Career Opportunities: An Overview Of The LA Galaxy At Midseason 2013

 (Left to right) Gonzalez, Donovan and Keane

Even though he is now retired to just making underwear ads, this latest Los Angeles Galaxy post still starts with David Beckham. His five-and-a-half year period with the team boosted the fortunes of both the Galaxy and Major League Soccer, but the question remains: has the team (and US soccer) moved forward without the global superstar?

It’s a qualified yes.

Galaxy attendance for 2013 is down 6% from last year, but season ticket sales and television ratings are up. They may have signed the first openly gay player in American sports with Robbie Rogers, but that hasn’t translated into victories. As of today with international play starting for the Galaxy, they are mired in fourth place in MLS’ Western Conference. Yet there is optimism within the team and its fans.

Number 10 Landon Donovan is back.

The world-class midfielder was a no-show for much of the beginning of the season. Much was made of his four month sabbatical away from soccer, but questions about his commitment or ability were answered as he led the US National Team to this year’s Gold Cup. And his first game back with LA? Donovan scored a three-goal hat trick against FC Dallas. If he scores five more goals in MLS play he will become the league’s all-time career goal scorer. There is a great chance that we can do it before the end of this year!

With two Designated Player slots given to Donovan and leading scorer Robbie Keane (goal machine), the remaining slot was given to defender Omar Gonzalez. What makes this unusual is one: it was not given to a forward or a midfielder, but a defender, and two: it was given to an American without foreign league experience. With Gonzalez’ contract at $1.5 million USD for three years, MLS now shows that it can sign good American players in their prime career years without them leaving for better leagues in Europe. The Galaxy no longer needs to find a foreign player that can spark interest in fans, but build a championship caliber team from within its own ranks.

The Galaxy’s game strategy has changed from speed and quickness (with Beckham controlling the game) to a more passing, tactical style. Patient build-up has the team scoring the second most goals in the league this year with four players under age 23 scoring for the Galaxy. The youth movement is well underway with head coach Bruce Arena.

Don’t put the old guys to pasture just yet. Donovan was the best player with the Galaxy during the Beckham years, and he still is now. When he doesn’t give an assist to another player, he can score with flair, power, and (just ask FC Dallas goalie Chris Seitz) plain old speed…

It will be fun to see if Donovan can become MLS’ all-time goal scorer, and to see if the Galaxy will win their third consecutive MLS championship this year!

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