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 ROGERS
GP: 26 (21 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, two in CONCACAF Champions League)
GS: 24 (19 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, two in CONCACAF Champions League)
G: 1
A: 2
HIGHLIGHTS:
Robbie Rogers was once again a productive offensive outlet for the LA Galaxy from his post on the right side of the defense.
With the arrival of Ashley Cole, Rogers was once again asked to rotate his position as he moved from left back, a spot he held for two seasons, to the right side of the defense. Once the switch was made, Rogers didn’t miss a beat as he made 21 regular season appearances and notched one goal and two assists.
Rogers’ goal – which was his second since joining the Galaxy in 2013—took place on May 11 in the Galaxy’s 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union. The 29-year-old’s goal was perhaps one of the team’s most impressive attacking efforts of the season as in the 15th minute; Robbie Keane found Giovani dos Santos with a pinpoint pass along the right side. Dos Santos then played a clever backheel to Rogers who beat the Union’s Andre Blake with a rocket shot from a tight angle at the back post.
After returning from ankle surgery that cost him much of the season, Rogers found his form as he ended the season with two assists down the stretch, including an assist on Landon Donovan’s lone goal of 2016.
LOWLIGHTS:
Robbie Rogers is one of the most talented outside backs in Major League Soccer, but saw his effectiveness cut down by injuries at times in 2016.
Rogers endured several injuries during the regular season including an arthroscopic ankle surgery that cost him six weeks during late Summer. The injury cost Rogers 12 games from June to August which forced the Galaxy to push A.J. DeLaGarza and Dave Romney into action as his replacement.
In addition to dealing with injuries, Rogers also endured several dips in form as he struggled with create a consistent offensive impact. Rogers’ lowest moment occurred during the Galaxy’s postseason exit as he failed to make an impression during the team’s 120-minute defeat to the Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference Semifinal second leg.
OVERVIEW:
Robbie Rogers figures to once again be a considerable part of the LA Galaxy’s plans heading into the 2017 campaign, no matter who takes over for Bruce Arena.
Despite seeing his position shuffle once again, Rogers adapted well to the change and was one of the most productive defenders this season. Heading into the 2017 regular season, Rogers is expected to once again hold a starting outside back position—just which will depend on Cole’s status with the team next season.
Aside from the Galaxy, Rogers could have a route back into the national team picture with Arena in charge of the squad. After Yet another strong season, t’s not unrealistic to believe that Rogers could make a return to the USMNT if he continues to succeed for the Galaxy.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
