After failing to make it to their third-straight MLS Cup final last season, it’s very much a case of unfinished business for LA in 2014.
With a fired up Landon Donovan back and set to break the MLS goalscoring record, Robbie Keane captaining the side and Omar Gonzalez ready to hit the ground running before he heads to the World Cup in Brazil, LA have some stunning players who will help lead the charge for a title.
LA are seeking a record-breaking fifth Supporters Shield and MLS Cup title, plus their second CONCACAF title when they square off against Liga MX side Club Tijuana in March in an epic border battle. With trophies to fight for on multiple fronts, the Galaxy have strengthened and have a large squad full of MLS experience but still have plenty of young talent coming through the ranks as Homegrown products, such as Gyasi Zardes, are expected to have a big year.
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With a young team augmented by veterans, LA are hoping more silverware arrives at the StubHub Center in 2014 under legendary MLS head coach Bruce Arena.
Transfers In: Baggio Husidic (Free transfer, Hammarby), Rob Friend (Free transfer, Eintracht Frankfurt), Stefan Ishizaki (Free transfer, Elfsborg) Samuel (Loan, Fluminese)
Transfers Out: Colin Clark (Option declined), Laurent Courtois (Option declined), Sean Franklin (Option declined), Michael Stephens (Out of contract), Pablo Mastroeni (Retired), Jose Villarreal (Loan to Cruz Azul), Hector Jimenez (Trade to Columbus), Kyle Nakazawa (Retired)
Key Player: Robbie Keane
The Irish superstar is coming off a sensational second full season in MLS and with a new long-term contract signed, Keane’s days of terrorizing MLS defenders are far from over. Keane’s clinical finishing has resulted in 34 goals and 21 assists in 55 regular season games. Yeah, he’s that good. At the age of 33 he is slowing down a little but a double Achilles surgery over the offseason means he should be refreshed and ready to take a charge at yet another MLS Cup. Can ‘Keano’ lead the Galaxy into another season of success? You bet. When you have predatory skills like his around the box, it doesn’t matter how many miles you have on the clock. His famous celebration will be on show around MLS plenty of time this season. No doubt.
Manager: Bruce Arena is the master of rebuilding squads, but he really doesn’t have to do that with LA. 2013 goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini didn’t fare too well in MLS but his replacement Jaime Pinedo looks a real star. The only long-term LA player who left over the offseason was Sean Franklin, as the Galaxy should mount another assault on MLS’ finest. Arena’s no-nonsense approach and his ability to integrate MLS youngsters in with stars shouldn’t be underestimated. Plus his new long-term contract brings stability to the Galaxy.
Outlook: If LA isn’t in the Western conference final, it would be a huge surprise. Sure Donovan and Keane are aging but with their star quality and Arena building a solid team around Gonzalez in defense, LA will be tough to beat this year. It could be a roller-coaster year, but I’m thinking LA will finish in the top two in the West and go deep in the playoffs.
