon are a couple of matches. First up in the first round proper replay of the 2011-12 FA Cup against Scunthorpe United. Kickoff at Glanford Park is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 11:45 a.m. PT/2:45 p.m. ET.

The Dons return to Football League Two action on Saturday, Nov. 26 when they face former Football Conference League side Burton Albion. Kickoff at the Pirelli Stadium is scheduled for 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, November 19, 2011

2011-11-19T06:16:00.001-08:00

The deal with Time Warner Cable

On Friday, the Los Angeles Galaxy formally announced a partnership with Time Warner Cable that will last ten years. Here are the details of the partnership.

Specific English and Spanish language destinations where Galaxy fans can find all locally televised home and away games and a variety of new and original Galaxy content featuring behind-the-scenes, personality and classic programming.
All Galaxy games will be produced in high definition, with state-of-the-art technology in English and Spanish. The Spanish language channel will be a stand-alone Regional Sports Network with its own dedicated production of game telecasts and other unique content tailored to Spanish-speaking Galaxy fans.
All games will feature pre- and post-game shows produced separately in both English and Spanish.
Both RSNs will also feature additional Galaxy-related programming throughout the season.

“We’re very excited about our new relationship with AEG, and we’re thrilled to add the Galaxy as another foundational programming partner across both of our new Regional Sports Networks,” said David Rone, Time Warner Cable Sports President. “Soccer really resonates with this marketplace, and the Galaxy is a premier brand and a championship-caliber team. We look forward to growing interest in the Galaxy by offering fans an enhanced experience, in both English and Spanish.

“Today’s deal is groundbreaking, not only for our brand, but for our region, our sport and our industry and never would have happened without the faith, belief and wisdom that our partners at Time Warner Cable share with us,” said Timothy J. Leiweke, President & CEO, AEG. “Time Warner Cable’s commitment to launching the Spanish language channel, I believe, was the most important factor that got this deal done.

"It will give us a tremendous opportunity to grow our brand while connecting with our fans in a way we’ve never before done. Combine this with the additional programming, such as pre- and post-game shows, weekly magazine shows and other on-air elements and this becomes the best deal we could have ever imagined, not only for us, but most importantly, our fans.”

Adam Cristman takes over

With Chad Barrett out for MLS Cup 2011, the reins up top are handed over to Adam Cristman, who will play alongside Robbie Keane.

“When I talked to Bruce about coming out here, he explained the role and … he expected that I could step on the field and play,” Cristman told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno earlier this past week. “If that’s how it ends up being, I’m ready for the job I’m prepared to do.”

Cristman has had a banner year, scoring in the MLS regular season, US Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League and a friendly against Real Madrid over the summer.

What makes Bruce Almighty?

That is an interesting question one has to muse: what makes Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena one of the best in the business? A three year turnaround might be the answer.

“The one quality that stands out more than any other is his drive to succeed,” midfielder/team captain Landon Donovan told MLSSoccer.com's Nick Firchau, the host of MLS Extra Time Radio. “Sometimes it gets a little annoying because he wants it so badly, but he pushes us constantly. In the moments sometimes it’s difficult, but when you look at the big picture, there’s a reason he’s been so successful.”

After the train wreck that has been 2008, Arena overhauled the side, with Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Sean Franklin the only holdovers. All three are expected to start on Sunday against the Houston Dynamo (kickoff: 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET, ESPN, Galavision, TSN 2).

MLS Cup 2011: Q and A with former USA MNT goalkeeper Tony Meola

2011-11-19T05:50:00.001-08:00

Earlier this season, Bleacher Report’s Jo-Ryan Salazarinterviewed Tony Meola in March of this year ahead of the USA’s friendly withArgentina. This week, Jo-Ryan talked with Tony ahead of this year’s MLS Cup.

Tony, you have partnered up with Allstate once again.Tell us what that’s all about.

Yeah, that’s correct. This year, through Allstate’ssponsorship with Major League Soccer and the US men’s national team, we havebeen able to travel around the county and partner up in some special events andultimately culminating here in LA in the MLS Cup Final. Allstate with continuewith its community program in which we will go out in the LA community andthere’s going to be goalkeepers from various clubs in the Los Angeles area. Wewill go out and do a clinic with Chivas USA goalkeeper coaches. We will then presenta gift to a whole bunch of peers that would otherwise not have the opportunityto have through Allstate’s involvement, and they’re kind enough to provide allthat stuff to goalkeepers.

Ultimately, they will get tickets to the MLS Cup Final onSunday. So it’s pretty exciting stuff that the players themselves don’t knowany of this until they get there. It’s part of the program. And on Sunday priorto the game, at the soccer celebration at the Home Depot Center, we have apretty special event. You have to come in, sign up just under a green screen, haveyour pictures taken while they’re diving for a ball, and when they dothat—every time they do that—Allstate will be kind enough to donate $50 to LAScores, which is a local charity that works with local schools from the areaand afterschool programs through using the sport of soccer. They’re doing a lotof good things in the community.

So [those are] the events that we’re going through thisweekend, and I’m glad to be part of it.

What do you think of the progress of the USA men’snational team? They have had a new manager in Jurgen Klinsmann, but the winshave been harder to come by. Why have results been rather poor thus far, and doyou see him improving in the future?

I think certainly, it takes a little bit of time when youhave a new coach. There’s no question that people are a little bit frustratedwith the results, or lack thereof. You know, here in America we get spoiledwith all-time winners and we have that mentality among people here that winningis not the most important thing right now. They get a little bit anxious, forsure. But you want to come out with a nice win. It’s difficult for us to win inEurope, and we came out with a nice win the other day against Slovenia [3-2].

You know, I think they’re proving that they think it’s theright time for [Jurgen Klinsmann in] Europe to experiment with differentplayers and put his roster together for World Cup Qualifying.

Jozy Altidore recently voiced his frustration with theUSMNT's performances on twitter, saying "experience" was no longer agood enough excuse to defend losses to the bigger soccer nations, following theUS's 1-0 loss to France. Do you agree with him?

If I am understanding him right, it’s that they haveenough experience now. And I agree with him. They do have enough experience.They have enough experience to win games, they have enough experience to go outand compete with anybody. And it shouldn’t matter anymore if they’re playing inEurope or if they’re playing in America. If you’re playing Brazil or if you’replaying Argentina these days, you’re playing now some of the biggest teams thatcompete in the world. I agree with him.

You know, having said that, the national teams are always alittle bit tricky to tune up together all that much. You’re playing against differentstyles [when you’re with] the US team, and [when] you’ve been together for acouple of days, remembering all those styles is now a new style for thenational team. You know, not only [is it] an easier proposition, but I agreewith Jozy that—if I am understanding him correctly—that they can’t use a lackof experience as a part [of the excuse] anymore.

Do you think the USMNT needs to start aiming to pick upwins against the bigger soccer nations of the world, rather than simply beingcontent with working hard and gaining experience?

Well, you know, going over Jozy’s comments, we won’t haveto worry about the experience part anymore. You know, it’s not about that. They’regaining experience every day. And again, if you look at their schedule, thisyear they’ve played Argentina. They’ve played Spain. They’ve played France. They’vehad some very, very difficult games. None of it is easy, and of course [we canadd] Mexico to the mix. I’m not sure—I haven’t checked—I’m not sure if anyonehas played that [type of] schedule in the world.

You know, it’s a good opportunity for Jurgen to see [thetalent level of his] players, the environment, [and] build on the types of gamesthat they continue to play. There’s no question they when they get toqualifying for the World Cup, there will be some smaller countries they’regoing to have to play. And hopefully they’re learned something, and they’llcontinue their success and domination and get past CONCACAF.

New players have been stepping up into the limelight forthe national team. One of them is from FC Dallas. What do you make of BrekShea; do you think that he could prove to be a new star for the USMNT?

Yeah, I like the way he plays. I’m a big fan. He’s one ofthe guys that I enjoy watching in MLS and [he has] good games with the nationalteam and he’s just learning from that. But I don’t think that’s anythingdifferent from what they expect out of him in the young stage of his career, youknow. And it’s great that he’s training at Arsenal [with New York Red Bulls’Thierry Henry] and all of that stuff now, from what I’ve read.

