PORTLAND, Ore.—A week into his training stint with the LA Galaxy, Laurent Courtois made his reserve team debut by going 45 minutes in LA’s 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Sunday, and is hopeful that he can turn it into a permanent deal.
Throughout the match, the 34-year-old midfielder was active going forward as he repeatedly pressured the Timbers defense. Courtois nearly got on the board just moments after coming on, but had his shot cleared off the line.
Although he couldn’t get on the board, Courtois was pleased with his performance on Sunday.
“I’m happy to get my first 45 minutes with the reserves and overall, I thought that it was pretty okay,” Courtois told LA Galaxy Insider. I tried to be me and provide width and depth. I tried to give service and hold the ball in midfield while also helping the outside back on defense. I tried to do my best and I think that we did a good job.”
On Sunday, the Frenchman drew considerable praise from reserve team boss Curt Onalfo and midfielder Pablo Mastroeni.
“I thought that he did a good job,” said Onalfo. “He nearly scored in his first touch of the game and stepped in, and did a solid job for us.”
“He’s a player that brings a lot of calm to the game when it’s really hectic; he took the sting out of it. He looks to shoot and gets into dangerous positions, and he’s a good passer of the ball as well,” said Mastroeni. “I think that he’s a good player that brings a different dynamic to the team, and [on Sunday], he had a good performance.”
After spending two-and-a-half years with Chivas USA and tallying three goals and a single assist during his time, Courtois began training with the Galaxy on Monday after being released by the Rojiblancos last month. The former West Ham United midfielder admitted that the situation at Chivas in his final days there was a “complicated” and “difficult” one, but he’s been impressed with his week-long stint with LA.
“It feels really good. Everything is so organized and everybody knows what to do,” said Courtois. “The sessions have been going great, and to be honest, they are pretty enjoyable. It’s always easier with good players.”
As for his chance to earn a place on the Galaxy roster, the former Chivas USA midfielder is hopeful that he can earn a spot on the squad.
“I do,” said Courtois. “I feel fantastic. I had this opportunity, and I don’t know shock anybody to say that this is a better group with better players, who know what to do. The mentality is really different. I’d love to be part of it.”
