CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy head coach Curt Onalfo isn’t looking for anything specific in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Portland Timbers at StubHub Center (8 p.m., Spectrum SportsNet). But he is hoping for a continuation of what he called a “very positive couple of weeks” for the five-time MLS Cup champions.
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The Galaxy have just one loss and allowed only one goal in four competitions, but there could be a few areas of concern. Forward Gyasi Zardes has yet to train as he recovers from recent arthroscopic knee surgery and right back Robbie Rogers has been another training camp absentee after undergoing off-season ankle surgery.
Left back Ashley Cole suffered an apparent calf injury in a recent scrimmage against Real Salt Lake and David Romney is among Onalfo’s options to temporarily take over his spot.
Onalfo, however, said he has liked what he has seen from his revamped squad despite the injuries.
“I wouldn’t say we have concerns,” he said after training. “You always have to chip away at getting better and I feel like we’ve made good progress in the less then five weeks we’ve been together.
“We’re kind of where we should be, but we have to continue to make sure we make strides in the right direction. We’re excited.”
The Galaxy will be facing a Portland side that won its first preseason match in six tries just over a week ago. Midfielder Sebastian Lletget said this weekend’s meeting will provide the kind of challenge the Galaxy needs to prepare for the regular-season opener March 4 at StubHub Center against FC Dallas.
“It will be good for us,” he said, “a great way to end the preseason. Every game we’ve gotten better, and that’s what we wanted out of this group.”
Saturday’s match will mark the start of a busy weekend for the Galaxy, who will stage a season ticket member rally on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Galaxy President Chris Klein, General Manager Pete Vagenas and Onalfo will take part in a town hall and the Galaxy roster will be introduced on the main field. An autograph session with players will follow and Galaxy alumni will take part in a question-and-answer session.
Season ticket holders also will be afforded a meet-and-greet with Galaxy II players from 2-4 p.m. and Galaxy alumni from 3:30-6 p.m. Alumni expected to be on hand include Cobi Jones, Kevin Hartman, Mike Magee, Eddie Lewis, Clint Mathis and Alexi Lalas.