He’s taking the next step. One thing is playing at highlevels for him. Getting experience that he needs, learning as much as he can.Speaking to some of my teammates, he’s a guy that’s willing to learn every day,ready to listen to what they say. He’s got all the qualities of someone that’sgoing to be a good pro and will continue to grow. I’m a big fan.

You’ve won an MLS Cup title as a member of the KansasCity Wizards, who are now known as Sporting Kansas City. What’s so specialabout MLS Cup?

It’s what everybody works for. We work all year; it doesn’tmatter what sport you’re in, you want to be playing on the last day. And youwant to be the team that wins in the end. It’s the most fun day of the year,and only two teams get to do that every year.

This year it will be LA andHouston, and I think it will be a fun day. They’re very, very good teams. What’sso special about it is it’s a reward for all of your hard work, a reward forbelieving in your system and your coach and the things that you’re trying toaccomplish. It’s what every athlete dreams of: being a star on the final day,you know—making a save or scoring a goal—or whatever it takes to help the teamwin.

Did you have many offers during the 90s to join topEuropean teams and if so, why didn't you make the move?

After 1994, I did. Prior to 1994, we were so committed,and U.S. Soccer was a great help with the national team. And that’s when it wasmost important for me to be in it after, I was pretty lucky from an endorsementside back then, and it was really, really difficult for me to go overseas and dosome of that stuff. I guess I was waiting for Major League Soccer, and I thoughtsome guys had to stay and promote the game. Some guys had to sacrifice to stayhere.

And there were some guys that were dead set up on going toEurope and [were] given the problems [they] had with work permits. In ‘91, ’92,[and] ’93, and whoever the most attractive thing [was] in that most particulartime…it’s not like it is now. I think we’re playing now and the time of day hasbeen different.

There’s a group of guys that need to stay in America to promotethe game. Back then, there was more of a need for the Paul Caligiuris andMarcelo Balboas and those types of guys to come back, stay here and promote thegame.

You played for the New York Red Bulls/MetroStars during yourillustrious MLS career. Now the league is considering a second team in the NewYork metropolitan area. Is New York ready for a second MLS team? Why/why not?

I think so. I’ve beenhearing it forever. Given the location of what they’re thinking about, it couldbe anywhere from an hour away to three hours away, so proximity as far as mileswould draw in a completely different crowd going out in the location that they’rethinking about. So I mean address and location in the last couple of weeks…whoreally knows what’s going to happen?

I listened to Don Garber’s pressconference, and there is still interest there. They will have proof that thereis site planning; I believe they have some of it. The MLS offices [are] justworking on that. So they are guys lobbying interests, and those guys would knowbetter than any of us. They’ve done studies and work in the area, listening topeople, knowing what type of the area they’re looking. My additional reaction wouldbe yes, they are ready.

This year’s MLS Cup features the Los Angeles Galaxy andHouston Dynamo. Tell us what’s so special about these two teams.

I’ve been saying: should Houston win, it will be the biggestupset—I think—in MLS history. There’s a lot of things lining up for LA, beingat home and all the superstars. And having said that, I wasn’t looking for anupset, but I’m a big fan of the Houston Dynamo. I’m a big fan of my old teammateand roommate Dominic Kinnear. And I’mgoing to go out on a limb and say that I like the organization of Dominic’steam and there might be an upset this week.

Do you have a scoreline for this match?

No, I don’t have a scoreline because in a final, it doesn’tmatter if it’s 5-4 or 1-0; and they don’t care what the score is; they are thewinning team, right?

MLS Cup 2011: Q and A with USA MNT Goalkeeper Tim Howard

2011-11-18T01:08:00.001-08:00

After a couple of international friendlies against Franceand Slovenia, current Everton and USA men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howardtalked with Bleacher Report’s Jo-Ryan Salazar about the USA’s currentsituation, as well as Everton and MLS Cup 2011.

Tim, tell us about your role as a spokesperson forAllstate and its soccer sponsorship.

Allstate and MLS and the US men’s national team’sfirst-year partnership has been fantastic. I have been delighted to be aspokesperson for that and lead the charge. We’ve done some innovative thingswith commercials and charity events, and the partnership has been wonderful sofar. Everyone seems to be really excited about it. That’s all I know as aspokesperson.

As you know, the USA men’s national team is undergoing ayear of transition. First Bob Bradley, now Jurgen Klinsmann. What is yourcurrent opinion of Klinsmann? How has his approach to the USMNT differed fromthat of Bradley's?

We get asked that question quite a lot. And like anyother coaching change, it’s somewhat unfair. You know, I think we all liked BobBradley a lot and I reckon with the things we accomplished in five years, weshould all feel pretty good about [it] because I think for the most part, wehad much success.

With Jurgen, he has come in and he has done a fantastic job.Things are great it itself in the fact that [we’re] in the current player fold andadding new players in, and so with anything else, when you come to a new cycleyou’ve got to get new players in, integrate them with the old guard and findthe right mix and chemistry. And we seem to be doing that. Everyone is excited.

We’re making no bones about the fact we’re going to beplaying all game. We’re gonna roll our sleeves up and dig in and sometimes it’snot always pretty, but [when you] couple that with the fact that you figure outa new formation—a new way to play—and understand a new coach, then all of thosethings blend themselves into some growing pains. But we’re excited about whatthe future holds.

The USA has had success in turning out world-classgoalkeepers. Why is that? Are ball skills learned from basketball/baseball ,etc. in American schools part of the reason?

It seems to be the consensus; I’m not exactly sure why. Ithink it certainly doesn’t hurt, you know. Goalkeeping is all about hand-eyecoordination, which is different from any other position on the field. And forthe most part, American sports—if you play baseball, basketball, football—thoseare all hand-eye coordinated sports.

I do believe that it helps to think that as American athletes,one of our greatest powers, no matter what sport you play, is that you’re explosiveat athletic movements. And when it comes to goalkeeping, I think that the firstthing you have to have. If you don’t have that explosive athletic ability, thenyou’re not going to be a very good goalkeeper at that level. So as a foundation—thecornerstone position—American youngsters seem to possess that.

What goes on behind the scenes in the locker room and atpractices? Are things more loose? Strict? More fun?

bit of both [strict and fun]. Jurgen [Klinsmann] isquite strict in terms of his diligence and his attention to detail, and healways wants us to be on the ball and be focused. But at the same time, he isthe first one, more often than not, to break out in laughter and kinda motivateus in that way as well. So, it’s just like any other professional locker room. Someguys are horsing around, sometimes they’ll always be serious, and you have tofind the balance.

But it’s a little bit of both. We got some jokesters on theteam, [and] that keeps everybody loose.

World Cup qualifying begins next year for the USA. Do youbelieve that this will be the time where the pieces finally fall into place,and the wins start to come?

Well, as far as qualifying goes, I think we havequalified for the last five World Cups, if I’m not mistaken. [NOTE: It wasactually six.] So we seem to have that part figured out. It’s never an easyride. There’s always some bumps in the road, but we usually power through itand persevere and qualify for the World Cup, which is the ultimate goal. It’snot really [about] how you do it, but making sure that you really do it.

We’re looking forward to it. We know there are road tripsand away games in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. They are very, very difficult.But we feel like we have—as I said before—this nucleus of players both old andyoung who are focused to get the job done. So qualifying is about winning yourhome games, and trying to pick up points anywhere you can on the road. And we’veseen [that] we’ve been able to do that.

Guys like Steve Cherundolo and Carlos Bocanegra who havebeen protecting you for years are on their way out. How is it working withthese younger guys? What are you teaching them and how have you had to changeyour game to help them out?

I’ve not had to change anything. I think a lot of people needto be very careful of that phrase “on their way out” because I think Carlos andSteve are solidifying themselves now more than ever at the right back positionand central defender position [respectively]. It’s going to be very tough to tackle thatstarting jersey away from those guys. They’re in fantastic form; they keepgetting better and better. The comfort level that I have with them is [second-to-]none.

And so there are young guys that are coming in that aretrying to push for a starting position. But anytime there’s new blood in theback line for a goalkeeper to import, the lines of communication are open, [we]stay positive, encourage those guys. It’s coming along pretty good.

