LAG Confidential - All PostsThe Jewel of MLS Blogshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50693/lag-fav.png2023-03-25T15:58:28-07:00http://www.lagconfidential.com/rss/current/2023-03-25T15:58:28-07:002023-03-25T15:58:28-07:00Splitting the points in Portland: Portland Timbers 0, LA Galaxy 0
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<p>Another fairly disappointing draw for the Galaxy, after another dominant performance </p> <p id="bB5CgG">Kicking off Saturday’s slate of MLS action, <a href="http://www.lagconfidential.com">LA Galaxy</a> were on the road against Portland Timbers. While both sides came into this one in desperate need of three points, the Galaxy came into Saturday looking for their first win of the season. With the International window currently going on, Galaxy were not only down the injured Chicharito, but were without several players who were called to represent their respective countries. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Juddgernaut. <br><br>Congratulations on your first <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLS</a> start, <a href="https://twitter.com/prestonjudd10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prestonjudd10</a>! <a href="https://t.co/JebmovYqoh">pic.twitter.com/JebmovYqoh</a></p>— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/1639739309384404992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</a>
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<p id="uCwQJn">Knowing how important early goals are to getting wins, Galaxy came out the gates strong. The team found themselves with several early goal scoring opportunities, one of the better looks coming from the kid making his first MLS start, Preston Judd. After breaking free in the box, Judd had a decent look at the goal but couldn’t find the right side of the post. </p>
<p id="HMmZpi">LA had a dominant first half. They maintained 72% of the possession, they also put on 11 shots with four on target. The only negative was them not being able to find the back of the net. The team’s went to break even at the half, with Galaxy surely feeling like the three points were at their fingertips. </p>
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<p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Garra Charrúa <br><br>The hustle from Martín Cáceres before the end of the half. <a href="https://t.co/MJ7KII0UjB">pic.twitter.com/MJ7KII0UjB</a></p>— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/1639748850402439172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</a>
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<p id="X0ZYsV">Through the first 20 minutes of the second half, it was much of the same for the galaxy. They did an excellent job to find the threatening shots at goal, but just couldn’t find what was needed to get it in the back of the net. Things began to get a bit nervy around the 70th minute mark, when the home side decided to wake up a bit and started finding their way into the match. </p>
<p id="QHgEUx">LA nearly gave the match away late, when a defender's poor touch fell right to a Timber attacker, from point blank range. Luckily for the G’s, Jonathan Klinsmann was in his bag, and denied Portland on what was by far their best scoring opportunity of the night to that point. It was enough to light an even brighter flame under the hosts, who began to really turn it up in the waning minutes of the match. </p>
<p id="ZoA9W5">The Galaxy held strong, and were able to come away with the draw. Typically, a draw on the road is about as good as it can get in a league like the MLS, but for LA this will likely feel a bit disappointing. The team were able to once again dominate a match, but were unable to reap the rewards of it. The Galaxy will be back at home next weekend, to host the Seattle Sounders. </p>
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<p id="CjXgMD">Thoughts on the match? Leave a comment below! </p>
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https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/25/23656634/portland-timbers-0-la-galaxy-0-final-score-report-review-recapTrebor Tracy2023-03-25T08:00:00-07:002023-03-25T08:00:00-07:00Match Preview: LA Galaxy are headed to Portland shorthanded and searching for their first win
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<p>With several players on International duty, LA Galaxy need a solid team performance to secure team’s first win</p> <p id="r6ijN6">The 2023 season hasn't gotten off to the start many had hoped for, but as <a href="http://www.angelsonparade.com">LA Galaxy</a> hit the road for this week’s match against Portland Timbers, they look to put together a performance worthy of three points to get them back on track. The good news is, while they haven't gotten results, they have played well for a lot of the season. Seizing opportunities with consistency is still a big key for this side, and if they can do that today, they will come away with the win. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Next stop: Portland, Oregon ✌️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAGalaxy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LAGalaxy</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/MyVancouver?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MyVancouver</a> <a href="https://t.co/YixMDHzxuo">pic.twitter.com/YixMDHzxuo</a></p>— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/1639402589363085312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a>
