LA Galaxy believe Tucson training camp vital to establish connections ahead of 2018 campaign

CARSON, Calif. – Sigi Schmid believes that the LA Galaxy’s trip to Tucson will provide his new-look squad much needed bonding time ahead of the 2018 campaign.


The Galaxy depart on Sunday for Arizona where they’ll train for eight days in the Grand Canyon State. The trip will culminate with the team’s first preseason match against Real Salt Lake on Saturday at Kino Sports Facility in Tucson.


After making widespread changes to the roster following the team’s disappointing 2017 season, Schmid says the training camp will be beneficial as his squad gels this preseason.


“It’s good to get away for the team early in the season, especially with so many new players for them to get to know each other,” Schmid said on Friday. “Yes, they’re hanging out before and after practice [at StubHub Center], but this way, they’re hanging out in the evenings, they’re going to dinner together as well, having team meals, and after a while they’ll get tired of one another, but it’s good that they establish that connection.”


Schmid expects to take a group of 35 players to Arizona including several of the LA Galaxy II and Academy players who have been training with the squad since the start of preseason.