Many have been critical of, Gareth Bale’s lack of impact since joining LAFC in Major League Soccer. I was certainly one of those folks. But…you cannot deny that it was worth the wait and investment after his last gasp header helped spearhead his team to penalties and a championship.
Where does this heroic moment rank in his illustrious career? I asked him the question and this was his answer!
The LA Galaxy have had an average regular season by their standards. Yet somehow, they’ve found themselves in the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time in two seasons.
It has been a long and difficult road to this point. Fans have been disgruntled with the front office and in particular, Chris Klein. They have felt his transfer business has been less than average from before the Zlatan chapter.
Despite designated players like, Kévin Cabral being more than disappointing and Douglas Costa not delivering enough on the high expectations, the five-star winning side have found some decent form towards the end of the season and are locked in for a Western Conference semi-final versus their rivals, LAFC.
Recent acquisitions like Gastón Brugman and Riqui Puig seem to have dug Klein and the club out of a massive hole and are a major reason for making the playoffs. They’ve meshed in beautifully and made a huge difference on the pitch. And the continual drive and scoring ability of Mexican legend, Javier Hernández, the club are in an improbable position to fight for the biggest prize of all…a championship.
With all the challenges this team has faced, Hernández is loving the position the team is in and post playoff win versus, Nashville he shared his usual enthusiasm and positivity. There’s no doubt his leadership has been integral to their journey thus far and once again, he reminded us all that football is fun. The beloved “Chicharito” is definitely all in on the ride! Listen to his comments via the link below.
A five-star team always needs five-star calibre players.
The Galaxy have signed many great players over the years and these signings have resulted in a true evolution of Major League soccer at domestic and international level. The most notable of course is, David Beckham. He elevated and changed the game in the United States like no other football player. Beckham helped garner more eyeballs on Major League Soccer and was the nucleus to bringing in more sponsorships and collaborations with big brands that added commercial value to multiple cities and business across the country. He sold tickets. He put bums on seats. And when LA Galaxy signed him, it changed the game forever.
In addition to Beckham, there was of course homegrown talent like, Landon Donovan. Undoubtedly the poster boy for American soccer since his teens, he also became an LA Galaxy captain and legend. Donovan was the connectivity to American culture, the growth of the game and had a huge influence even when big name European players joined the club. He formed an incredible partnership with Robbie Keane and after a dodgy start with Beckham, they found their way and formed one of the most prolific on field relationships in MLS history. But all great things come to an end. And once again LA Galaxy found themselves in a place to to replace legends like Beckham, Donovan and fan favourite, Robbie Keane. Enter the era of Zlatan!
Zlatan arrived with huge fanfare. He even took out an entire page in the LA Times thanking himself and telling Angelinos they were welcome that he was in their city! The bravado was nothing short of what we would expect from the self-proclaimed lion. He lit up MLS immediately and he was the catalyst for infusing a true rivalry with noisy neighbours, LAFC. The lion roared and the Galaxy fans loved every second of it.
Zlatan however decided he had one more chapter to write in Europe. He had left such a huge footprint in Los Angeles that replacing him would probably be one of the hardest tasks of all for this great MLS club. Once again, they had a trump card to play, but this time, would it work?
Enter Javier Hernández, aka Chicharito, the beloved Mexican legend who could now become a new hero in Los Angeles, especially with the large community of Hispanic fans who adore the Galaxy. He had every ingredient to make this one of the most special signings in the club’s history. After all, he played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and other great clubs across Europe and has always been a star for country. But not all stars shine brightly right away. Sometimes it takes a journey in order to find a new place on this earth to shine.
As we look towards the new season, we couldn’t help but rewind to the excitement, hoopla and pizazz in LA when Chicharito did arrive. There was so much hope and many believed this signing was the right move to follow the legend that is Zlatan. With that said, not all moves are seamless or easy. It’s tough moving to a new country and team. When you’ve known something to be a certain way for years, it’s only human to feel challenged with a new environment. And imagine having the hopes of a nation and city on your shoulders too?
Everyone will agree Chicharito’s debut in MLS was hugely disappointing. But he’s been fighting his way back to fitness and form and has elevated his engagement in the task at hand during the off season. Can he dethrone the current golden boy and ex-Arsenal man, Carlos Vela? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, we cannot wait for kick-off and everyone who is a part of the LAG community is rooting for Chicharito to shine as bright as the five stars on the Galaxy shirt!
Always love contributing to this fantastic LA Galaxy podcast. On this episode we talk new signings and the excitement of having fans back in stadiums. Plus there’s a reference to a very famous Greek singer that sent Josh directly to iTunes!
Get stuck in. Have your voice heard. Be part of the conversation.
FLASHBACK – I’ve met some great people covering, LA Galaxy and MLS here in Southern California. This season, I was invited to join the, Corner of the Galaxy squad as a regular guest. Love being part of this show. Epic humans who know their football and LAG history.
The week of this particular show was also the week where we went live at, Dignity Health Sports Park. The rain came down, equipment was compromised, but nothing could stop us or the fans who came out in their hundreds to support the COG squad. Cannot wait until we can all go back to that!
It was a friendly…but the gulf between Manchester United and LA Galaxy was there for all to see. The Red Devils budding talent, Marcus Rashford looked the leanest and fittest. He played like he had a point to prove. I predict he has a better season in the Premier League than 70 million pound boy, Romelu Lukaku.
On the flip side, LA Galaxy have cemented their star on the MLS walk of fame, but this particular team is a shadow of the glorious past. The Galaxy need to be on their toes as LAFC, the noisy neighbours 2.0 are making some serious noise down the 110 freeway!