Season Preview: LA GALAXY

Welcome to my 7th annual MLS season preview. This year, each club is getting its own dedicated preview, and here it is, the season preview for LA Galaxy...


IN:
M Steven Gerrard (1/7/15 - free)*
GK Brian Perk (1/21/15 - re-signed)
M Rafael Garcia (1/26/15 - re-signed)
* = joining team in July


OUT:
M Landon Donovan (retired)
F Rob Friend (retired)
M Rafael Garcia (12/11/14 - option declined)
GK Brian Perk (12/11/14 - option declined)
D James Riley (12/11/14 - option declined)
D Kyle Venter (12/11/14 - waived)
F Chandler Hoffman (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
M Marcelo Sarvas (1/15/15 - traded to Colorado)


MANAGER: Bruce Arena



The first to five MLS Cups could be the first to six this season. LA Galaxy look to overcome the loss of MR. MLS Landon Donovan with the summer arrival of Mr. Liverpool Steven Gerrard. They also are sitting second in the allocation order should another quality player look to return to the league and fancy a game with the Galaxy. But most importantly, the Galaxy still have the best manager in the history of MLS, a veteran core, and an unceasing hunger for trophies. (Come August they may give up the fight for the supporters shield putting all of their eggs in the CONCACAF Champions League basket.)

Up front, the dynamic duo return, with MVP Robbie Keane paired with the next big thing in US Soccer, Gyasi Zardes. Together they look to continue pouring in the goals for LA, even without the service of the departed Landon Donovan and Marcelo Sarvas. The veteran Alan Gordon also returns to come off the bench and pitch in with a few goals when needed.

In the mid, the team looks set to do a little shuffling as they await summer arrival Gerrard. Youngster Bradford Jamieson IV could be one option at left mid should Baggio Husidic be moved inside alongside Juninho before Gerrard arrives, though Zardes, Husidic, and Robbie Rogers all could see time at left mid. On the right, the job seems to be securely in the hands of Ishizaki.

Defensively, Robbie Rogers looks to continue his growth at left back, unless left mid becomes and issue for the team, with vet Dunnivant waiting in the wings to spell him. At the other fullback position, Dan Gargan looks nailed on for the job, with AJ De La Garza ready to spell him. DP Omar Gonzalez returns at CB, with Leonardo his natural partner, though De La Garza looks to put pressure on either man should they lack fitness or form. Goalkeeper Penedo remains between the sticks.

Overall LA look to be favorites for MLS Cup 2015, as they often are, and it wouldn't be a wise man who bet against them. How will Gerrard fit in? How will they fare before his arrival, without Landon Donovan? All in all, the only thing that matters is Bruce Arena.


2014 Western Conference Finish: 2nd
Predicted 2015 Western Conference Finish: 1st


Thank you for reading my season preview for the LA Galaxy, feel free to check out any and all of my other club specific previews, and remember, as always, MLS Matters.