Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Feb. 6, 2011

Consistency expected from Galaxy defense  While Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena brought in nine new players to the team, a defensive unit that gave up only 26 goals in the regular season was mostly left intact.  It can be said that bigger things are expected from the backline, which now has Ryan Thomas and Frankie Hejduk in the lineup.  “It’s [Arena's] job to get things right,” goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts said. “It’s our job to do them right on the field.”  Ricketts, the 2010 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, finished his initial campaign with an 18-7-4 record, 12 shutouts and a 0.90 goals average.  “You never know with that stuff,” said defender Todd Dunivant. “You come out every day and do your job, and we did that last year. We came in every day and put in our work and throughout the year, we were the best team in the league."  In spite of giving up critical defeats for patches of the regular season and the Western Conference Championship, Dunivant was optimistic.  “We’ve had a very good defense the last two years," Dunivant said. "Last year it was one of the best all-time in the history of the league, and that tells you something. We had a ...

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Feb. 3, 2011

Lopez, Cardozo get to work Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena salivated at the prospects of Paolo Cardozo's and Miguel Lopez's success this season during team training on Wednesday. “We’re hopeful they can add a different dimension to our attack,” Arena said. “We know Lopez is a quick, direct, aggressive attacker. He likes the ball at his feet and he’ll take people on. He can play as a second forward or perhaps as an attacking midfielder or wide midfielder. Cardozo has a good first touch, he plays quick and can score some goals for us. “I think with all these players, whether it’s the very elite player or players underneath that, I think there’s an adjustment they have to go through. You always have to reserve your judgment until we get going and see how they hold up. I’m hopeful they’re both going to help us.” “Without a doubt, the [Galaxy are] one of the few teams you hear about,” Lopez said in Spanish through an interpreter, “because of the stars with the team.” “I just know the league was growing,” Cardozo added, “and becoming more and more recognizable. This is a great opportunity, and I want to take advantage of it.” For Cardozo, the memory ...

MLS Expansion: 10 Best and Worst Places for Major League Soccer to Expand

Major League Soccer has come a long way from its humble beginnings at the dawn of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Now there is talk of the league expanding to accomodate more teams.At one point in time, you may see as many as 25 teams taking part in this competition.Which markets deserve a shot at expansion? And which markets don't? Bleacher Report investigates.Begin Slideshow

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Feb. 1, 2011

Red Bull Arena all-go for All-Star Game On Tuesday, Major League Soccer announced that Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey will be hosting the 2011 MLS All-Star Game. This marks the first since since 1997 that the New York City metropolitan area hosts the All-Star Game. “The combination of one of the most spectacular stadiums of its size in the world with the passionate soccer supporters in the metropolitan New York area will provide a terrific showcase for our All-Star Game,” league commissioner Don Garber said. “Red Bull Arena will be a tremendous venue for this marquee event and we are pleased to bring the All-Star Game to an area with a rich soccer tradition.” New York was the venue for the All-Star Game in back-to-back years during the league’s first two seasons in 1996 and 1997. The old Giants Stadium hosted East vs. West matchups on both occasions. The league has since moved to a format which showcases the stars of the league against renowned international opponents including Chelsea, Manchester United, Celtic, Chivas Guadalajara and Everton. The MLS squad has lost only one of those eight matches—against Manchester United last year at Reliant Stadium in Houston in front ...

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Jan. 30, 2011

 Green Card for Ricketts Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts earned his US Green Card this past week.  As a result, Ricketts will no longer occupy one of the international slots on the club's roster. The 2010 Major League Soccer Goalkeeper of the Year and a two-time MLS All-Star, Ricketts has a 28-12-14 record in his two seasons with the Galaxy, keeping 20 clean sheets in 55 regular season appearances.  His 0.96 goals against average is the best in MLS history amongst goalkeepers that have played in more than one game, while his 0.90 GAA in 2010 was the best single season mark in Galaxy history. In two seasons with Ricketts on the roster, the Galaxy have allowed 57 goals in 60 regular season games after surrendering 62 goals in 30 games in 2008.  A Jamaican international, Ricketts has collected 76 caps for his country and was a member of Jamaica’s team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.  Makes you wonder if Mr. Beckham is also considering getting his green card, if he hasn't already...   Miguel Lopez Signs With the G's Also announced this past week was the signing of midfielder Miguel Lopez of Quilmes AC. Lopez played for Quilmes in Argentina’s Primera B Nacional (Second ...