Let’s talk EPL. What are your thoughts on the Luis Suarezincident, in which he was accused of racism by the Football Association?

Unfortunately, I know as much as everyone else does. Idon’t have much inside information; I’m gonna let the arbitrary courts that aregoing to hear the case sort that out. You know, I think that there is no partfor racism in football, and there is no part for racism in life. I think as itis, in order to stamp it out you gotta know it all the time and punish the badmen who are racists.

Let’s now talk about your current club. Why do you thinkEverton have struggled this season relative to how well you guys usuallyperform?

It’s been difficult. I don’t know where to start; as oflate we have been at the top in our league and that pushed us to our limit, andunfortunately, we didn’t get the results. You know, this Everton team hasalways prided itself on having spirit: pushing through the tough times, and Ihave no doubt we’ll do that again. It’s just that at the moment, it’s time forus to collect some points [in the Premier League], and we’ll do that.

Everton have had a lack of spending power, which couldexplain their lack of success. Do you think a US-style draft system would givethe Premier League/La Liga etc a more balanced feel?

That will never happen so I’m not sure it even matters,unfortunately. But spending power is key. You know, soccer has become a hugebusiness. When you can start buying quality players in London [like Chelsea,Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal], then you’re going to push yourself ahead of manyother teams. You saw that a lot of teams have done that. I’m sure that we canhave quality, and we’re not going to have depth at every [position], but we’regoing to have a lot of quality. Hopefully, as I said, in the end that will winout because that still allows you to believe in the underdog a little bit.

You started your career as a goalkeeper in Major LeagueSoccer, highlighted by your time with the MetroStars, who are now the New YorkRed Bulls. Have you ever considered returning to MLS after your career atEverton reaches its conclusion? Do you have any plans to play for a big clubagain, one that can challenge for trophies?

Yeah, I would certainly like to return to MLS. It was avery good league when I was there and it’s growing in leaps and bounds, and Ithink it would be very exciting to go back and play in MLS. But I‘ve alwaysstated that it has to be the right for me. I don’t want to just go back to anyold team. I want to be on a club that has a good front office, a top coachingstaff, and some really good players who are focused on winning.

As far as big clubs [are concerned], I currently play at abig club [in Everton]. It wasn’t very long ago that we were in the [2009] FACup Final at Wembley vs. Chelsea. So we can certainly compete for trophies. It’sbecoming more and more difficult, as money spending is abundant all over the[Premier] League, but we’ll get there. I have lofty, golden aspirations thatare very difficult to decide what the future’s going to hold right now, butEverton is my club. It’s in my heart. It’s the place that I love.

Let’s talk MLS Cup. This is the finale, the bigenchilada, if you will. What is so special about this event, from yourstandpoint?

Anytime you can compete for a trophy, it’s special. It’sthe ultimate prize in the league; it makes it the most special. I’m lookingforward to this weekend.

Finally, a score prediction. Who do you have winning MLSCup 2011?

I’ve always likened to seeing the underdog win, which I thinkis Houston, but I also believe that LA will win it, just by a hair, so it willbe a very close game.

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, November 17, 2011

2011-11-17T09:57:00.001-08:00

Local TV deal for the Galaxy etched in stone

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced that they have signed a 10-year $55 million local TV deal with Time Warner Cable's regional sports channels starting next season, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times and Sporting News.

Combined with the three-year, $30-million national deal between MLS and NBA, and the Galaxy are in good financial stead.

“It's a major deal for our team and I'm telling you it never happens without David Beckham,” said AEG president/CEO Tim Leiweke, whose company owns the Galaxy.

The G's follow the lead of the Los Angeles Lakers, whose 20-year broadcast deal with Time Warner Cable is values at $3 billion.

Comparisons, shcomparisons

When asked about the how this year's Los Angeles Galaxy side compared to teams of the past, manager Bruce Arena was confounded, to say the least.

“Couldn’t even compare it,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “I don’t even know how you do that. It doesn’t make any sense. I have no idea how you even begin that discussion.”

But when asked about comparing this year's Galaxy to D.C. United 1997 squad, Arena gave a different reaction.

“The only thing I would say – because sometimes you can say that you’re comparing apples to oranges – is that’s an era where there are 10 teams,” Arena said of the '97 D.C. United squad. “And this is 18 teams so it’s a lot harder, I would think.

"I don’t know how you compare any of that stuff. I can never figure it out."

Set piece warning in place for LA

Back at training, the Galaxy were wary of one strength that the Houston Dynamo possesses: set pieces.

“We’re going to try and limit as many set-piece opportunities [as possible],” Galaxy defender Sean Franklin told Bueno. “They’ve scored 22 goals on set pieces and five in the postseason. They’re a great team on set pieces. They’re a big team. They get great service and we just have to be aware of that and not make dumb fouls.”

Even with their main provider Brad Davis out due to injury, the Dynamo are still a force when it comes to set pieces and have plenty of people willing to step up.

“We’ve been letting up goals on set pieces in the last third of this year, specifically," defender Omar Gonzalez said. "I don’t know what it’s been, but I think everyone knows that that’s been one of our weaknesses the last third of the season. Everyone knows they have to step up and mark the right way."

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, November 15, 2011

2011-11-15T17:05:00.001-08:00

David "The Comeback Kid" Beckham

Welcome back, Mr. David Beckham. The Galaxy midfielder was named MLS's Comeback Player of the Year on Monday by the league office.

After recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon in March 2010, Beckham played in 26 of the 34 regular season games for Bruce Arena's side, a new MLS career high. As a key provider in the central midfield, Beckham recorded 15 assists, second only to Houston's Brad Davis for most league assists.

In the 13 games that Beckham had at least one assist, the Galaxy went 9-1-3, and in both matches he scored, Los Angeles went unbeaten. In addition, Beckham was also named to the MLS Best XI for the first time ever.

As a result of Beckham's set piece deliveries and quarterbacking of LA's attack, Los Angeles finished 19-5-10 (67 points) and completed a successful Supporters' Shield defense. In the CONCACAF Champions League, Beckham has recorded two assists in the Group Stage, while in the MLS Cup Playoffs he has assisted at least one in every game Los Angeles has participated in.

Bruce Almighty Returns!

To the Shield defenders go more spoils. Manager Bruce Arena was named MLS Coach of the Year by the league on Monday, making him the first-ever manager to win the award three times.

The news was only fitting, so the players argued.

“One hundred percent deserving,” said Mike Magee to LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan. “There’s no surprise. We almost broke the record for points, we almost broke the record for shutouts and we won the Supporters’ Shield.

“In my eyes he’s the best coach in the country.”

As the manager of the Galaxy, Arena has compiled an impressive 51-23-30 record for a .742 win percentage. This season, the Galaxy conceded only 28 goals and turned the Home Depot Center into a fortress, going unbeaten in all 17 home matches.

In addition, despite a congested schedule, Arena helped guide the Galaxy to the Championship Round of the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League.

“It was a great year for the whole team, and he was the main man. He was the brains behind it,” defender Frankie Hejduk said. “I don’t think there was any question that he was going to get it with the year we had.

“He’s used to getting this type of stuff and it’s always well-deserved. We’re all really happy for him.”

Assistant manager Dave Sarachan, himself no stranger to success as a former manager of the Chicago Fire, also felt that it was expected news.

“He was the best coach in the league this year,” Sarachan said. “We all know Bruce’s quality and what he brings to the table. To be able to manage the kind of players we have here, the leadership with the ownership group, the pressure of being here in the final, there’s a lot on his plate.

“He would never externalize it; it was more internal. I don’t think people on the outside really know how hard it is. Without a doubt he deserves that award this year.”

“I think Bruce is fully deserving," said team captain/midfielder Landon Donovan. "For those of us who spent the entire year here, being with him every day, we realize even more than a casual observer just how valuable he’s been to this team.

“We’re very lucky to have him. You could argue if we win MLS Cup it possibly could be his best coaching job ever.”

Job well done for Robbie Keane and the Boys in Green

For Arena, this week he was sweating out the condition of Robbie Keane, who is the team captain for the Republic of Ireland national team. The Galaxy manager was hoping that he would see limited amounts of playing time.

