CARSON, Calif. – Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo has declared himself ready to go for the LA Galaxy’s match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, but whether he’ll be starting remains to be seen.
Brian Perk earned the start and faced minimal action in LA’s 3-0 victory over Chivas USA last weekend in his second straight start after Penedo missed out on the Galaxy’s match against Real Salt Lake on March 22 to get his visa. Following training on Wednesday, Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena explained why he opted to start Perk over the Panamanian international despite Penedo declaring that he was ready to play earlier in the week.
“Penedo missed a lot of training and had a little bit of an injury,” said Arena. “It was an easy solution to go with Perk based on the visa and him taking a knock. “
Arena later admitted that no decision has been made yet for who starts between the pipes against the Whitecaps, but Penedo is eager to regain his starting spot against the Whitecaps.
“Bruce had all the right to do that. I spent four days in Panama and missed out on training. Midweek I took a knock [on his left knee in training], but now I’m feel very good and I’m ready to help the team,” Penedo told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m feeling very good in this moment. I feel ready, but ultimately, it is Bruce’s decision and I respect that.”