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Jan. 28, 2011

Who is the fastest? A huge question will be asked at the 104th Millrose Games in New York City: Which sport has the strongest combination of power, speed and acceleration? Is it American football? Is it bobsleigh? Is it baseball? Is it basketball? Or is it world football? Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Bryan Jordan will investigate the question when he participates in the Super 60 II event at the Millrose Games on Friday. Others participating in the event include NFL star Jacoby Jones, a wide receiver with the Houston Texans, former NBA star Jay Williams, former MLB All-Star Junior Spivey, Olympic bobsled gold medalist Steve Mesler and defending champion/former NFL star Tony Dorsett.   McBean, USA U-17s on assignment in Jamaica As mentioned in the previous Ins and Outs, Galaxy Youth Academy product Jack McBean is training with the USA Under-17 men's national team ahead of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Among the team members in the lineup, center backs Andrew Souders and Mobi Fehr possess a strong presence the back line, while Matt Dunn, Esteban Rodriguez and Tarik Salkicic will figure prominently in the midfield. Look for Mario Rodriguez, one of the Americans' most impressive performers during the Nike International Friendlies, to provide the goal-scoring ...

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Jan. 27, 2011

Cristman, Leonardo poised for big year After performance relatively well in their endurance and strength tests yesterday, the Los Angeles Galaxy's Adam Cristman and Leonardo feel that they are ready for a big year in 2011. “It’s been a rough two years,” said Cristman, acquired two weeks ago in a trade with D.C. United. “My first year and a half in the league were great. I was making great strides in my professional career and I’ve hit a skid. “For me, [the strength and endurance test results] was positive reinforcement for all the work I’ve put in the last few weeks. I’m happy to put all of that behind me and it’s nice to be here and have a fresh start.” “I think the first day was good,” Leonardo added. “I’m going to take it day to day, little by little, but I’m going to get better. “It was exciting to see the guys, I’m happy to be back here. It’s a new year, a lot of new people as well and we want to win titles. That will take time and a lot of hard work. But it all starts today.”   MLSSoccer.com places Galaxy #1 in Power Rankings Well, isn't this flattering. The editors at MLSSoccer.com ...

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Jan. 25, 2011

Gonzalez and Franklin at the front for the States Defenders Omar Gonzalez and Sean Franklin played a key role in the USA's 1-1 draw with Chile at the Home Depot Center last Saturday. Franklin earned his first-ever cap as a member of the national team in the draw. “It was definitely an honor to be playing with the national team,” Gonzalez said. “It was a fun game. The first half was so much fun and getting to see all the new guys out there was fun.” “Nothing’s final until it’s written down,” Franklin said. “I was excited to get the start. I wanted to just calm down, not freak out too much.” Gonzalez was quick to note that working with fellow defender and New York Red Bull Tim Ream, who had a fantastic outing for the USA, was key. “We worked together the last week and I like playing with him next to me,” he said. “Hopefully that’s one relationship I would like to see again.” For Franklin, it was a case of "so far, so good," but there's room for improvement. “I think I did OK," he said. "I wish I would have done better attacking-wise, as far as some better balls being crossed, but I ...

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Jan. 22, 2011

They Didn't See Us Coming...   Paulo Cardozo was stunned when he found out the Los Angeles Galaxy had picked him in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft. Cardozo thought his team of destiny was the Columbus Crew. “At the draft, [the Crew] spoke to me and my representative said that it could be Columbus to pick me,” Cardozo said on the FutbolMLS.com podcast Tiro Libre. “I was very nervous. Team by team was passing and they weren’t picking me. Even teams that talked to me a lot. “When [the Galaxy's] turn came, I wasn’t expecting it. It surprised me, but luckily it was the Galaxy. I’m happy.” Cardozo was prized by the Galaxy for his status and technical ability. He is considered to be more quicker and mobile than Roger Torres of the Philadelphia Union. “We haven’t spoken on what [Arena] expects from me but he said he’s happy to have me in the group and wants me to work with the rest of the team,” Cardozo said. “I just really want to start training. “I want to have a good preseason and play in as many games as possible and show people and the technical staff why ...

Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Jan. 20, 2011

Angel signs with the Galaxy After a month long process, Juan Pablo Angel finally signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy yesterday, January 20, 2011. “Like any deal, there were some issues you had to go through...the holidays, and the timing, and the draft and all those things that were up in the air didn’t help, but I was always hoping. I’m delighted that all the patience and the wait finally paid off,” Angel said in a conference call, Wednesday. Angel was not the only one excited to begin. “He’s not only a quality player, but a quality person, and he’ll bring a lot to the Galaxy on and off the field, and certainly in the locker room,” said  Arena in an interview with MLSsoccer.com. “The concern was getting a deal done. We have great ownership, and they’re very supportive and I knew we would eventually reach an agreement with Juan. That’s all part of it with high-profile players. There’s a negotiation period you have to respect and we did that.” When asked about settling in with the G's, which feature David Beckham and team captain Landon Donovan, Angel was captive. “Landon is probably the best player to ever play the sport in this ...