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<p id="WzUpWK">The Galaxy have a bit of an uphill climb this weekend, as they travel to face off against Portland Timbers. The G’s have yet to win a match in 2023 and while we are still quite a ways from “must-win” this is an important match for LA. The club are at the bottom of a Western Conference that sees the top half already starting to find separation from the rest. Again, far too early in the season for panic, but for a team that struggled to get it going for most of 2022, there was hope this season would be an improvement and not much of the same. The squad will not only be without Chicharito once again, but will be without several players called away for International duty, making this one that much more tougher on the visitors. </p>
<p id="CdhmT3">The Timbers aren't doing much better. After winning their season opener, the team proceeded to lose their next three matches, with the lates one a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Atlanta United. Dangerous because while this is a team that can be got, they are also a team probably looking to get back on track themselves, at home, and at the expense of the Galaxy. </p>
<h3 id="e1Hb2W"><strong>Injuries</strong></h3>
<p id="xPfEFj">LA Galaxy: <strong>OUT - </strong>Chicharito (hamstring), Douglas Costa (calf), Jonathan Bond (shoulder), Dejan Joveljic (International duty), Kelvin Leerdam (International duty), Eriq Zavaleta (International duty) </p>
<p id="KcF9Cy">Portland Timbers: <strong>OUT - </strong>Felipe Mora (knee), Sebastian Blanco (knee), David Ayala (knee), Dairon Asprilla (knee), Yimmi Chara (hamstring), Cristhian Paredes (hamstring), Evander (hip).</p>
<h3 id="qQ5gPr"><strong>How To Watch</strong></h3>
<p id="SZ9q3H">Kickoff for this one is set for 1:30 pm PT. The match will be broadcast on FOX, as well as Apple TV MLS Season Pass: <a href="http://apple.co/LAGalaxy">http://apple.co/LAGalaxy</a>. </p>
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<p id="8Rha08">Thoughts on the matchup? Leave a comment below! </p>
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https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/25/23656121/match-preview-la-galaxy-are-headed-to-portland-shorthanded-and-searching-for-their-first-winTrebor Tracy2023-03-24T12:47:48-07:002023-03-24T12:47:48-07:00LA Galaxy sign GK Aaron Cervantes to short-term agreement
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<p>Los Dos signing making a short-term move up to first team.</p> <p id="r9fzbr">The <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com">LA Galaxy</a> announced on Friday they have signed goalkeeper Aaron Cervantes to a short-term loan from LA Galaxy II. The move will make Cervantes a backup to Jonathan Klinsmann in goal for Saturday’s game at the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com">Portland Timbers</a>. Regular Galaxy first team starter Jonathan Bond is dealing with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.</p>
<p id="ArgHr7">Cervantes, 21, was announced as a signing with the Galaxy’s reserve team, LA Galaxy II, earlier this week ahead of their season opener. It’s a homecoming of sorts, with Cervantes playing at the Galaxy Academy prior to signing his first professional deal, with Orange County SC, as a 15-year-old. Making his on-field debut in 2019 with OCSC, he was a regular until transferring to Scottish giant Rangers FC in 2021. Part of the reserve ranks there, he moved back to his native California and has signed with Los Dos.</p>
<p id="ZCVBG0">As in past years, MLS rules state that players can be signed to first-team short-term loans four times in a season maximum, and can play in no more than two league matches. Anything can happen, but if Klinsmann stays healthy and on the field, then Cervantes shouldn’t have to worry about the latter provision, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s signed to multiple loans here over the next few weeks.</p>
<p id="x7thp3">What do you think? Leave a comment below.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/24/23655435/la-galaxy-sign-gk-aaron-cervantes-to-short-term-agreementAlicia Rodriguez2023-03-24T09:09:47-07:002023-03-24T09:09:47-07:00An update on the future of LAG Confidential
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<p>Changes are coming, but we aren’t disappearing.</p> <p id="3WHJd0">LAG Confidential launched in 2011, which was perfect timing for a run of three <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com">LA Galaxy</a> MLS Cup wins in the span of four seasons. In the meantime, the Galaxy have gone through a stunning array of coaches, players and, well, seasons too, but this site has been ticking over ever since.</p>
<p id="CS8XJ1">I (Alicia) fully joined LAG Confidential in 2020 after several years in a behind-the-scenes role, taking over for the wonderful Mike Gray, and I (Trebor) joined in the summer of 2021 as a staff writer at the site. Over the past few years, we’ve covered the team through a pandemic, the likes of which we hope to never see again, ups and downs for the Galaxy and a surprisingly great debut season for <a href="https://www.allforxi.com">NWSL</a> outfit San Diego Wave FC.</p>
<p id="bNMWqR">In January, we were informed that Vox Media, the parent company of SB Nation, will no longer be supporting LAG Confidential, along with many other team sites. The news was a blow, and since then, we’ve been coming up with plans for what’s next. And we’re pleased to provide an update, that LAG Confidential will be continuing on as an independent site after we exit SB Nation at the end of March.</p>