“I had asked [Republic of Ireland national team manager] Mr. [Giovanni] Trapattoni if he would give it consideration,” Arena told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “However in reflecting on that, I really believe that he does belong with the Republic of Ireland for this game in that he’s the captain and they haven’t made it [yet]. I wanted him to at least consider limiting his minutes if that was possible.”

Trappatoni complied, and Keane only played 67 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Estonia which all but sealed a place in Euro 2012 for the Boys in Green.

With Keane's health not an issue, Arena was confident that it would be back to business for the Galaxy forward.

“Robbie is the kind of guy that can step off the plane and play,” Arena said. “That’s the way he is. We’re going to certainly give us a couple of easy days and have him ready for Sunday.”

Favorites? What favorites?

According to oddschecker.com, the Los Angeles Galaxy are placed as a 4/6 favorite, while Dominic Kinnear's Houston Dynamo are a 9/2 longshot.

Don't tell that to Donovan, because this past week he dismissed the "favorite" tag as nonsense propagated by greedy bookmakers burning the midnight oil to pull coins off punters' ears.

“We’re always favorites. That’s just the way it is, and especially here,” Donovan told Bueno. “We know that teams get excited to come here and play. We’ve been dealing with that all year so that’s not anything new.”

Arena also believed that the favorites tag is merely a distraction and that the real talking was on the pitch.

“Our expectations are that we have to step on the field and play hard in order to win,” Arena said. “We understand how you’re supposed to prepare to win the game. I don’t think that if anyone expects us to win the game it’s going to affect us one way or the other.”

Scavenger hunt as final countdown to the Cup begins

Los Angeles Galaxy fans were in a frenzy as they completed challenges to collect free tickets to MLS Cup 2011 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California (kickoff: Nov. 20, 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET, ESPN and Galavision).

From Woodland Hills to El Segundo to Century City, fans met their players and the Galaxy Street Team, as well as the Miss LA Galaxy court while taking photos of the silverware that the club won...and the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, which LA hopes to lift by the end of Sunday night.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Is Frank Lampard heading to Hollywood?

2011-11-13T21:19:00.001-08:00

Well, isn't this an interesting development.

Chelsea's Frank Lampard is being eyed by the Los Angeles Galaxy as a replacement for David Beckham, who is set to depart for French Ligue 1 side Paris St. Germain after his contract with Bruce Arena's club expires.

A significant price tag will be placed on Lampard, and it will require some savvy knowhow from the top brass at AEG to make the deal signed, sealed and delivered. There is no question that Lampard's presence with the Galaxy will improve Major League Soccer's profile, but the issue is that Lampard has been in stellar form for Andre Villas-Boas's Blues this season.

In over 350 league appearances for Chelsea, Lampard has scored 121 goals. This season, Lampard has six goals for the Blues in all competitions.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 60: Futile November continues for Wimbledon

2011-11-12T09:01:00.001-08:00

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon took time off the Football League Two trail for a couple of important cup ties. Up first was the Johnstone's Paint Trophy match with Swindon Town FC.

"I spoke to Terry earlier today and he plans to be there, but not in the dug out," said assistant manager Stuart Cash. "He wants to be back in harness and we want to see him back here.

"Depending on how things are progressing at home we may well see him back in the dug out for the Scunthorpe game on Saturday. I know his presence will give the players a boost - and the fans too."

Matt Ritchie led Swindown in goals scored with 13. However, it would be the supporting cast that would get on the feast first.

In the 68th minute, Namibian international Oliver Risser gave Swindon an early 1-0 lead. In the 82nd minute, Rashid Yussuff off a Lee Minshull volley equalized for the Dons.

Both teams could not produce any further goals, and so the match would be decided on another penalty shootout.

In the end, it was the Phil Smith show as the Swindon goalkeeper stymied Lee Minshull, Chris Bush and Ricky Wellard with a trio of saves. In spite of Fraser Franks converting his penalty, Swindon Town advanced to the next round 3-1 on penalties.

The winless streak was sure to continue when the Dons took on Scunthorpe United in the first round of the FA Cup.

"As you know I missed the Swindon game and I've not really had a chance to absorb the DVDs yet, so Stuart and Simon are choosing the team for Saturday," Brown told reporters on Friday. "But I'll be in the dug out and I'm really looking forward to a return to a normal Saturday.

"As for the game itself, Scunthorpe have had a small dip in form lately and they'll be looking to take advantage of playing a lower league team to get back on track. But we have to treat it as a major opportunity to get ourselves back into winning ways and show again the quality and movement that we showed against Morecambe and Stevenage.

"We know we can do it and the team are feeling confident, so I'm looking forward to a close game and a great atmosphere because our fans love a cup game."

Unfortunately for Wimbledon, they would be consigned to a scoreless draw, the result of being unable to finish their chances when created. The replay will be scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15.

AFC Wimbledon also have a match with Tooting & Mitcham United in the Surrey Senior Cup on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Kickoff at Imperial Fields is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. PT/1:45 p.m. ET.

The Dons' next Football League Two match will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19 against Swindon. Kickoff at Kingsmeadow is scheduled for 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET.

View from the Victory, Volume Eight: While Harry's Away, the Victory Play

2011-11-12T02:48:00.001-08:00

The Melbourne Victory's Harry Kewell was excused from Mehmet Durakovic's side to take part in a couple of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with Oman and Thailand. (For the record, the Socceroos failed to secure qualification to the fourth round, playing their worst football of the campaign in the form of a 1-0 defeat in Muscat.)

Meanwhile, the Victory had their own local matters to attend to in the form of the Central Coast Mariners. A 1-1-3 record (six points) was not the start Melbourne was hoping for. Suspensions to Ante Covic and Matthew Foschini exacerbated matters for the visitors at the Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford.

"People are saying we've got them at a good time but it's still going to be a very, very big ask for us," the Mariners' Alex Wilkinson told Liam FitzGibbon of the Sydney Morning Herald.

"They've got a lot of players to come in, their depth is pretty frightening.

"They've got guys like Matthew Kemp, who was in Socceroos squads a couple of years ago, waiting in the wings to come in ... then there's Marco Rojas, Danny Allsopp, (Jean Carlos) Solorzano, who won a premiership with Brisbane last year.

"They lose a couple of quality players but bring in just as good players to replace them."

Coming into the match, the Mariners had a record of 2-1-2 (seven points), making this a mid-table clash for both sides.

"We've had enormous restrictions on our playing personnel, budget-wise," Mariners manager Graham Arnold told David Davutovic of the Melbourne Herald Sun. "We've got 21 players who are all well under the cap, but I've got no problems with that. Our strength is the culture of the team."

Central Coast nearly took the lead in the 29th minute, but Rodrigo Vargas was forced to clear, and the second rebound did not cross the end line. That was the only highlight in what was a scoreless first half.

The second half brought more of the same lack of production from both sides, and the end result was a scoreless draw.

Up next for Melbourne Victory is a match with Perth Glory at Etihad Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. AEST and will be televised by Fox Sports 1.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins And Outs, November 12, 2011

2011-11-11T21:14:00.001-08:00

No problems for Robbie Keane

The Los Angeles Galaxy's Robbie Keane was all business donning the colors of the Boys in Green; that is, the Republic of Ireland national team as they coasted to a 4-0 rout of Estonia. The match was the first leg of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualification play-offs, held at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn.

Keane scored late, in the 71st minute and 88th minute off a penalty. Other goal scorers for Ireland included Keith Andrews in the 13th and Jon Walters in the 67th minute of play.

Estonia were forced to play down to nine men by the end of the full time whistle. The New York Red Bulls' Joel Lindpere came in for Martin Vunk in the 61st minute.

The second leg is scheduled for Nov. 15 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Barrett out due to injury

Meanwhile, back at training, Chad Barrett suffered a dislocated ankle and would be a scratch for MLS Cup on Sunday, Nov. 20.

“It was such an odd situation, the whole thing,” Galaxy defender/MLS Best XI selection Todd Dunivant told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “It was a nothing play. There was no contact. His cleat got stuck in the ground and his leg just rolled over. His foot was not where it was supposed to be. That’s unsettling when you see that.”

Adam Cristman and Paolo Cardozo are two players that can step in Barrett's shoes, Cristman being the stronger of the two due to his ability to hold the ball and win set pieces.

