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Ahead of the first MLS match of the season, where the LA Galaxy will host reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield winners FC Dallas, the club has announced the captain for the season.
And it is none other than fan-favorite Jelle Van Damme.
NEWS: #LAGalaxy name defender @Jelle_Van_Damme 2017 Team Captain: https://t.co/eWeYgHLdOg pic.twitter.com/N7oBKGn38W
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) March 1, 2017
While only starting his second campaign with the club, Van Damme took the city by storm in his debut year. The 33-year-old played in 31 MLS matches and was an integral part in both the offense and the defense.
On defense, standing at 6’3” 198 lbs, he commands attention. He’s phenomenal in the air, on set pieces on both sides of the pitch, and can use his speed to recover to make a timely challenge while getting back to make a superb tackle.
It’s only right that one of the mainstay’s in the starting XI from last season be named captain for this year.
Van Damme knows how to lead by example, and with sparse number of returners in the lineup, this move only makes sense.