<p id="tsfFgq">The gist? In the near future, you’ll be able to go to <a href="http://LAGConfidential.com">LAGConfidential.com</a> and see a new-look site, but a site that will continue to cover the teams you care about. We won’t lie, it’s a lot of work and there will be changes, but we’re excited to move into a new era.</p>
<p id="HR3FMp">While we’ve been staffing this site for only a portion of LAG Confidential’s history, we’d like to thank Jeremiah Oshan for leading the SB Nation soccer group, and the soccer group itself for being a resource and providing a collegial atmosphere. Many thanks to the contributors who have helped over the past few years, particularly Ilkay and her Galaxy postgame ratings. Thanks as well to the clubs we’ve covered for providing information to professionally cover these teams day in and day out.</p>
<p id="tbS5OC">Most importantly, thanks to the readers here for reading our coverage. We literally couldn’t have made it this long without you checking out our work, and we hope you will come with us on the next phase. 2022 was a terrific year for us in covering the Galaxy and Wave, and we have plans to continue providing that coverage, but we’ll need your support. On that note, if you know of ways to provide tangible support or know anyone who does, let us know!</p>
<p id="TFVZoS">But while this will be the end of an era, it’s not the end of LAG Confidential. We’re excited for the future, and we hope you join us in this new iteration of the site.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/24/23655030/an-update-on-the-future-of-lag-confidentialAlicia RodriguezTrebor Tracy2023-03-22T10:30:20-07:002023-03-22T10:30:20-07:00San Diego Wave FC sign midfielder Giovanna DeMarco
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<p>Wave FC make it official with their 2023 NWSL draft selection</p> <p id="UhCr2O"><a href="http://www.lagconfidential.com">Wave FC </a>have added another player to the roster, as the team make their final preparations ahead of the start to the season this weekend. Adding some depth in the middle of the pitch, the club announced today the signing of midfielder Giovanna DeMarco. The Wake Forest alumni signs a one-year deal through 2023, after being selected by San Diego in this year’s NWSL Draft. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Signed & sealed. ✍️<br><br>Let's gooo!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosWave?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosWave</a></p>— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) <a href="https://twitter.com/sandiegowavefc/status/1638584970385166336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a>
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<p id="3936LG">“Giovanna is a talented young player who will add depth to our roster following her collegiate career at Wake Forest,” said San Diego Wave FC Head Coach Casey Stoney in a statement. “We were excited to select her in the NWSL Draft and watched her progress with the team during preseason, seeing first-hand her qualities and mindset.”</p>
<p id="EBz08m">DeMarco, 23, spent five years at Wake forest. She had 74 appearances with 69 starts, scoring 11 goals and serving up seven assists in her time with the Deacons. She was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2018, as well as the All-ACC Academic Team in 2018, 2019, and 2021. </p>
<p id="TqyoBt">“I am so excited to have signed my first professional contract with the San Diego Wave,” DeMarco said in a statement. “This is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to play in front of the best fans in the league at Snapdragon Stadium.” </p>
<p id="EaiJ21">Wave FC will open its 2023 campaign on Saturday, March 25, at Snapdragon Stadium. Scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. PT, the match against the Chicago Red Stars kicks off the Wave’s first full season at the all-new Snapdragon Stadium. Tickets to attend the Wave’s 2023 home debut are now available for purchase by clicking <a href="https://sandiegowavefc.com/single-game-tickets/">here</a>.</p>
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<p id="9rExlp">What do you think of the latest signing? Leave a comment below! </p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/22/23651966/san-diego-wave-fc-sign-midfielder-giovanna-demarcoTrebor Tracy2023-03-21T10:23:47-07:002023-03-21T10:23:47-07:00LA Galaxy sign Argentine defender Julian Aude
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<p>19-year-old keeps “fullbacks named Julian” intact for G’z.</p> <p id="avUIQw">The <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com">LA Galaxy</a> announced on Tuesday they have signed 19-year-old defender Julian Aude. The youngster has been transferred from Argentine side Lanús and signed on a five-year deal as a U-22 Initiative player. The Galaxy have moved Efrain Alvarez into a TAM player from a U-22 Initiative slot in order to make room for Aude.</p>
<p id="e9N6a2">“We are pleased to announce Julián as the newest member of the club,” said LA Galaxy head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney in a team statement. “Julián is a very talented and highly competitive young player with a great education from his previous club Lanús and with the Argentine Youth National Teams. We look forward to integrating him into the team and continuing his development.”</p>
<p id="qJXznn">Aude has played his entire pro career at hometown club Lanús, making 54 appearances across all competitions since turning pro in 2020. In addition to his experience in domestic club soccer, Aude has also played a handful of games in the Copa Sudamericana, and he won the South American U-17 Championship with Argentina in 2019 and also played in the 2023 South American Youth Championship (perhaps the best regional U-20 competition in the world).</p>
