Yr. 2008 & 2009 - LA Galaxy should make a STRONG comeback!

Well, folks... I tried - I tried to not think about soccer for a couple of days. Man, what was I thinking??? There's no way I can stay away from this beautiful game. It's New Year's eve, ladies & gents. Time to put our lost & defeated memories of our LA Galaxy behind us. Time to rebuild anew. Time to breathe, eat, act, live portions of victory for our LA Galaxy. LA Galaxy Management & AEG... make sure that the mission-focus for these next two to three years ahead is to make our LA Galaxy a strong, fast, tactically-superior MLS team. It must be Objective Number One! Okay - so I hope that I was able to 'pep' all of your spirits.

The reason for my post - other than to get everyone thinking positive thoughts for our LA Galaxy in the coming years ahead... to remind everyone that January 2008 is upon us. And that means... YES! MLS Combine (Jan. 11th - 15th in Ft. Lauderdale, FL) followed by our extremely anticipated MLS SuperDraft (Jan.18th in Baltimore, MD). After which, the 2008 Trades become well under way. Please take a look at my earlier posts on my choices on the MLS SuperDraft/Combine... plus, who are all the existing players that I believe should be exchanged out (traded).

Here is the break-down of LA Galaxy's MLS Super-Draft positions (as I last saw it, at least two weeks back) :
Round 1 : Pick # 4
Round 2 : Pick #s' 21 , 25 , 27
Round 3 : Pick #s' 29 , 32 , 34

So, accordingly, here is the break-down then of how our LA Galaxy's exisiting MLS players can be exchanged out, and other MLS players from other MLS teams can be traded in :
Round 1 : NONE
Round 2 : Four(4) opportunities for LA Galaxy
Round 3 : Two(2) opportunities for LA Galaxy

Now, for this exchanging out - trading in time-period... I have come up with a list of MLS players that I would like to see traded into our New LA Galaxy team for 2008. There will probably be many reasons NOT to agree with my list... but, I have a strong feeling that these players listed below just needs the right player and group combinations to bring out their excellence and value - especially when members of our LA Galaxy team have to go out for US National Squad Duty, or worse - are out on injuries.

Ned Grabavoy (from San Jose Earthquakes) - MIDFLDR; 25 yrs. old; 5'-7"; 160 lbs; 4 yrs MLS
Chris Brown (from Real Salt Lake) - MIDFLD-FWD; 31 yrs. old; 5'-11"; 180 lbs; 8 yrs MLS
Jean-Martial Kipre (from Real Salt Lake) - DEFNDR/LFT-BACK; 24 yrs. old; 5'-8"; 155lbs; 1 yr MLS + 3 yrs INT'L
Justin Myers (from Chivas USA) - GOALKPR; 23 yrs. old; 6'-2"; 195 lbs; 0 - 1 yr MLS
Chris Konopka (from Kansas City Wizards) - GOALKPR; 23 yrs. old; 6'-5"; 215 lbs; 0-1 yr MLS

The LA Galaxy team for 2008, 2009, & 2010 must be formed with the intention of SKILL, STRENGTH, TACTICS, and PACE... Practice, Drills, Toning, Conditioning, and watching previous MLS games & matches to fully understand the opponents are all necessary. Take care , caution, pupose, and deliberation in forming the 2008 LA Galaxy squad. I am hoping that together - Hd. Coach Gullit, Asst. Coach Jones, Dirctr. Bravo, GM Lalas, and CEO Liewecke - the path to success, winning, and longetivity will be forged.

My picks for our LA Galaxy from the MLS Combine list...