“From the team standpoint, he’s been a big part of our playoff run and we’re certainly going to miss him, but we’ve had those things happen all year and we’ve been able to cope with them,” Galaxy captain Landon Donovan said. “I’m sad for him, individually, because he had the chance to play for a championship in front of his home crowd and he’s meant so much to us this year.”

In addition, Barrett is unavailable for team friendlies against the Indonesia Super League XI, the Philippines National Team and Melbourne Victory FC. Effectively, Barrett's season is over.

MLS Cup...Is Sold Out

As expected, tickets for MLS Cup 2011 were selling at a premium. All remaining tickets for the event have been sold out, according to the LA Galaxy web site.

On Thursday, a number of tickets were available on the web site, but 10 minutes following the announcement, they were all sold out in a hurry.

Other sites like StubHub and EBay are still selling tickets, but are priced in the thousands.

Youth Academy Update

As the first team prepares for their shot at glory, the new up-and-comers are going through the motions as part of the LA Galaxy Academy. However, only one side played a contest this past week due to heavy rains falling down on the Southland.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Galaxy Under-13's shut down Legends FC 3-1. Christian Perez scored a brace, while Jesus Nuñez added a third. The U-13s are 6-1-2 in their SCDSL league, two points behind league leaders FC Golden State.

All Academy teams will be in action this weekend. Here's the list of matches.

LA Galaxy U-12’s at Real So Cal Saturday, November 12
Game will be played at North Ranch #1 in Thousand Oaks starting at 2:55 p.m.

LA Galaxy U-13’s at Pateadores Saturday, November 12
Game will be played at Don Juan Avila Middle School in Aliso Viejo at 10 a.m.

LA Galaxy U-14’s vs Beach FC Saturday, November 12
Game will be played at Aviation Park in Manhattan Beach at 9:20 a.m.

LA Galaxy U-15’s vs. CZ Elite Saturday, November 12
Game will be played at LA Harbor College in Wilmington at 2:30 p.m.

LA Galaxy U-16’s vs. Real So Cal Saturday, November 12
Game will be played at The Home Depot Center in Carson starting at 12:30 p.m.

LA Galaxy U-18’s vs. Real So Cal Saturday, November 12
Game will be played at The Home Depot Center in Carson starting at 10 a.m.

Tough decision is tough for Captain America

It was a tough decision for Landon Donovan to sit out the USA's friendly with France, which they lost 1-0. However, it was a decision that was earned, Donovan argued.

“It was very hard to make,” Donovan told Bueno. “I’ve been a guy who, since I started, has always been fully committed to that team and probably gone into a lot of games that I wasn’t physically right, I wasn’t healthy. So I think I’ve earned the right to make that decision.”

Donovan has not been at 100% health due to quad injury issues in October. Travel issues also played into the decision to focus on MLS Cup.

“The last thing anyone would want would be to go there, play the game, get hurt and miss the final and then we’d never forgive any of us,” Donovan said. “There were a lot of factors that played into that decision, and when all those factors were added up, it overwhelmingly made sense to stay here.”

In the end, USA team manager Jurgen Klinsmann understands the importance of Donovan to the Galaxy and gave him his blessing. Thankfully it wasn't a beatdown because France used an experimental lineup to get their result.

“It was the right decision and, fortunately, I have a coach who has played at the highest level, who has played for championships and knows that you only get so many chances to play for a championship,” Donovan concluded. “He said to me that he wanted me to come, but he fully respected and will respect my decision.

"At the end of the day, he understands what this means to me, he knows how much I’ve put into this year for this opportunity.”

Well done, that Klinsi.

Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, November 10, 2011

2011-11-10T10:58:00.001-08:00

Omar Gonzalez wins Defender of the Year

Los Angeles Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez won the MLS Defender of the Year Award on Wednesday. Gonzalez is the youngest-ever player to win the awar at 23. He recorded 17 clean sheets and allowed only 20 goals in 29 matches played.

Needless to say, the Maryland graduate was beaming.

“I was pretty pumped about it,” Gonzalez told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “This is a huge award and it’s a great accolade for me personally, being my third year here in this league.

"I was close to winning it last year but it just wasn’t enough. I put a lot of hard work going into this year [and] my hard work paid off.”

Gonzalez was paired with Gregg Berhalter and Leonardo but for the most part combined forces with A.J. DeLaGarza in central defense.

“It’s been pretty easy playing with those three guys because everyone plays hard, everyone’s organized and they’re just ready to play game in and game out," Gonzalez said. "Whoever it was, I was very comfortable with them.”

In the middle of a two-week break

For Galaxy manager Bruce Arena, the arrival of a two-week break couldn't have come any sooner for his club.

“If any team needs the two weeks off, it’s our team,” Arena told Bueno. “Hopefully we can get our group ready for the final.”

Only two players are expected to not be available for the MLS Cup Final on Nov. 20: defenders Sean Alvarado and Leonardo, who suffered season-ending injuries.

“We’re starting to get our team back,” Arena added. “We’ve played a whole season without our first 11, which is kind of remarkable and now this week was great to get a bunch of guys on the field together for literally the first time this year.”

For midfielder Mike Magee, the importance of a calm beform the storm is invaluable to the team's collective health.

I think it took me a while to get in the game as well as a couple of the other guys because of all the games and lack of days off," Magee said. "It will be nice to get a couple of days off here this week. I’m sure it will feel like months before the final."

Kickoff between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and Galavision.

On Oddschecker.com, the Galaxy are listed as a 4/7 favorite, while Houston are a 9/2 longshot.

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, November 8, 2011

2011-11-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

No Paris trip for Landon Donovan

Los Angeles Galaxy team captain Landon Donovan has said "non" to the USA men's national team ahead of Friday's international friendly with France in Paris.

"The plan was to have Landon come in for the match against France and then return to the L.A. Galaxy in preparation for MLS Cup, but after further discussion, Landon expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles," USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann told ESPN's Scott French. "While my preference was to have Landon with us for this important match, I respect his decision."

However, Chris Birchall and Robbie Keane will need to be on international assignment. Birchall will be donning the colors of Trinidad and Tobago in FIFA 2014 World Cup qualification, while Keane will represent the Republic of Ireland against Estonia in Euro 2012 qualification play.

Mama, here comes that trophy!

The Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, the MLS Cup, will be arriving in Los Angeles tomorrow at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET at the Santa Monica Pier, and Pacific Park.

The trophy will arrive with a police escort at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier accompanied by former MLS Cup winners and Los Angeles soccer legends Alexi Lalas and Mauricio Cienfuegos, riding in style atop a 2012 Volkswagen Eos convertible with Continental Tires.

This is the fifth time MLS Cup will be played in Southern California (The Home Depot Center 2003, 2004, 2008 & 2011; Rose Bowl 1998).

A stiff challenge awaits

As for Galaxy manager Bruce Arena, he dismissed rather easily the notion that the Western Conference Final was the de facto MLS Cup Final.

"Houston finished second in the conference during the year, beat the hell out of us a couple of weeks ago, beat what I understood a lot of people thought a team could probably win the MLS Cup in Kansas City and deserved to win that game," Arena told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. "They’re going to come into Los Angeles thinking they can win the next one as well. It’s going to be a real battle.”

Without Brad Davis, Dominic Kinnear's Houston Dynamo took apart Sporting Kansas City thanks to goals from Andre Hainault and Carlo Costly.

MLS Cup 2011: All Anschutz, All The Time between Los Angeles and Houston

2011-11-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

Picture this. Two AEG-owned teams competing in an AEG-owned facility for a trophy with name of AEG's owner on it.

Conspiracy? Coincidence? Dumb luck? No, it's only MLS Cup 2011, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Technically, AEG are a part-owner of Dominic Kinnear's Houston Dynamo, with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and Gabriel Brenner's Brenner International also claiming ownership stakes.

But AEG is the sole owner of Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, and the scenario is only fitting: MLS Cup 2011, where it's All Anschutz, All The Time.

Los Angeles advanced to MLS Cup 2011 on the wings of a 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Final.

