CARSON, California – February 22, 2014: The LA Galaxy defeated LA Galaxy II USL PRO side 3-0 during a friendly match at StubHub Center stadium. Photo by Michael Janosz.
SANTA MONICA — MLS is back and this Saturday at 1:00 PT former Galaxy player and new head coach Curt Onalfo will lead a rather fresh faced LA Galaxy as they face off against FC Dallas at the Stubhub Center.
While fans and players alike have been anxiously awaiting this season opening home game, the question as to whether or not the LA Galaxy can with without Bruce Arena still lingers. With a new coach, a handful of new coaching staff members, and the departure of star players like Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Mike Magee, the LA Galaxy will be starting the year with many unknown and unproven players.
Aside from the holes these players left, both Robbie Rogers and Gyasi Zardes are out on injuries. With so many new players, the lack of a strong midfielder, the next Galaxy stars are still unknown. Romain Alessandrini who signed as a Designated Player, and Portuguese midfielder Joao Pedro are the new players to watch. But Galaxy fans have seen Designated Players come and go. Alessandrini and Pedro will have to prove their loyalty to the team and adjust to play at the Galaxy.
With 10 years of professional experience in France, midfielder Romain Alessandrini can hopefully take the hole Steven Gerrard left upon his departure and should bring some maturity to the rather young LA Galaxy team. He will work with both Jermaine Jones’ who was signed over from Colorado and João Pedro in the midfield.
João Pedro, part of the many new young faces the LA Galaxy will have this year, is just getting to the ripest part of his career at the age of 23. Despite his age, Pedro has 12 years of experience playing in Portugal and is expected to be an immediate help to the midfield.
With all these new faces, only time will tell if these new players can leave their egos behind and come together as a cohesive team.
Photos courtesy of ISI.