<p id="DAKM6Z">As a left back, Aude will likely either compete for minutes this season at that spot with Raheem Edwards and Chase Gasper, or Vanney may opt to move the versatile Edwards upfield into a winger or wide midfield role to keep him on the field and help shield the youngster on the flank while he adjusts to MLS. With the Galaxy also signing Brazilian youngster Lucas Calegari to be their new right back, it appears the club will look to replicate the success of Julian Araujo previously, who became a steady starter and grew year over year at the club before making a European move. If the same happens with Aude and Calegari, then the Galaxy’s efforts to sign young talent and then sell them on may find some traction.</p>
<p id="KIsSwB">What do you think? Leave a comment below.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/21/23650399/la-galaxy-sign-argentine-defender-julian-aude-lanusAlicia Rodriguez2023-03-21T09:53:00-07:002023-03-21T09:53:00-07:00LA Galaxy acquire international roster slot from Seattle Sounders
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<p>Looks like the move before the move.</p> <p id="8jNd3S">The <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com">LA Galaxy</a> announced on Tuesday they have acquired an international roster slot for the 2023 MLS season from the <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com">Seattle Sounders</a>, in exchange for $75,000 in 2023 general allocation money and $75,000 in 2024 general allocation money.</p>
<p id="3bEFRM">It would appear the move is likely to be a “table-setting” move ahead of another international addition in the coming days, with the Galaxy linked to Argentine defender Julian Aude over the weekend <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/thiago-almada-s-market-value-soars-st-louis-legend-grows-more-from-matchday-4">by MLSsoccer.com’s Tom Bogert</a>. The 19-year-old has played his whole career to date at hometown side Lanús, and would be a U-22 Initiative signing. A left back, Aude would likely compete for minutes with Raheem Edwards.</p>
<p id="2TU5Tn">But we’ll see if that’s what happens. I expect this is a preparatory move to add another player, but it is possible it could be a move intended to cover for a player already on the roster who hasn’t featured. But keep your eyes peeled for a new signing likely coming down pretty soon.</p>
<p id="AzH2Vy">What do you think? Leave a comment below.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/21/23650341/la-galaxy-acquire-international-roster-slot-seattle-soundersAlicia Rodriguez2023-03-21T09:38:51-07:002023-03-21T09:38:51-07:00San Diego Wave FC sign 15-year-old local Melanie Barcenas
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<p>Youngest player signed in league history.</p> <p id="t7QkRl">San Diego Wave FC announced on Tuesday they have signed forward Melanie Barcenas. The 15-year-old is the league’s youngest-ever signing, beating out newly inked <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">Washington Spirit</a> youngster Chloe Ricketts, signed in the offseason.</p>
<p id="Tcgg62">Barcenas is a native of Claremont and came through the San Diego Surf academy system. She has repeatedly been called up to various U.S. youth international teams.</p>
<p id="YQHy4o">“We are very happy that Melanie and her family have decided to entrust her hometown club as the place for her to begin her professional career,” said San Diego Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney in a team statement. “The coaches at San Diego Surf have been instrumental in helping her develop as a person and as a player for her entire youth career. We’re excited to maximize her potential through the coming years, while being patient and deliberate in advancing her development while ensuring she retains some routine and normalcy of being a teenager.” </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I even hope to represent Wave FC one day..."<br><br>History made in her own hometown. <a href="https://t.co/R1AoMXFDYE">pic.twitter.com/R1AoMXFDYE</a></p>— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) <a href="https://twitter.com/sandiegowavefc/status/1638209918787551233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2023</a>
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<p id="AvZmIr">Barcenas is the second U-18 signing made by San Diego, joining Jaedyn Shaw. Shaw signed during the 2022 season, and while she is not a San Diego County local, she took to the <a href="https://www.allforxi.com">NWSL</a> right away and was very successful on the field, with Stoney appearing to give her both earned playing time but also shielding her from the brightest lights of the pro game. One expects a similar approach for Barcenas, perhaps with her progression coming a bit slower considering she’s a couple years younger than Shaw at this point.</p>
<p id="Lfk7tw">“I’m very excited to sign my first professional contract with my hometown team, San Diego Wave,” said Barcenas. “It’s been a dream of mine to not just play in the NWSL but to have the opportunity to represent this city since the announcement of the Wave last year. I know I am young, but the team and coaching staff have been amazing, and I look forward to learning from them every day as I continue to develop.” </p>
<p id="tUYhTq">What do you think? Leave a comment below.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2023/3/21/23650316/san-diego-wave-fc-sign-15-year-old-local-melanie-barcenasAlicia Rodriguez