"We scored some important goals. I think if any team needs two weeks off, it’s our team," Arena told reporters. "Hopefully, we can get our group ready for the final. It’s not going to be easy. Houston’s a very good team; they smacked us around pretty good a couple of weeks ago. We know we are going to have to be at our very best if we are going to beat them.”

Midfielder Landon Donovan was impressed by the Galaxy's heart and determination on Sunday against RSL.

“I’m real proud of the effort the guys put in all week," Donovan said. "It was a tough week. Our guys did a great job and I thought we were excellent tonight.”

Donovan, who lead the team in goals scored in the regular season with 12, accredited the victory to a second half resurgence, which saw goals from Mike Magee and Robbie Keane seal the deal.

“We could taste it," Donovan added. "We know were that close. We had a few early looks. And David [Beckham] made another unbelievable play and Mike Magee had another fantastic finish. We knew at that point we were going to win the game.”

Midfielder David Beckham, who leads the team in assists with 15 in the regular season and three in the playoffs, was smart enough to keep his feet on the ground. Still, the thrill of playing in front of 27,000 at Victoria Street was something hard to pass up.

“I think it’s special," Beckham said. "When it was announced that the MLS Cup would be at The HDC, I said it would be great if we could make it. Now we’ve made it, now we want to win it, simple as that.

"Tonight is a special night for the fans, for the manager, for the management as well, because Tim Leiweke, Phil Anschutz, they put a lot behind this team and they got two teams that they own in the finals. So, it’s a special night for them, so congratulations to them, but as a team we need to be ready.”

One of the issues Los Angeles will have to deal with is the match fitness of Keane, who will be coming back from international duty. Keane plays for the Republic of Ireland, who will take on Estonia in the two-legged Euro 2012 qualification playoffs.

However, the Dynamo have a huge problem to put up with, and that is the loss of Brad Davis, who was injured in the 38th minute in Houston's 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the Eastern Conference Final.

A right quad injury is sure to sideline him for MLS Cup 2011, which means that Adam Moffat will have to pick up the pieces.

Moffat has had success against the Galaxy before. In the final match of the regular season, a wonder strike from distance opened the floodgates in a 3-0 Houston victory over what was essentially the LA Galaxy reserve side.

This time, Moffat will need to find players like Brian Ching, Andre Hainault and Carlo Costly to test the Galaxy defense. Ching, along with Will Bruin and Geoff Cameron, led the team in goals this season with five.

“We know the caliber of player Brad is,” Cameron told MLSSoccer.com's Simon Borg. “We know he’s a fantastic player and considered an MVP. But everyone stepped their game up and said, ‘We’re going to do this for him, we’re going to win.’ I think everyone was lifted on the field today. It was a tribute to him, and we’re glad to win the game for him.”

Still, Houston will come into the match as huge underdogs against a Los Angeles side that literally has all hands on deck. The pressure will be on the Galaxy to deliver, as they are a team designed to win MLS Cup.

A defeat on Nov. 20 will likely render the season a failure in spite of defending the Supporters' Shield and advancing to the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League Championship Round.

“We know there’s one more game to go," Beckham said. "So, we’re not getting carried away. We did that a couple of years ago and we paid for it, we didn’t win the MLS Cup final. Hopefully this will be something that we’re happy to win tonight but we know that we have one more game.”

Prediction:

This MLS Cup is Los Angeles's to lose. The Galaxy will look to finish the job against an opponent that they would love to get some payback against for the 3-0 whitewash suffered at Robertson Stadium.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Houston Dynamo 1

Goalscorers: Donovan, Magee, Keane, Ching

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

INS & OUTS

Galaxy are Indonesia bound

The first stop on the LA Galaxy's Asia Pacific Tour will be in Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, where they will take on an Indonesia Super League XI side on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

This match will be the Galaxy's first-ever match in Indonesia.

Following the game in Jakarta, the team will travel to Manila to face the Philippines National Team at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Saturday, December 3.

The Galaxy will then travel to Melbourne, Australia to complete the tour against Melbourne Victory of the Hyundai A-League in the Hyundai Melbourne Challenge at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, December 6.

Thus the Galaxy actually have four games in 17 days remaining on the calendar. The only question is whether or not the club will go for the last three games on that schedule or not.

MLS: LA Galaxy get revenge on Real Salt Lake 3-1, but job's not done yet

2011-11-06T23:22:00.000-08:00

You know, I don't buy all these water cooler conversations that the match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake is the de facto MLS Cup match. That is a huge sign of disrespect to the Eastern Conference Champions, the Houston Dynamo, who shut out Sporting Kansas City 2-0 on Sunday night at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan.

On the other hand, perhaps the 2011 Major League Soccer Western Conference Final had all the intensity of an MLS Cup Final. Fueled by a desire for revenge regarding what took place two years ago in Seattle, goals from Landon Donovan in the 23rd minute, Mike Magee in the 58th minue and Robbie Keane in the 68th minute of play paced Bruce Arena's Galaxy to a 3-1 victory over Jason Kreis's Real Salt Lake before over 23,000 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

“This is a competition that’s four or five games,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “The regular season doesn’t mean anything and we want to be the best team in this four-or-five-game tournament. And we have that opportunity.”

In reality, the scoreline could have burst wide open, degenerating into a wild shootout. Real Salt Lake had a few attempts hit the woodwork, while Robbie Keane struggled to get his finishing touch going.

However, Keane finally got a huge monkey off his back in the 68th minute, finishing a 1 v 1 to slot the dagger past Nick Rimando.

Of course, with this being David Beckham's final year, the No. 23 of LA needed to shine, and in the 58th minute, his signature delivery found the head of red-hot Mike Magee to make it 2-1.

Los Angeles opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, with Donovan converted a penalty won by defender Omar Gonzalez, who won the balls in the air and had established a businesslike presence on the Galaxy's set pieces.

With Juninho back in the lineup after serving suspension, the Brazilian from Sao Paulo performed a disappearing act on Javier Morales. Juninho protected LA's back line and proved to the masses why he's like bacon. Bacon, as you already know, makes everything better.

For Keane, though, he was still rusty. Once again, the rusty finishing from Robbie earlier last week at home against the New York Red Bulls was rearing its ugly head, with volleys hitting the woodwork. Had Keane been on target, the match would not only be decisive, but it would have resulted in a hat trick.

If Keane is able to click on his finishing against the Dynamo, the outcome may not be in doubt on Nov. 20.

The backline for Los Angeles underwhelmed on Sunday, but that's where goalkeeper Josh Saunders comes into play. An adept stopper, his heroics in the second half will certainly make him the No. 1 keeper heading into next year, regardless of the outcome in the MLS Cup Final.

Defender Sean Franklin has to be a very lucky man. He was cautioned late in the contest for delaying a restart, but a harsh challenge on Will Johnson earlier could have resulted in a suspension heading into the final.

Todd Dunivant has to work on receiving the final ball when Los Angeles string up their sequences. Dunivant does not have the legs to catch up to the pace of some of LA's long through balls. In a final like the MLS Cup, this is going to be critical, even with Brad Davis out for this one.

The play of A.J. DeLaGarza was what you would expect out of him: no turnovers, picking up second balls, and cleaning up when Gonzalez can't. Look for DeLaGarza to deliver in the back line in two weeks; this defender is the unsung hero of this team.

The biggest liability to this team is Chad Barrett. Sure he was able to exploit the lack of defensive depth, but his finishing was abysmal enough to keep RSL in the match even when they were a goal down. Barrett cannot rely on Keane or Magee to finish the job for him. As a forward up top at this point in the season, getting your act together is of the utmost importance.

On the other side, Fabian Espindola could have kept Real Salt Lake in this game singlehandedly. A key miss in the second half, as well as one from Kyle Beckerman in first half stoppage time. epitomized the night for Real Salt Lake, who only had a 25th minute goal off a set piece from Alvaro Saborio to show for their efforts.

The player that really lost this for Real Salt Lake? Jamison Olave. You would believe that Olave would be up to the task of stopping the star power that was fueling the Galaxy, but it just wasn't happening.

“I think he battled through a lot,” Kreis told MLSSoccer.com's Randy Davis. “I think it says a lot about Jámison Olave that he’s going to play through a situation where they told me there’s no chance he’s going to play, and he might not be able to play in the final had we made it there.