Well, as far as uncertain & "hopefully/just-perhaps" rumors go... from my extensive internet scouring - so far, there have been reports from "private international blog-sites" that LA Galaxy management are interested in acquiring two(2) European Power-Forwards. And, that would be Maciej "Magic" Zurawski (currently, of the Scotland Celtics FC - contract ends in Jan. '08) and, Darren Huckerby (currently, of the Norwich City Canary-Footballers - where Norwich City is desperately seeking new fresh blood to revive their camp). Personally, I would really love to see both of these individuals in our LA Galaxy playing beside and improving both Landon Donovan's and Clint Mathis's plays. So, you have my two-thumbs-up, LA Galaxy management to go ahead and get these two experienced, much needed positional players into our team. As an added note, please... please do NOT go after and sign Andriy Schevchenko from Chelsea. Please don't... LA Galaxy will end up paying out way too much for a footballer whose frustration is exceedingly high - but, whose on-the-pitch fast plays has (very sorry to say) left him. I kid you not, Schevenko will make the LA Galaxy bleed out money. So, don't sign him.

But, I am very worried that I have heard nothing of our LA Galaxy pursuing to acquire Midfield positional talent - namely, Left-Midfield and Center-Midfield. Why? No good prospects seem to be interested? I know that BOTH Ruud Gullit & David Beckham - together must have some connections to attain these much needed positional players for our LA Galaxy. Well, in order to help them out... As any true, loyal LA Galaxy fan needs to do... is to go to the MLS Combine list and do research and study on that list. In my mind, I'll let Ruud & David handle the European search... while I help to get started on American prospects. Remember, LA Galaxy - the MLS Combine Draft/Selection is just around the corner - 2nd-to-3rd week in January 2008!!!

So here's my selections :

Forward(s) [I was only impressed with one(1) Forward out of the seven that were there] :
Lukasz Tumicz (University of Rhode Island; 5'-11"; 170lbs; from Bisztynek, Poland).

Midfielder(s) [This was the biggest group in the MLS Combine listing, but to me - there were three(3) names that really stood out] :
Pavle Dundjer (University of Illinois - Chicago; 5'-9"; 165lbs; from Belgrade, Serbia)
El Hadj Cisse (North Carolina State University; 5'-11"; 172lbs; from New York City, NY)
Joseph Germanese (Duke University; 5'-10"; 165lbs; from St. Louis, Missouri).

Defender(s) [The next biggest group in the MLS Combine listing, however again only three(3) names that would fit in really well with our LA Galaxy... Team Chemistry/Respect/Cooperation is everything in the long-run!!!] :
David Horst (Old Dominion University; 6'-4"; 195lbs; from Pine Grove, Pennsylvania)
Yomby Williams (Old Dominion University; 6'-4"; 185lbs; from Bafoussam, Cameroon)
Gary Nicholson (Furman University; 6'-2"; 170lbs; from London, England).

GoalKeeper(s) [This is the smallest group in the MLS Combine listing... for me only one(1) name really stood out and convinced me that this person would be a good fit in our LA Galaxy. Remember, GoalKeepers are really good in their 27 - 35 age range; but, it also depends on how many games they have played altogether... the higher the number the number of games, the more valuable the goalkeeper] :
Chris Austin (Michigan State University; 6'-4"; 205lbs; from Livonia, Michigan).

In Soccer - as in many other sports, of course - Team Trust, Team Dynamics, Team Drills & Practices are very, very important. This is why Ruud, Cobi, Lalas, Ian Feuer have to make firm that practice and drills in the months of February & March are a must! The team must be in very good physical fitness and on-the-pitch form by the time MLS Season 2008 starts! Make mo mistake my dear Galaxians - DC United, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Kansas City Wizards, Chivas USA, and even Real Salt Lake are coming to play fast & furious... their aim to secure the top-standing as quickly and as forcefully as possible.

Get ready, Galaxians - let's make it unmistakeably clear to LA Galaxy management & AEG... that the LA Galaxy team is out to WIN, WIN, WIN !!!

'Twas the Day before X'Mas. And, all is still...

Happy Holidays to everyone... The day before Christmas - I hope that everyone has already got most of their "obligatory" shopping / cards / cooking / preparations out of the way. Howver, knowing how busy our daily lives are nowadays - I suspect that this year like others has its moments of frustrations and tortures right around this time. Stay positive everyone - Hang in there - Please try to not lose your cool. The last thing anybody wants is to get into alteractions and/or accidents. That being said - if anybody is planning to "party" hard... Please be smart and designate a friend-shapparone-driver.


