CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy II head into the 2016 campaign eager to build off their USL Western Conference title a year ago.
Los Dos begin their season on Saturday when they host Arizona United SC at StubHub Center.
The third season for Curt Onalfo’s squad figures to be an exciting one after Los Dos’ impressive run to the champion game a year ago. Before Saturday’s season opener, Galaxy II made five additions to last year’s conference championship squad.
“We were a minute away from winning the USL championship, and it ended in a very bitter way,” Onalfo said. ”I think that motivates us as we started putting our team together for the 2016 season.”
Before Los Dos begin the 2016 season, let’s look at a few of the new faces and what they bring to the squad.
DENZEL SLAGER, Forward
Denzel Slager joins LA Galaxy II with plenty of technical and physical talent, and will be eager to impress and earn a berth to the first team. The 22-year-old arrives at StubHub Center after scoring six goals and tallying two assists in 21 appearances for USL rival Orange County Blues. With experience at top-level clubs in England and Holland, the speedy winger could be the most exciting addition to Los Dos.
BRYAM REBELLON, Midfielder
LA Galaxy II lost midfield stalwart Andre Auras in the offseason but found his replacement in hard-nosed Colombian midfielder Bryam Rebellon. The 24-year-old Colombian midfielder joins Galaxy II after stints in Colombian and Argentine leagues, and was last with Llaneros F.C. of the Categoria Primera B league in Colombia. Rebellon figures to compete for minutes in central midfield from the start.
NATHAN SMITH, Right back
One of the most heralded products in the LA Galaxy Academy, Nathan Smith is expected to contribute from the get-go on the youthful Los Dos squad. Attack-minded yet steady defensively, Smith figures to compete with the likes of Oscar Sorto at right back. Before deciding to forgo his senior season at UCLA in favor of returning to the Galaxy, the outside back was a two-year All-PAC-12 selection who led the Bruins in minutes played in 2015.
JOHN NEESKENS, Center back
The former Colorado Rapids center back figures to play a significant role for Onalfo’s squad in 2016 with Daniel Steres and Dave Romney expected to contribute to the Galaxy first team. With Bradley Diallo sidelined with an injury to start the season, Neeskens could have the opportunity to be an immediate starter for Los Dos when the first team options are away.
JOSH TURNLEY, Left back
Turnley enters his first professional season with high expectations after being drafted by the Galaxy first team and enjoying several strong matches with both sides during the preseason. With left back Joe Franco departing for Miami FC in the offseason, the Georgetown product will have every opportunity to make the position his in 2016.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
