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.
EMMANUEL BOATENG
GP: 34 (26 in MLS regular season, two in MLS Cup Playoffs, four in U.S. Open Cup, two in CONCACAF Champions League)
GS: 27 (18 in MLS regular season, two in MLS Cup Playoffs, four in U.S. Open Cup, two in CONCACAF Champions League)
G: 4
A: 6
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ema Boateng was one of the revelations of the LA Galaxy’s 2016 campaign.
Boateng’s signing was an unheralded one after the club brought in the likes of Jelle Van Damme and Ashley Cole, but the 22-year-old soon developed into a major offensive contributor.
Like most youngsters, Boateng endured a few missteps to start the season, but quickly became a regular in Bruce Arena’s starting XIs. Boateng particularly tormented Real Salt Lake as he scored all four of his goals in 2016 against the squad from Utah.
As the season progressed, Boateng was able to develop into an effective wide player due to his close partnership with Ashley Cole and his emerging crossing ability. Boateng’s best asset though was his speed which was among the best in Major League Soccer.
His uptick in form culminated with his breakout performance against Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Knockout Round. Against RSL, Boateng was unstoppable as he ended the match with a brace in an utterly dominant performance to send the Galaxy through to the next round.
LOWLIGHTS:
As can be expected from any young player, Ema Boateng’s first season for the LA Galaxy was full of peaks and valleys.
When the Ghanaian speedster was on his game, Boateng was one of the most exciting young offensive talents in the league, but too often, he was rendered ineffective by defenses. Boateng struggled mightily during the team’s CONCACAF Champions League series with Santos Laguna as he failed to connect with the Galaxy’s attacking tandem of Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos.
As the season progressed, Boateng developed into a more consistent attacking weapon for Bruce Arena, but was not immune to dips in form. However, one of the lowest moments of the season for the Ghanaian proved to be a game that he never played in.
After two strong playoff performances, Boateng was cut down by injury for the Galaxy’s Western Conference Semifinal second leg defeat against the Colorado Rapids. Boateng’s absence was clearly felt in the defeat as Los Angeles was clearly lacking the Ghanaian speedster’s pace and technical ability.
OVERVIEW:
Ema Boateng figures to play a significant part in the LA Galaxy’s offense heading into the 2017 campaign.
With a full season under his belt, the rapidly maturing Ghanaian midfielder seems poised to make a larger impact in the season ahead. Developing at a rapid rate that has already eclipsed the team’s other younger offensive stars, Boateng appears set to become a breakout force for the Galaxy in 2017.
Regardless of who ends up coaching the Galaxy, Boateng’s speed and improving technical ability make him a favorite for one of the club’s starting positions next year. If Boateng can continue to progress at the same rate he did in his first season with the team, there’s no reason to believe that he can’t become not only one of the Galaxy’s bright young stars, but one of the league’s top offensive talents.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
