It is time for the fifth edition of "Ask the Insider"
After Wednesday's 4-0 LA Galaxy victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders, today's question comes from Christian LA who asks: Out of all the "reserve" players...who was your standout player?"
The LA Galaxy's 4-0 win over the Puerto Rico Islanders was certainly a comprehensive one with several standout players including the likes of Jose Villarreal and Michael Stephens, but for me, the night belonged to rookie midfielder Rafael Garcia.
While Garcia did not get on the score sheet, the 23-year-old rookie midfielder from Cal-State Northridge was integral in the Galaxy's midfield dominance of the Islanders. With Garcia partnered alongside Kenney Walker and Stephens in the midfield, the trio overwhelmed the Islanders through an industrious play and high work ethic which has been forged in Reserve League play. The trio were particularly effective in their distribution as they completed 135 of their 164 total passes for a completion rate of 82%. Much of LA's ability to complete passes came down to the play of Garcia, who controlled the center of the park by repeatedly winning challenges in midfield and then sending passes forward towards goal -- completing 38 of his 46 total passes on the night.
Although, the rookie midfielder faces a stern test to earn a starting role in a stacked Galaxy midfield, with his superior decision making and tenacity on full display during his performance against the Islanders, Garcia may become more of a presence on Galaxy game day rosters during the stretch run.
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Thanks Christian, you can get your tickets by e-mailing socialmedia@lagalaxy.com. For everyone else, remember to leave your questions on the LA Galaxy Facebook page following the club's next match against the Colorado Rapids on September 14th for the chance to have your question featured and win tickets to an upcoming Galaxy game.
