CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s 2016 was a tumultuous one filled with brilliant goals and frustrating moments for Bruce Arena’s men, ultimately ending in a penalty kick shootout defeat in the Western Conference Semifinals.
As we look back on 2016, LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano will provide a review of each position. The LA Galaxy Insider Year in Review will begin with goalkeepers and then move up the field to defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Several select players will also have their own review, based on the number of appearances made.
ASHLEY COLE
GP: 32 (26 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, two in U.S. Open Cup, one in MLS Cup Playoffs)
GS: 31 (25 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, two in U.S. Open Cup, one in MLS Cup Playoffs)
G: 1 (in MLS regular season)
A: 1 (in U.S. Open Cup)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ashley Cole silenced all of his detractors with a stellar first season with the LA Galaxy.
There was no shortage of questions from pundits and social media when the Galaxy signed the veteran left back after several down years with A.S. Roma in Italy, but Cole’s class was on full display in Los Angeles. Cole provided the Galaxy with a stylish option along the left side of defense as he locked down the opposition while also offering a valuable attacking element that added a new dimension to the team’s offense.
The accomplished English international wasted no time solidifying himself as one of the best left backs in Major League Soccer with a goal and an assist in 32 appearances across all competitions for the Galaxy. Cole seemed to have a particular connection with left sided midfielder Ema Boateng who’s breakneck speed provided a useful complement with the cleverness of the 35-year-old veteran. As Boateng matured, many around the team praised Cole’s veteran leadership in aiding the Ghanaian’s development.
Cole’s tally was an important (and impressive one) as his stunning volley helped the Galaxy earn a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls in August. The 35-year-old also enjoyed a personal milestone in March when he welcomed his first child.
LOWLIGHTS:
Unfortunately for Ashley Cole, the lowest point of his productive season happened at the most decisive moment.
Cole went 120 minutes in the Galaxy’s Western Conference Semifinal second leg against the Colorado Rapids and was among the many players who struggled to generate offense for an attack that managed just a single shot. In the penalty kick shootout, Cole was among two Galaxy players who saw their penalties saved by Colorado’s Tim Howard leading to the Rapids victory.
During the regular season, the 35-year-old also saw his minutes limited by suspension and injuries that cost him several meaningful games. Each of Cole’s suspensions occurred controversially after he picked a pair of yellow cards in quick succession during the Galaxy’s draw with Sporting Kansas City in May and then for apparent dissent in LA’s loss to the San Jose Earthquakes in late June.
OVERVIEW:
Ashley Cole put his career back on track with the LA Galaxy after a few frustrating years in Italy in 2016.
In his first real season in several years, former England legend showed why he is considered one of the best left backs of his generation whenever called upon by then Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. In addition to being a valuable asset, Cole was also able to stay relatively healthy despite being 35-years-old.
Although Cole will be 36 by the time the next Galaxy season kicks off, he still can be a major contributor for the team next year.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com. ​