“A week to have the turnaround that he did, and then the willingness to say ‘I’ll play’ – that says a lot about Jámison Olave. I thought he was very strong tonight, and he ran out of gas as we thought it would. He made it a lot further than I thought he would, though.”

“Olave did well considering he’s playing with an injury. We all know he wasn’t 100 percent, and for him to gut it out like that was pretty remarkable. He’s an outstanding defender,” Arena added. “Unfortunately when playing three games in a week and at the end of a long season, teams are going to have injuries. Players are not 100 percent and unfortunately that was the case for Olave.”

And because Olave was not up to the challenge, Los Angeles wore down RSL en route to a well-deserved dose of payback.

Speaking of payback, some redemption for the C-team may be in order in two weeks, when Houston and the Galaxy clash in MLS Cup 2011.

How about this for your storyline: two clubs owned/partially owned by AEG playing in stadium owned by AEG for a trophy with AEG's owner written on it.

No fix, argues this Featured Columnist. It's just football. Association football. And the 2011 association football season in the United States and Canada wraps up two Sundays from now.

Kickoff between the Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles Galaxy is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

View from Kingsmeadow, Volume 59: Dons Say Hello To Another Old Friend

2011-11-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

Terry Brown's AFC Wimbledon heard the news that they would be taking on the Iron of Scunthorpe United in the first round proper of the 2011-12 FA Cup. But that match, which would be held at Kingsmeadow, would not be on the minds of the players this week.

This week, it was about the match against the Bees of Barnet F.C., managed by former Wimbledon ace Lawrie Sanchez. Last season, Barnet finished 22nd in the Football League Two, just out of relegation by a single point with a record of 12-22-12 (48 points).

Barnet are led by the goal-scoring tandem of Izale McLeod and Steve Kabba. McLeod scored 14 goals last year in all competitions, while Kabba recorded 11.

McLeod currently leads the team in goals with 11, while Ricky Holmes has recorded six this year.

"We are in the fortunate position of having hardly any injuries at present so some people are going to be disappointed but team spirit is high," said assistant manager Stuart Cash, "and those players who miss out are guaranteed a start on Tuesday at Swindon, subject to the rule about starting with at least six of Saturday's eleven.

"Training this week has been very good and today's session was very positive - the boys are keen to get back to winning ways. We're expecting a decent crowd again tomorrow and we hope that we'll be sending them home happy after seeing us take all three points."

McLeod continued his stellar scoring form, recording his 12th of the season in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. In the 62nd minute, Wimbledon's Sammy Moore equalized off a Kieran Djilali through ball.

And that would be the final result, as AFC Wimbledon and Barnet played to a 1-1 draw.

The recent string of results raises a red flag heading into the FA Cup tie with Scunthorpe United, as well as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy match with Swindon Town on Tuesday. Can the Dons get their act together and secure a couple of important results?

Kickoff between Swindon and AFC Wimbledon is scheduled for Nov. 8 at 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET.

Kickoff between the Iron and the Dons at Kingsmeadow is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET.

View from the Victory, Volume Seven: Amateur Referee Night at Etihad Stadium

2011-11-05T03:47:00.000-07:00

Mehmet Durakovic's Melbourne Victory were in the fight of their lives as they prepared for their Saturday night match with defending A-League Champions and current league leaders Brisbane Roar at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

A player for Melbourne that would not be available for action against the Roar was Grant Brebner, who strained a calf muscle and would be sidelined for two weeks.

"It's a very big blow for us," Durakovic said after training. "But we've got guys coming in and it's their opportunity to take it. 'Broxy' [Leigh Broxham] did a magnificent job in Wellington."

Indeed, the Victory were coming off their first victory of the season, a 2-1 victory over the Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium. The objective for Harry Kewell and company was to build on their breakthrough result.

An even bigger object for Kewell was to live up to the hype that preceded the club's campaign.

"When I was coming over here I knew what everyone was expecting and I knew myself I had to be at my top form, week in and week out," Kewell told Stephen Rielly of The Australian. "Playing at the top level you can have an average game, but you have other players taking it.

"Obviously now the focus is on me and you have to play well every game. I knew that when I signed and the challenge for me is to be able to do that week in, week out. I'm not going to shy away from it."

An out-of-form Kewell could be a blessing to the Victory, since Kewell is considered for a recall to the Socceroos for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

"There's no guarantee (they'll play) at all, I'm pretty much performance-related," Socceroos manager Holger Osieck told the press, according to AAP. "I ask a lot more of them other than they have produced so far. But knowing their value and what they can bring to the team I invited them."

Ange Postecoglou's Roar were riding a 32-match unbeaten streak, which came after a 3-0 defeat to Melbourne more than a year ago at AAMI Park.

“It’s all about our performance so tomorrow we want to make sure we rock up ready to go, and we’re under no illusion – they are going to throw everything at us," said former Victory goalkeeper and current Roar netminder Michael Theoklitos to the Australian FourFourTwo.

It was a night full of offensive fireworks. Who would want to be a defender? No one on a night like this.

Actually who would want to be a referee at Etihad. Surely not match referee Ben Williams. From this Featured Columnist's perspective, he did not have a very good night officiating this match. Most, if not all, of the calls he made were against the Victory.

You would believe that for someone who has had so many games of refereeing under his belt, it would not be obvious of Williams's clear preferential treatment to the title-holders.

Indeed, the wheels would fall off in a hurry for Durakovic's club. Early in the second minute, Melbourne were down to 10 men after Victory goalkeeper Ante Covic was sent off for a rough challenge on Besart Berisha. The foul was triggered by terrible defending from Adrian Leijer.

After Brisbane were called for encroachment, the Roar's Henrique converted the spot kick to make it 1-0 to the visitors. Carlos Hernandez was cautioned in the eighth minute for a rough challenge.

However, Archie Thompson equalized for the Victory on the break in the 10th minute to put the match on level terms. Thompson broke loose again in the 21st minute on the counter to give Melbourne a 2-1 lead. The goal was triggered by a through ball from Kewell.

Adrian Leijer was cautioned in the 26th minute for a challenge on Brisbane's Thomas Broich, one of the club's top goalscorers. The ensuing free kick was converted by Broich to make it a 2-2 game.

In the 37th minute, Melbourne's Matthew Foschini was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Broich.

The second half saw Brisbane dominate possession due to the two-man advantage. Unfortunately, the Roar were not able to convert on their opportunities, and the result ended in a 2-2 draw.

And the cards continued to pile up.

Berisha was cautioned in the 70th minute for dissent. Danny Allsopp earned a yellow in the 79th minute for a challenge on Massimo Murdocca.

Brisbane's Luke Brattan was also given a caution for a challenge on Diego Ferreira. And Thompson himself was cautioned for dissent in the third minute of second half stoppage time.

Up next for the Victory is a match with the Central Coast Mariners. Kickoff at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford, Australia is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:45 p.m. AEST.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake: MLS Cup 2009 Revisited

2011-11-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

And the beat goes on for Major League Soccer's best team this season.

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy continue their 2011 MLS Cup Playoff run on Sunday, Nov. 6 when they take on Jason Kreis's Real Salt Lake at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

The last time both teams met on the pitch, it was in Seattle, and MLS Cup 2009 was taking place. Los Angeles lost on penalties 54 thanks to misses from Landon Donovan, Jovan Kirovski and Edson Buddle.

That was 2009. This year's team is much better than the side from two season ago, who scrapped out to a 12-6-12 record (48 points) just missing up on a Supporters' Shield by a single point to the Columbus Crew.

Most of the players on that 2009 side are on this year's team, with a notable exception being Robbie Keane. And speaking of Keane, the Galaxy will be keen to not let this year's Western Conference Final go down to penalties.

Midfielder Mike Magee, who scored in the 2009 MLS Cup Final for LA, knows the importance of this match.

“It’s big," Magee told reporters. "We’ve established ourselves as a very good home team and our fans as you could tell tonight were amazing, pushing us when guys were tired. It’s definitely a lot better playing here than in Salt Lake.”

"Of course, we want to beat them. As simple as that," midfielder David Beckham said. "They are a very good team, they have a very good manager, that is passionate about the game, and we know it’s going to be a difficult game. But, the advantage is, we’re at home and we’ll have out fans behind us. But we know we are going to be in a game.”

