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.
BAGGIO HUSIDIC
GP: 36 (29 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, four in U.S. Open Cup)
GS: 32 (26 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, three in U.S. Open Cup)
G: 2
A: 4 (two in MLS regular season and two in U.S. Open Cup)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Once again, Baggio Husidic was a model of efficiency and consistency with the LA Galaxy in 2016.
Able to perform any task Bruce Arena asked of him, Husidic was once again among the team leaders in appearances and minutes played. As has been the case since he joined the club ahead of the 2014 season, Husidic’s smooth passing ability –he completed nearly 86 percent of his passes—made him an asset for Arena whether he was stationed as a defensive midfielder or along the flank.
Not only was Husidic able to fit in a variety of roles, but the Bosnian midfielder also provided pop in the offense with two goals and four assists on the season. Where Husidic was most effective was in his ability to find gaps in opposing defenses that were often overly concerned with several of the team’s other weapons, offering Husidic a place to strike.
Husidic scored what was perhaps the finest goal of his career in the Galaxy’s 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in September when he launched a screamer that sailed past goalkeeper Steve Clark. The goal was so majestic that it earned a nomination for the league’s Goal of the Year contest.
LOWLIGHTS:
Baggio Husidic has always been a key contributor for the Galaxy, but he saw his production dip slightly in 2016.
Although eclipsed his games played mark from 2015, Husidic saw his number of starts dwindle from 21 in 2015 to 16 a year later. The Bosnian midfielder’s assist total also dropped from five a year ago to two during last season’s campaign.
Husidic’s dwindling offensive production proved costly for a Galaxy offense that was often sorely lacking attacking pop from the central midfield position. Like the rest of the Galaxy’s midfield, Husidic was often unable to help Los Angeles hold down the center of the park against some of the speedier or more physical MLS sides.
OVERVIEW:
Where Baggio Husidic will fit in the LA Galaxy’s plans for the 2017 season will be a developing story over the next several weeks.
A favorite under former head coach Bruce Arena, the Galaxy will need to decide whether or not to protect the Bosnian midfielder in the upcoming expansion draft. If Husidic is left unprotected, it’s not unrealistic to suggest that he’d be a favorite to be selected by the two incoming expansion sides due to his recent success.
Should Husidic remain, his versatility will continue to make him an asset for whoever serves as the Galaxy’s manager in 2017.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.