In a wild season that saw numerous changes along the back line, no player was more consistent than right back Sean Franklin. (Read my review of his season here)
In 2012, Franklin made a total of 43 appearances over all competitions racking up an astounding 3677 minutes. Franklin’s contributions set Galaxy single season records in games played (34), games started (33), and minutes played (2,937). Had he not missed LA’s Knockout Round match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC a hamstring injury, he would have appeared in all of LA’s MLS matches in 2012.'
Playing the ironman role suited Franklin who was an integral part in LA’s second straight MLS Cup title due to his poise and skill on both sides of the ball. But winning a third consecutive championship will be no easy task for Franklin and the Galaxy as LA must compensate for the departure of David Beckham while dealing with question marks that surround Landon Donovan and Juninho among others.
Although change is in the air at The Home Depot Center, Franklin is confident that the Galaxy will be ready for next season.
“Each year is different; there are guys that will leave and guys that will come in. We know that David is gone and there are obviously talks about Landon, but who knows,” Franklin recently told LA Galaxy Insider. “I’m excited for this team because the last two years have been special, so it’s up to the management and the owners to put together a good team, and I know that they will. Bruce is an intelligent guy, he knows players and he knows how to be successful. I’m looking forward to hopefully more championships with this team.”
While the fate of some of LA’s leaders is undecided, Franklin says that he intends to take a leadership role as he heads into his sixth season in 2013.
“Normally, I’m a quiet guy, but it’s one of those things where I have to step up and be a voice now because I’ve been in this league five years and won a couple of championships,” said Franklin. “I’ve been here before and it’s time to step up and become a voice on this team.”