Beckham, defender Gregg Berhalter, Magee and Chris Klein converted their penalties in the shootout that ensued at CenturyLink Field (formerly Qwest Field).

Real Salt Lake, who defeated the Seattle Sounders on aggregate 3-2, actually come into this match with a lot of added pressure. A number of news sources have given the nod to Real Salt Lake to win the league, including Sports Illustrated, ESPN Soccernet, SB Nation, Soccer By Ives And WVHolligan.com.

RSL also own an unbeaten record as a lower-seeded team, going 6-0 in all competitions, from the MLS Cup Playoffs to the CONCACAF Champions League.

One of the players that could be the X-factor for Real Salt Lake is defender Robbie Russell, who was the hero in 2009 in the penalty shootout.

“He’s been absolutely spectacular in the last two matches,” Kreis told MLSsoccer.com's Randy Davis. “[He’s] probably the best defender of all of them in the two matches. He’s consistent in making plays, and making tackles when it counts. That’s what you need is guys with experience who step forward in those critical situations.”

Russell knows that his improved play as a defender could make all the difference.

“Playoff intensity,” Russell concluded. “It’s one of those things where I’m an older player, and I know I can’t necessarily game in and game out put out the effort. There are times where I really know I can do something special, and it is playoff time. That’s when it counts.”

Aside from a resolute defense, Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola form a 1-2 scoring attack for RSL. Saborio recorded 11 goals in the regular season, while Fabian Espindola scored 10. Captain Kyle Beckerman is available for this match, and with nine assists to lead the club, his play in the midfield will be critical to Real's chances.

Goalkeeper Nick Rimando has a 1.09 goals against average to go with 95 saves and 71 percent save percentage.

But while Real Salt Lake has held the advantage over Los Angeles in the postseason, it is LA that has won more trophies. Two MLS Cups, six Western Conference crowns, four Supporters' Shields, two U.S. Open Cups and a CONCACAF championship tell the story.

David Beckham put on a Willis Reed-esque performance against the New York Red Bulls en route to a 3-1 aggregate scoreline. Beckham, who recorded 15 assists this year, assisted on the Mike Magee equalizer in the 42nd minute and had to tough it out in the second half before being subbed late.

Landon Donovan led the team in goals with 12 and slammed the door shut on New York with a penalty in the 75th minmute of play.

The Galaxy have won a majority of their games as a result of a balanced defense, led by goalkeeper Josh Saunders and the backline of Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant and Sean Franklin. The objective for LA's defense is to avoid giving up a fast start to the opposition because they are prone to doing this.

Real Salt Lake need to be wise when delivering through balls, and that's where Kyle Beckerman can find either Saborio or Espindola to deliver. As for Los Angeles, they must win on their own laurels. Relying on luck in the form of own goals from Nat Borchers will not work.

Los Angeles were clearly rusty in their 2-1 victory on Thursday and need to do a better job of handling the ball and finishing their sequences. Too many goals from players like Beckham, Donovan and Robbie Keane were left on the table, and that cannot be tolerated on Sunday.

If the Galaxy are able to put it together, they will be back for the season finale on Nov. 20.

Prediction:

Well, there is no doubt that this will be an exciting Western Conference Final. I like the Galaxy finishing the job and seeing the season off by taking part in MLS Cup 2011.

Los Angeles Galaxy 2, Real Salt Lake 1

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

MLS: Mike Magee, Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy slay Red Bull New York 2-1

2011-11-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

I suppose I am going to have to put up with this playoff football for at least a couple more matches. After all, this featured columnist will be covering MLS Cup later this month on Bleacher Report.

And it looks like soccer fans in the City of Angels are going to experience some more playoff football on Sunday, after a fourth-minute goal by the New York Red Bulls' Luke Rodgers was overturned in a 2-1 win for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy.

“Certainly a difficult game tonight. It was very physical, obviously, spotting—it’s not the right word, they earned it— falling behind a goal and the series literally being even three minutes in at our place," Arena told reporters following the match. "To show the kind of character they did to get back in the game in the first half and having a pretty good second half. Perfect. Obviously a good win and now we focus on getting our team ready for Sunday.”

The fourth-minute goal from Rodgers was the wake-up call that the Galaxy needed, which allowed them to settle down and take care of business midway through the first half.

“I think that it just took us 10, 15 minutes to settle," midfielder Chris Birchall said, who took over for the suspended Juninho on Thursday. "I think that we’ll go through tomorrow what we could have done better in the first 10, 15 minutes. They did get chances but after that we got our confidence, started creating chances and after that we were a lot more settled and a solid team.”

"Obviously we didn’t get off to a very good start, shot ourselves in the foot a little bit in the first five minutes and were a little sloppy with the ball and they scored a good goal," said forward Robbie Keane. "We had to work hard to come back in the game and we showed that in abundance today."

Mike Magee's 42nd minute equalizer off a David Beckham corner and a penalty from Landon Donovan in the 75th minute sealed the deal for LA, who defeated Hans Backe's Red Bulls to book their place in the Western Conference Finals against Real Salt Lake on Sunday, Nov. 6.

However, the Galaxy had a number of chances to slam the door shut early, but the waves of attack died quickly due to bad finishing, or lazy passes that were telegraphed by the Red Bulls' back line.

Chad Barrett, in particular, never had a good touch all night and struggled to do his share in building up the offensive sequences the Galaxy were creating. Furthermore, Donovan's only relevant contribution was that penalty, and nothing else. As for Keane, he was also rusty with his finishing.

And that's the issue with Los Angeles after Thursday's match. You're in the playoffs, and you are still coming up rusty. That is never a good sign when it comes down to taking on a sound opponent that you helped secure a CONCACAF Champions League berth for in RSL. It is a kiss of death.

The biggest workhorse defensively was Omar Gonzalez. We've seen this from him all season: his tall frame allows him to intercept passes from opposing midfielders and in the process start up counterattacking sequences. Gonzalez, who was named the team's defensive MVP this year, may have won this game, more than anything.

Offensively, David Beckham was the hero. This is somebody who is in the final year of his contract, and in spite of back issues and what-have-you, continued to bust his you-know-what to help his club. He even fancied a volley on embattled Red Bulls keeper Frank Rost in the ninth minute, but just missed.

“He’s gotten beat up both games but I thought he was terrific again," Donovan said of Beckham. "I thought that he and Birchall did a great job, obviously initially with the first goal we are all at fault for being a little out of position, but after that I thought they were terrific in midfield. David’s service once again was great and the effort by him was fantastic.

"I’ve seen that guy go through a lot and I think they would have had to carry him off the field, I don’t think he was coming off and that shows a lot about his character.”

Clearly Birchall filled in for Juninho quite nicely. Once again, it's not to say that the Galaxy have had to deal with Juninho out of the starting lineup. It's happened in match day three of the CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage against Morelia. But this result proves that Monarcas is indeed better than New York.

“Chris Birchall was an absolute beast," Magee said. "I think it took him and all of us in the midfield about 10 minutes to get our bearings, but as you can see he had (Thierry) Henry and about four other guys buzzing around in the middle of the field. He did an amazing job doing it by himself. You can’t say enough good things about what Birchy did tonight.”

Now, Rodgers himself did not do any favors by not only being the Chicken Thief, but also starting up yet another scuffle that drew him a yellow card from match referee Hilario Grajeda. The boos were going to come on him with every touch of the ball. However, Rodgers did not win lose this game for New York.

That honor belongs to Roy Miller. A Costa Rican circus entertainer who moonlights as a footballer for the New York Red Bulls. A silly foul on David Beckham in the 74th minute literally sealed the deal for LA, with Donovan reading the last rites.

Up next for the Galaxy is a match with Real Salt Lake, a replay of the 2009 MLS Cup Final. But is there a revenge factor to all of this? According to Beckham, the answer is no.

“There is no revenge about any games that we play in," Beckham said. "But, of course, we want to beat them. As simple as that. They are a very good team, they have a very good manager, that is passionate about the game, and we know it’s going to be a difficult game. But, the advantage is, we’re at home and we’ll have out fans behind us. But we know we are going to be in a game.”

Kickoff between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes.