Going to take a break from the Gold Cup to talk about MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy. A majority of the focus has been centered on David Beckham and rightly so. The man is the most recognizable talent on the field, and has generated immense haterd from his move to AC Milan. Just ask the Galaxy fans. Many have predicted that Beckham's return will bring upon the demise of the Galaxy, who have improved after last season's debacle. Yes, as a D.C. United fan, I was looking forward to seeing the trainwreck Galaxy stumble until the end of the season. It sure has been enjoyble to watch the Galaxy enter their own downturn on par with D.C. United's from 2000 to 2003. With David Beckham and Landon Donovan trading shots in the media, it seems the stage was set for another Galaxy collapse this year.
The first game back for Beckham came against the league laughing stock the New York Red Bulls. Yes they were playing the worst team in the league. However, if the Galaxy had drew or struggled to beat the Red Bulls it would have been a sign of the impending doom that faced this team with Beckham back in the line up. However, they didn't fall apart. They beat the Red Bulls 3-1 and dominated just about every minute of the game. Alecko Eskandarian even had a goal that should probably win Goal of the Week this week. Landon and David even almost connected on a corner kick for a fourth goal. Both of them even had a joint press conference after the game to show that things were all peachy in Los Angeles. Whether that is actually ture or not reamins to be seen, but one thing is certain the Galaxy are not as weak as some have thought.
The reason? Well it may lie within coach Bruce Arena, who has quietly built a squad with depth and skill to possibly compete for the MLS Cup this year with or without Beckham. Bruce Arena spent the offseason with one goal in mind, imporve the defense. The team gave up a league leading 62 goals with a goals against average of just over two per game. To fix the problem brought in international defenders like Eddie Lewis, Greg Berhalter, and even Tony Sannah. Aging defenders yes, but the plan was to bring experience to a mostly inexperienced backline. It worked. The Galaxy currently sit in third place in the West, one point behind the Sounders and five behind Dynamo. They have only given up 19 goals this season, a huge improvement over last season, and their attack hasn't shown any signs of slowing down either. Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, and Alan Gordan have helped the Galaxy attack racket 22 goals. It may not near the 55 they scored last season, but they will most likely not have to. Now you had David Beckham into the mix. Does anyone else see something developing here? Let's not forget that Beckham is still a quality player that can make the difference in a team given the chance.
If the Galaxy are successful, this proves what I have always thought. Bruce Arena is the best American soccer coach, hands down. He coached at the University of Virginia and made it one of the top programs in the nation, winning 5 national championships. He spent three years at D.C. United winning two MLS Cups. Then there is national team, where he led the 2002 World Cup team in their best finish since 1930. Yes, he may have suffered in 2006 World Cup and with the Red Bulls a year later, but that doesn't exclude the fact that Bruce Arena has been successful with pretty much every team he has coached given the time. The Galaxy gave him that, and now the team is sitting well within the playoff hunt and could possibly make a run this year.
Of course I could be wrong. The Galaxy could fall apart, fail to make the playoffs, and Bruce Arena finds himself without a job, again. However, right now all signs point to a ressiance for the Galaxy this season and maybe a bit of creditablity restored to the team. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain the second half of the MLS season is going to add to an already crazy year in US soccer. And the World Cup is next year.
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