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.
GIOVANI DOS SANTOS
GP: 36 (28 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, two in U.S. Open Cup, two in CONCACAF Champions League)
GS: 32 (27 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, two in CONCACAF Champions League)
G: 16 (14 in MLS regular season, one in CONCACAF Champions League, one in U.S. Open Cup)
A: 14 (12 in MLS regular season, one in MLS Cup Playoffs, one in U.S. Open Cup)
HIGHLIGHTS:
The LA Galaxy became Giovani dos Santos’ team in 2016.
Dos Santos evolved into the club’s primary attacking weapon in 2016 with the likes of Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard limited by injury. Given plenty of responsibility by head coach Bruce Arena, Dos Santos enjoyed a career year with a team-high 16 goals and 14 assists.
After spending his first year in a variety of positions, Dos Santos found success paired alongside target strikes like Alan Gordon and Gyasi Zardes who provided the mettle which allowed the Mexican forward the space to roam. Dos Santos also had a flair for the dramatic with three multi-goal games and many remarkable goals including a spectacular chip of Columbus Crew SC’s Steve Clark that was nominated for the league’s Goal of the Year competition.
The honors flowed in for Dos Santos in 2016 with the Mexican international being named to the MLS All-Star Game for the first time in his Galaxy career and also being selected by the club’s supporters as the Herbalife Player of the Year. At the end of the campaign, Dos Santos was one of two Galaxy players selected to the league’s Best XI.
On the international level, Dos Santos made his return to the Mexican national team making several starts for El Tri during their World Cup qualifying campaign.
LOWLIGHTS:
When Giovani dos Santos was on, he was one of the league’s best attackers, but at times, he struggled to make an impact.
In spurts during the season, Dos Santos endured his inconsistencies as he saw his influence on games wane, forcing the Galaxy to rely on other offensive options. When Dos Santos' struggled, the Galaxy also floundered, unable to replace the Mexican striker's production.
Dos Santos’ remarkable season ended in heartbreak during the Galaxy’s postseason defeat to the Colorado Rapids. Not only did Dos Santos and the rest of the Galaxy attack struggle against Colorado’s stingy defense, but the Mexican international missed his penalty attempt during the decisive shootout.
OVERVIEW:
Giovani dos Santos experienced a banner season for the LA Galaxy in 2016, but now with the likes of Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan, and Steven Gerrard out the door, he’ll have more responsibility next season.
The Mexican international is the cornerstone of the Galaxy attack under new head coach Curt Onalfo alongside fellow young attackers like Sebastian Lletget and Gyasi Zardes heading into the 2017 campaign. Onalfo’s attack-minded style seems ideally suited for a player like Dos Santos who figures to assume the role as primary chance creator under the new head coach’s offense.
Dos Santos flourished in one of his first full seasons as a professional, but he’ll need to carry a Galaxy team in 2017 that will go as far as he takes them. If he can enjoy another MVP type season, an MLS Cup run is not out of the picture at StubHub Center.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
