CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy’s newest number 23 made his first appearance with the club on Friday.
Carlo Cudicini made his club debut in LA’s 5-0 preseason victory over the United States Under-17’s on Friday, going 30 minutes and making a single save on the day. The match marked Cudicini’s first game as the club’s number 23—which was previously worn at the Galaxy by midfielder David Beckham—a jersey number that he wore for much of his 15-year stint in England.
Although he was largely untested by the young U.S. players, Cudicini was pleased with the showing.
“It was nice to be outside and play 90 minutes around for the team,” said Cudicini. “It’s good after the first ten days of preseason; it was good for them to play around a little bit. It felt a good impression, it’s early, but we have time to improve.”
The match was Cudicini’s first with reigning MLS Cup MVP centerback Omar Gonzalez marshaling the defense in front of him. Gonzalez—and teammate A.J. DeLaGarza—returned to LA training on Thursday from International duty with the U.S. national team and made an quite the impression on the Italian goalkeeper on Friday.
“Absolutely, it was a good impression,” said Cudicini. “He’s a player that has a lot of energy and he commanded things very well as a [centerback] so I think he has a bright future in front of him.”
