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.
ROBBIE KEANE
GP: 22 (17 in MLS regular season, two in CONCACAF Champions League, three in MLS Cup Playoffs)
GS: 18 (16 in MLS regular season, two in CONCACAF Champions League)
G: 10 (in MLS regular season)
A: 3 (in MLS regular season)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Robbie Keane is the greatest signing in Major League Soccer history and he solidified that fact even further in 2016.
Despite making his lowest appearance total since arriving with the club in 2011, Keane earned his fifth consecutive double-digit goal season. The Galaxy captain notched 10 goals and added three assists in just 17 MLS regular season appearances last season.
The superb finisher was always capable of scoring beautiful finishes, but his best effort came during the Galaxy’s victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 4. After receiving a pass from Steven Gerrard, Keane drilled his effort into the upper 90 for a finish that earned a nomination for LA Galaxy Goal of the Year.
Keane also marked the conclusion of his legendary international career with the Republic of Ireland. The 36-year-old made two appearances for the Irish at Euro 2016 as they made a dramatic run to the Round of 16. The Irishman also scored his 68th and final international goal pulling even with German soccer legend Gerd Muller in international soccer’s tally.
LOWLIGHTS:
Robbie Keane’s class is permanent but the Galaxy forward was unable to reach the heavenly form that he has enjoyed in past seasons.
Keane missed wide stretches of the season to compete in Euro 2016 with Republic of Ireland and then shortly after returning, suffered a groin injury that forced him from the lineup. When Keane was on the pitch, he remained extremely effective, but unfortunately for the Irishman, he was limited by injuries that cost him significant time and resigned to his lowest appearance total since the 2011 campaign.
The intrepid Irishman battled back from injury to return to action in the postseason, but in a cruel twist of fate, was felled by an injury shortly after coming onto the field in the Galaxy’s postseason exit to the Colorado Rapids. Despite being limited in his movement, Keane battled through the injury as he attempted in vain to kick start the Galaxy offense.
OVERVIEW:
The Robbie Keane time in Los Angeles is over, but his legacy will never be forgotten by me or any other member of the LA Galaxy faithful.
Keane’s time with the Galaxy came to a close this offseason, but with more than 100 goals, an MLS MVP award, and three MLS Cups to his names, he will go down as one of—if not the—greatest player to ever wear a Galaxy jersey.
However, in true Robbie Keane fashion, his story will not end in Los Angeles, but somewhere else in 2017. No matter where Keane ends up, be it in MLS or abroad, he’ll always remain a member of the LA Galaxy family and deserving of a place in the club’s wall of legends when the time comes.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
