HOUSTON – Ashley Cole arrived in the offseason to droves of criticism, but the LA Galaxy left back has confidently become one of the team’s most influential players to start the season.
The stylish left back has shined in five appearances for the Galaxy so far this season on both sides of the ball and was once again at a top level on Friday as Los Angeles trounced the Houston Dynamo, 4-1. Along the left side, Cole has been lights out shutting down opposing midfielders—Houston’s Andrew Wenger was his latest victim –while also unlocking defenses with his intelligent forays into the attack.
With four clearances, three recoveries, and two interceptions against Houston, Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena was understandably pleased with his 35-year-old English outside back.
“He could get forward a little bit more, but Ashley had a good night tonight. Ashley’s still getting his legs under him a little bit. He’s been idle for a bit,” Arena said after the win against Houston. “So to get his first five games, he missed the game in Colorado; he’s starting to get in pretty good form. You’re going to see as the season goes that he’s going to contribute to the attack. We’re real pleased with him. He’s an excellent player.”
