:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47519755/usa-today-8871373.0.jpg)
Despite his struggles of late, Omar Gonzalez has been a central piece to the puzzle of the LA Galaxy's championship run over the past four years. Generally solid in defense and dominating in the air, Omar has helped the Galaxy reach heights never before seen in MLS. But, will he be returning to the Galaxy next season? Gonzalez himself has said that he's not sure what will happen after the season is over.
Galaxy Road Woes
If Gonzalez doesn't return to the team next season, odds are this Wednesday's match against the Sounders will be his last in a Galaxy jersey. The Galaxy have been terrible on the road this season, and that trend continued on Sunday evening with a 1-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City. It's not looking good for the Galaxy to make a push further than the knockout stages in the MLS Playoffs.
Galaxy are Out of TAM
If this is the end of the line for the Galaxy in 2015, it may also be the end of the line for Omar Gonzalez with the team. The Galaxy used allocation funds to pay down his Designated Player contract this summer in order to open up space to sign Giovani Dos Santos. If my understanding is correct, they are currently out of their available TAM money for the next few years.
Many would say that this doesn't represent a problem because Omar has played himself right out of DP money this season. But has his form really fallen off so far that the Galaxy would be able to afford to keep him? Would they even want to?
Where Would Omar End Up?
There are numerous teams around the league who would consider even a slumping Omar Gonzalez an upgrade at the center back position. Other teams might pursue him as that last piece of the puzzle to help them finally get over the championship huddle. FC Dallas fans would love to see Omar return home to the Metroplex. Could he even make a return to play overseas?
Regardless of how you feel about his play this season and whether or not he should return to the Galaxy for the 2016 season, Omar Gonzalez has been a key player in the current Galaxy dynasty. Here's hoping that both he and the Galaxy reverse the trend and play lights out on Wednesday in Seattle.
Hopefully Omar's not done yet.