Trying To Pick The LA Galaxy First Kick Weekend Lineup
by Josie Becker on Feb 7, 2012 2:08 PM PST
in 2011 LA Galaxy News
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The LA Galaxy have kicked off against the Portland Timbers in their second preseason game, but more importantly the second starting XI of the year has been posted. With each new lineup there's the chance to compare and contrast, and hopefully the First Kick Weekend lineup will become obvious. So let's compare Friday's lineup to today's:
Friday: Josh Saunders; Todd Dunivant, A.J. DeLaGarza, Tommy Meyer, Sean Franklin; Mike Magee, Marcelo Sarvas, Michael Stephens, Paolo Cardozo; Pat Noonan, Adam Cristman
Tuesday: Josh Saunders; Bryan Jordan, Tommy Meyer, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant; Sean Franklin, David Beckham, Marcelo Sarvas, Michael Stephens; Edson Buddle, Paolo Cardozo
Before starting any analysis, the two main concessions are the players on loan (Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane) and Juninho's return. The midfield pool looks something like this then:
Mike Magee, Marcelo Sarvas, Michael Stephens, David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Juninho, Paolo Cardozo, (Sean Franklin)
In the oil industry we call that a bevy of riches. Beckham, Juninho, Donovan, Sarvas seems the most likely, with Stephens and Magee the first of the bench. Of course with Champions League and Beckham leaving for the olympics, it's not like anyone is going to be stuck on the bench. Up top is also heating up:
Pat Noonan, Adam Cristman, Edson Buddle, (Paolo Cardozo), Robbie Keane
Good old versatile Cardozo. Buddle and Keane has to be the opening night pairing. Noonan works for relief, as does the occasional use of Cristman. Then there's the back line:
Todd Dunivant, A.J. DeLaGarza, Tommy Meyer, Sean Franklin, Bryan Jordan (Leonardo) [Omar Gonzalez]
Essentially the same back line from last year, but with the need to replace Omar Gonzalez for most of the season. First round draft pick Tommy Meyer is being challenged to step into that spot. Did you know Bryan Jordan was a trialist signed by Ruud Gullit? Bruce Arena must have been able to re-sign him for a song after declining his option.
So, give it a shot. What lineup would you trot out for First Kick Weekend?
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Bryan Jordan is a defender?
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
by SuperNerdToTheRescue on Feb 7, 2012 4:37 PM PST reply actions
For me:
Defenders: Franklin, Delagarza, Dunivant, Leonardo.
Midfielders: Beckham, Juninho, Sarvas, Donovan
Forwards: Keane, Buddle.
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
by SuperNerdToTheRescue on Feb 7, 2012 9:03 PM PST reply actions
Can Meyer take the place of Leonardo?
GFO List: Frank McCourt, Ned Colletti, Mike Ashley, Dan Guerrero
by BetterDeadThanRed on Feb 8, 2012 12:03 PM PST up reply actions
from what I saw in practice, Meyer is not ready yet. I think the Galaxy will end up starting Boyens Opening Night. However, at least right now, Bruce has put Meyer in the A squad twice, so maybe he’ll gel in time.
by Josie Becker on Feb 8, 2012 12:27 PM PST up reply actions
Starting XI
Buddle, Keane
Sarvas, Beckham, Juninho, Donovan
Dunivant, DeLaGarza, Jordan, Franklin
Sarvas is cap-tied for CCL, so I’d expect (hope) to see Stephens in his place. The Mighty Mike Magee will be first off the bench.
The front six had that one rotating spot last year, looks like that problem is solved. New problem at centerback, interesting that you threw Jordan in there.
Jordan because...
He was on a hot streak at the end of the season. He had several assists in the last month, as I recall. I think his speed makes up for his lack of skill.
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