Columnist Nick Green has written 100 Percent Soccer
since 2005. 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.
Married to a long-suffering soccer widow, he has a cat
named Pele.Galaxy & Chivas USA Updates - And Swag
The Galaxy made official today what was reported here Monday, when forward Bryan Jordan and goalkeeper Josh Wicks joined from the USL Portland Timbers.
The two appeared regularly in preseason games.
“Bryan and Josh have impressed the coaching staff since the beginning of the preseason and have earned the right to be on our roster,” said Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo. “We believe that both players will add depth and quality to our group."
A 22-year old California native, Jordan, 22 scored five times in 26 games for Portland last year after four years at Oregon State.
Wicks, 24, spent the last three years in the USL with Portland and the Vancouver Whitecaps and played four years at Cal State Bakersfield. After winning the 2006 USL Championship with the Whitecaps, he was the USL Goalkeeper of the Year in Portland in 2007 with a 0.60 goals against average.
“Josh came in and has opened a lot of eyes with his play,” Galaxy goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer said. “We knew that we needed someone who could push Steve (Cronin) for the No. 1 spot and he has certainly done that. Not only that, but he has a great attitude, works hard and always livens up the locker room. He will be a tremendous asset to the club.”
Meanwhile, Chivas USA announced the signing of former San Diego State midfielder Kraig Chiles to a developmental contract. He was the club's first draft pick in the supplemental draft.
Finally, those who plan their soccer-viewing at Home Depot Center around the freebies at the gate should know the Galaxy have announced their 2008 loot grab, sorry, promotional schedule.
The opener sees the first 4,000 fans get the latest limited edition "collectible" T-shirt, while 10,000 magnetic Galaxy schedules (always mandatory for the fridge door) will also be given away.
The rest of the incentives:
*April 19 vs. Houston - Galaxy hat.
*May 10 vs. New York - Collector’s series T-Shirt No. 2.
*June 21 vs. Columbus - Galaxy soccer ball No. 1.
*Sept. 6 vs. Real Salt Lake - Collector’s series T-Shirt No. 3.
*Oct. 12 vs. Colorado - Galaxy soccer ball No. 2.
Still no $2 brat and beer night.