CARSON, Calif. – The regular-season opener against FC Dallas is next Saturday at StubHub Center, and the LA Galaxy are far from a finished product.
The five-time MLS Cup champions insist there is nothing to worry about following Saturday’s preseason finale, a 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers in front of a home crowd of 10,364. But the reality is the Galaxy are a work in progress, especially a defense that has been revamped because of injuries and off-season departures.
“We’re testing the depth of our team real early this year,” center back Daniel Steres said with a grin.
Right back Robbie Rogers, for example, has not trained since undergoing off-season ankle surgery and his return is questionable at best. Defensive midfielder Rafael Garcia has been pressed into emergency duty in his place. Left back Ashley Cole suffered a strained calf in a recent scrimmage against Real Salt Lake and could be sidelined for perhaps a month. Dave Romney was in his spot Saturday and then had to play the second half at center back when Jelle Van Damme left because of an apparent illness.
“You get tested in your depth when you have injuries. That’s all part of it,” head coach Curt Onalfo said. “We’re not the first team dealing with injuries.
“Obviously to start the season it makes things more difficult. But I believe when players are out for injury or what have you it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up.”
The first-team Galaxy defense hadn’t allowed a goal during preseason prior to Saturday’s match. Portland’s Fernando Adi scored twice (in the 29th and 57th minutes) and the Timbers had an almost certain opportunity earlier in the first half, but Diego Valeri missed a simple chip over Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe following a turnover near midfield.
Onalfo chose to look at the bright spots on a defense that has had to deal with its share of challenges during training camp.
“I feel in the case of Rafa,” he said of Garcia, “he put in another solid game at right back. He keeps getting better. Dave switched to center back and did a really good job.
“Those are good signs. They had an opportunity and did well. Now it’s just a matter of getting the team working together as we prepare for our (season) opener.”
Romney said he isn’t worried.
“I think it’s just a matter of getting used to each other,” he said. “It’s really easy when you’ve played with the same guys and know each other’s tendencies. The back line we started, that was the first time we played together.
“Once we’re more familiar with each other, it will work itself out.”
