CARSON, Calif. – Chandler Hoffman admits that things haven’t quite worked out the way that he wanted when he first joined the LA Galaxy back in March , however, things may be looking up for the 23-year-old forward.
Hoffman has not seen the field in MLS or CONCACAF Champions League play, but he expects that to change when LA takes on Isidro Metapán. The former UCLA striker has lit up the MLS Reserve League with six goals in nine appearances—seven of those being starts and is excited about the chance of contributing against Metapan.
“This could be a big week for me especially with the important game against Seattle this weekend and it might be a chance for me to make an impact so I’m preparing mentally like I’m going to be a part of the game on Wednesday,” said Hoffman, who made his lone appearance for LA this season as a substitute in their U.S. Open Cup defeat in May. “I’ve just been trying to learn and play well in the reserve games to show that I can score goals so I’m hoping that it translates. “
Although the minutes have come in reserve league or in training, Galaxy associate head coach Dave Sarachan admits that the team is noticing positive growth from the young striker.
“Chandler has progressed since he’s been with us. Everything about his game has improved. The only thing that he lacks is really game minutes this year, but in training, we’ve seen a guy that finds himself in the right spots quite often,” said Sarachan. “He’s got a good brain for the game and an ability to play underneath, play wide and he’s a guy that when gets looks at the goal, his percentage is pretty good in terms of making plays that are on frame and in the back of net in training.”
If Hoffman gets an opportunity in the feature or come off the bench against Metapán, he is confident that he can adapt to the style of play.
“It’s a different style than MLS,” said Hoffman, who got a firsthand taste of soccer in Latin America when he trained with three time defending CCL champion C.F. Monterrey’s youth team in his teens. “They like to slow the game down and play technical while it’s faster paced and physical.”
