CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy are riding a seven-game unbeaten streak (4-0-3), thanks mainly to a sturdy defense that is second in MLS to only Colorado in goals allowed.
The back line, rebuilt with the likes of England’s Ashley Cole and Belgium’s Jelle Van Damme, has been stellar in the five-time MLS Cup champions’ steady rise up the Western Conference standings.
But there also is an unassuming native of Eugene, Ore., who deserves as much credit for his team’s stifling defense as his more well-known international counterparts. Goalkeeper Brian Rowe, in only his fifth season, took over from injured starter Dan Kennedy 30 minutes into the season opener against D.C. United on March 6 and hasn’t looked back. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder is third in the league in saves and goals-against average (0.89) and has six shutouts in 20 appearances, including 19 starts.
He has not allowed more than two goals in a game since a 3-2 loss to Montreal on May 28. Since that stunning, last-second loss he has allowed only four goals in nine games.
“He’s been pretty … how do you say in English … reliable,” said Van Damme, who was nominated for Etihad Airways’ Player of the Month award after the Galaxy went unbeaten in July.
“He got his chance and took it.”
The soft-spoken Rowe said he feels as comfortable in his role as he has all season.
“That’s one of those things where you get your rhythm in a spot, you start playing games and you just get confidence in your team and the team gets confidence in you,” he said. “And you get confidence in yourself.
“It’s just one of those things and you just keep it rolling.”
Galaxy goalkeeper Matt Reis has worked with Rowe for the last three seasons and has been impressed, to say the least, with his steady improvement. Reis said Rowe definitely doesn’t lack in commitment.
“Being able to work with him every day, seeing his progression and how far he’s come has been a testament to his work,” he said. “I’ve tried to give him as much information as I can, but he’s put all the effort in to get to where he is.”
It hasn’t always been this positive, however. Rowe, for example, took the loss to Montreal, in which Didier Drogba scored on a free kick five minutes into stoppage time, particularly hard. But he never lost faith in his ability. Nor did his teammates.
Since then he has been at the top of his game, although he will be the first to point out there is plenty of room for improvement.
Rowe admitted he is his own toughest critic.
“I’m going to give myself the hardest time if I make a mistake,” he said. “Even after good games you’re always looking for things you can work on.”
Reis said he has not been surprised at how Rowe has taken over the position.
“I’ve always felt he’s got this in there,” he said. “He still has a few things he can better at and he knows that. But as long as he stays healthy and keeps doing what he’s doing, I definitely think he’ll be mentioned among the best at the end of the year.”
Van Damme couldn’t agree more.
“He’s doing well,” he said of Rowe. “It’s a good thing for everybody, for himself and the club.
“I’m happy for him.”