Well, 'twas the day before X'Mas. And, all is still "quiet & uncertain" as far as LA Galaxy News/Rumors/Indications towards how next year is going to be. I don't know about the rest of you, but, I'm going through a (withdrawal = yes, but) slight depression somewhat. And, why is there absolutely NO NEW NEWS from our Official LA Galaxy Blog since Dec. 13th (that's eleven days now without a peep!)


I've been scouring Soccer Insider, Soccer by Ives, Sideline Views, Du Nord, and FanNation-Truth or Rumors sites like a "crazed junkie" to see if anyone has even a morsel of LA Galaxy news. And, to my "unquenchable thirsty dismay"... Nada. The last I heard was that Atiba Harris of RSL has been traded to Chivas USA for money a draft-pick. I am certain that there is "wheels and deals" in the works (that's kept on the "hush-hush"). I know that many of you must get that same feeling, right? Or, is it just my wishful thinking? Well, it looks like LA Galaxy is getting another supporters group - The AngelCity Brigade - they will occupy Section 120 (I believe) at the Home Depot Center. Before games - The ACB gather in Lot 13 at the HDC for rally and pre-game discussions.


I am really, really hoping that the LA Galaxy makes good, solid, reliable acquisitions and trades this coming January 2008. Our LA Galaxy team really needs Depth, Fast-Pace, Strength, Tactics, Posession & Dribble Control. We cannot be "sacrificial lambs" laying at the bottom of the MLS Conference Table anymore. You guys can check my previous post (Dec. 15th, 2007) for my ideas/plans for suggested Team Roster upgrades & changes. I know after you guys read it there will be some of you that will oppose some of my proposed roster changes. Just, please keep in mind that I designed it so that we LA Galaxy will get back $800K(+) to utilize for players with a lot more of the characteristics I listed just above.


As always, I am passionate about this beautiful game... PLAY w/ HEART & SOUL !


Here's to hoping and wishing that Gullit , Bravo , Lalas , Liewecke , and Jones will have their "Tacticians + Winners" Cap on! Our LA Galaxy must get back in the Top Three in ranking at the MLS Conference Table.


P.S.: I have read some of the comments & suggestions made by LA Galaxy BigSoccer Blogger regulars regarding the posting made by 'Galaxy Steve' asking LA Galaxy fans what are suggestions to INCREASE FAN LOYALTY & FAN EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT! If any of you get a chance - I would suggest that you at least check it out... Our LA Galaxy BigSoccer Bloggers were being "down-right truthful" and "point-in-fact" responding back to 'Galaxy Steve'. Many of their suggestions were truthful, insightful, and heart-felt, in my opinion. After reading it - I am hoping you will all agree - that we are a LOYAL & PASSIONATE bunch, especially on the inside... eventhough, we may not always show it on the outside. I'm proud to be a LA Galaxy fan. So, by God, AEG & Galaxy Management - don't ruin this extraordinary team and this beautiful game by allowing LA Galaxy to become a "Media-Pompous, Skill & Depth-Lacking Farce". Believe us when we tell you that we are intelligent enough to know right from wrong... good from bad... soccer skill, depth, love, and greatness from photo-shoots/glitz/marketing ooohs & aaahs !!!

My "break down" on Team Squad Changes/Upgrades

First of all - wishing a Happy Holiday season to all!

