Tuesday's Column: Goals for the Galaxy
New Galaxy signing Clint Mathis works out in the gym Monday on the opening day of preseason training (Photo by Robert Casillas).
It's a simplistic argument, but a convincing one: were it not for a lack of firepower last year the Galaxy would go into this season as defending MLS Cup champions.
Coach Bruce Arena, I think, would generally agree with that statement given what he told his players Monday on the first day of preseason training.
Of course, we can argue whether the Galaxy have the players who are capable of scoring more goals, but Arena clearly believes that to be the case.
The Galaxy have until March 27, when they open the season against the New England Revolution at Home Depot Center, to sort it out.
For more, read Tuesday's column.
There's always quotes that don't make it into a column for space reasons.
Here's Arena on why he chose to "draft" Brazilians rather than take a closer look at the college ranks here:
"There's only so much you can do with draft picks. I really believe if you're going to build a team from the college draft, I bet you're going to have a tough time."
Here's Arena on what he expects from those three young Brazilians this season:
"They're good young players. Like any players there's going to be a transition period. We have to see how they adapt to being in this country and this league every day and deal with the grind of competing."
Defender Gregg Berhalter puts his best foot forward Monday in fitness training.
Finally, here's Gregg Berhalter on the Galaxy picking up Clint Mathis:
"We know Clint. We're lucky enough to have been around him for many years and he has special gifts that many players don't have: he can use both feet with equal effectiveness and he has a good eye for a pass, he has a great shot, so we know what he brings to the table. It's just bringing all of those things out of him and getting him focused on helping the team, which I know he'll do."
Also, UCLA striker Sydney Leroux scored a 64th minute winner for the U.S. U-20 team to beat Mexico 2-1 and send the Americans onto a 11:30 a.m. Thursday meeting with Costa Rica in the World Cup semis live on Fox Soccer Channel. FSC will also show the Canada-Mexico semi that immediately follows the U.S. game.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. 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 and follow him on Twitter.
The offense was most potent last year when a healthy Buddle partnered up top with Eskandarian. Any word on whether Esky has overcome his concussion issues and will be able to resume playing with the Galaxy? I fear that this could be a career-ending condition.
I don't know, that's a question I have as well. Esky was around Monday, but has not been cleared to play. I haven't managed to talk to him yet, but plan to. And I have the same fear.