CARSON, Calif. –This could be a huge week for LA Galaxy forward Chandler Hoffman.
Since being acquired from the Philadelphia Union on March 1, the 2012 MLS SuperDraft First Round draft pick has yet to make an appearance for the Galaxy. However, with captain Robbie Keane away on international duty, Hoffman has an outside shot of filling in for the Irish forward.
Jack McBean, Jose Villarreal and Mike Magee appear to be the front runners to man the forward position for Saturday’s match against the Colorado Rapids, but Hoffman is looking to state his case to head coach Bruce Arena.
“There’s definitely an opening this week with Robbie gone on international duty and Omar [Gonzalez] gone as well. I’m trying to train as hard as I can and try to prove that I deserve a chance on the field,” said Hoffman. “I feel ready, I've been here two and a half weeks now and I've kind of got used to how the club works and how guys go about preparing for games. I feel like I’m ready to step up if called upon.”
Hoffman admits that while there were initial jitters when he joined the Galaxy, but after spending the past several weeks integrating himself in the squad, he feels ready to contribute.
“I've been staying after training whenever possible to work on finishing and working on whatever I can to get better and try to learn from Robbie and Mike,” said Hoffman, who admits that he has placed close attention to Keane’s training habits. “Anything that I can pick up, I want to incorporate in my game and help this team get victories.”
