CARSON, Calif. – Preseason is typically loaded with battles for positions, but no competition will be more closely watched this season than the fight to start up top alongside LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane.
The two top contenders vying for head coach Bruce Arena’s attention are Canadian target man Rob Friend and Brazilian striker Samuel, both of whom were brought in last month to add height and physicality to the Galaxy forward line. Each carries their own traits to the tussle as the 6-foot-5 Friend brings more than a decade of European experience with him while Samuel is considered a highly-touted prospect by LA brass.
Although Friend acknowledges the competition between the two similar players is beneficial for the Galaxy, he believes that two players should push each other over the long season.
“I don’t think that [Samuel] is exactly like me. I’m more of a straight up target man and he roams a little bit as well,” said Friend. “We’re all different players and I think that we can bring something. It’s a long season and it gives Bruce the option to use different players with different qualities up front.”
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