We’re still days away from the LA Galaxy season opener, but plenty of news to report as the offseason rolls on
After being ousted by Real Salt Lake in a two-game aggregate in last year’s MLS playoffs, the LA Galaxy have been quite busy throughout the offseason.
The biggest news surrounding LA was the acquisition of striker Samuel Rosa Gonçalves – known simply as Samuel, from Fluminense, a Brazilian Serie-A club two weeks after their exit from the playoffs. Samuel (22) brings youth to the forward position who are not getting younger anytime soon (Landon Donovan (31) and Robbie Keane (32) fit the description).
Los Angeles also parted ways with third-year midfielder Hector Jimenez, sending him to Columbus along with their first round pick on January 14 for Columbus’ second round selection and allocation money.
L.A only had one selection in this year’s MLS Superdraft (they passed on their 4th round selection), using the pick from Columbus to snag New Mexico star defender Kyle Venter with the 23rd overall pick in the second round. Venter was a three-time NSCAA and College Soccer News All-American with the Lobos while starting in 85 of his 86 career matches in four years.
Venter was also a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded to the top soccer player in the country.
Galaxy midfielder Pablo Mastroeni announced his retirement back in December after 16 years in the MLS. Mastroeni (37) spent half a season with L.A this year after being acquired from the Colorado Rapids in mid-June.
Preseason/exhibitions for the Galaxy begins on February 8 at the newly named StubHub Center (formerly Home Depot Center), where the Galaxy will play Armenian Premier League Champion FC Shirak. Their second and final tuneup will be a Friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, February 15.
Regular season play for L.A begins on March 8 at StubHub Center against the team that eliminated them last year in Real Salt Lake. Two more home games follow that on March 12 vs. Club Tijuana in a Club Champions League matchup and then a March 15 clash with D.C. United.
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