Galaxy Injury, Roster Update
Just got back from Galaxy training and thought I'd pass along a couple of items.
On the injury front, defender Julian Valentin is doubtful for this weekend's MLS season opener in Colorado with a right ankle injury he suffered last Thursday; striker Alan Gordon and veteran midfielder Pete Vagenas are listed as probable with a right ankle injury and right quad problem respectively; goalkeeper Charles Alamo and defender Ante Jazic are both out with long-term injuries as most readers already know.
Incidentally, striker Edson Buddle returned to full training today (and was being driven hard by Coach Ruud Gullit in practice) and looked fairly sharp.
Expect a bunch of fairly routine roster moves for the Galaxy this week, which as of today has 19 senior players (and must get down to 18).
No one will be cut, but midfielder Brandon McDonald, defender Michael Gavin and striker Bryan Jordan will all be signed to developmental contracts this week that don't count against the salary cap or senior roster limit.
Backup goalkeeper Josh Wicks of San Bernandino has won a senior roster spot, while Brazilian midfielder Alvaro Pires (technically still a trialist) is awaiting a work visa any day now.
Lastly, striker Carlos Ruiz, held out of the recent game as a precaution when he felt a slight twinge in his hamstring, is good to go this weekend.
I'll have more on the return of Ruiz in Tuesday's column, which I'd better go write.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook.
Thanks very much for those interesting roster updates.
I wonder though who will be downgraded from the senior one or cut in order to make room for the Brazilian.