Since our LA Galaxy team needs major over-haul/upgrades this off-season, I came up with a reasonable plan as to how to get this accomplished. I am going to assume our LA Galaxy is going to be training & playing in the 1-4-3-3 format. This means the players we will absolutely need going into Yr. 2008 & 2009 are:

Power/Center Forward (One-on-One, Tactics) : ___ (to be scouted & acquired); X1
Right-Field Forward (Posession, Assist) : LANDON DONOVAN ; $325K towards cap
Left-Field Forward (Posession, Assist) : CLINT MATHIS ; $150K towards cap
Power/Center Forward - Relief/Sub : EDSON BUDDLE ; $158K towards cap
Right-Field Forward - Relief/Sub : ISRAEL SESAY ; DEVEL.
Left-Field Forward - Relief/Sub : ___ ; DEVEL. (from MLS-Draft / MLS Combine)

Power/Center Midfielder (Speed, Tactics, Posession) : ___ (to be scouted & acquired); X2
Right-Field Midfielder (Posession, Tactics, Assist) : DAVID BECKHAM ; $400K towards cap
Left-Field Midfielder (Posession, Tactics, Assist) : ___ (to be scouted & acquired); X3
Power/Center Midfielder - Relief/Sub : JOSH TUDELA ; $36K towards cap
Right-Field Midfielder - Relief/Sub : KELLY GRAY ; $90K towards cap
Left-Field Midfielder - Relief/Sub : KYLE MARTINO ; $60K towards cap
Right-Field Midfileder - Relief/Sub : ___ ; (MLS Combine - Senior/College)
Left-Field Midfielder - Relief/Sub : ___ ; (MLS Combine - Senior/College)

Center-FB Defender (Strength, Height, Speed, Posession) : TROY ROBERTS ; $36K towards cap
Center-FB Defender (Strength, Height, Speed, Posession) : TY HARDEN ; $36K towards cap
Right-SB Defender (Speed, Possession, Strength, Assist) : CHRIS ALBRIGHT ; $150K towards cap
Left-SB Defenfer (Speed, Posession, Strength, Assist) : MIKE RANDOLPH ; $36K towards cap
Center-FB Defender - Relief/Sub : ___ ; DEVEL. (MLS-Draft / MLS Combine)
Center-FB Defender - Relief/Sub : QUAVAS KIRK ; ADIDAS-GENER.
Right-SB Defender - Relief/Sub : ___ ; DEVEL. (MLS-Draft / MLS Combine)
Left-SB Defender - Releif/Sub : ___ ; DEVEL. (MLS-Draft / MLS Combine)

GOAL-KEEPER (Stopping, Intuition, Marking, Height) : STEVE CRONIN ; $45K towards cap
GOAL-KEEPER - Relief/Sub : ___ ; DEVEL. (MLS-Draft / MLS Combine)
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Hence, this will lead to a 24-man Team Roster, where established (continuing) players will take up almost $1.5 million of our allotted cap. This should then leave about $810K left for acquiring the very much needed KEY-POSITIONAL players (indicated above by X1, X2, and X3).

Hence, that would then mean that the 2007 Galaxy players listed below would have to be released and/or exchanged:
Abel Xavier ($164K) ; Pete Vagenas ($138K) ; Ante Jazic ($120K) ; Kevin Harmes ($43K) ; and, Alan Gordon ($34K) ; Carlos Pavon (Waived) ; Kyle Veris (Waived) ; Lance Friesz (Waived) ; Mike Caso (Waived) .

Now... Here is where I had an interesting idea! I am really thinking that our fresh/upgraded LA Galaxy Team for 2008 & 2009 would really benefit by transitioning Joe Cannon ($201K) and Chris Klein ($196K) into two (2) LA Galaxy Staff roles. Joe Cannon, in my opinion, would make a very good Asst. Coach - working alongside & supporting Asst. Coach Cobi Jones. And, Chris Klein, aslo in my opinion, would make an excellent Head Atheltic Trainer. Both of these guys are natural leaders... each have 7 years-plus experience playing in MLS.

In my mind, these two individuals can and should be used to guide, assist, train, and test the Galaxy Players Squad of 2008 & 2009. This way, Head Coach Gullit will get the advantages and sum knowledge of three veteran MLS players going forward.

Here's hoping that LA Galaxy 2008 & 2009 will get back into MLS Western Conference Semi-Finals & Finals again for 2008 & 2009 :-)