CARSON, Calif. – They have combined for a grand total of eight career MLS starts and don’t have a single goal or assist between them, but don’t under-estimate the contributions of the LA Galaxy’s Rafael Garcia and Raul Mendiola.
That would be a mistake.
Head coach Bruce Arena thinks enough of his young midfielders to insert them into the starting lineup as the five-time MLS Cup champions make a late-season playoff push.
The 22-year-old Mendiola made his first career start on Sept. 3 against Columbus and started again in last Sunday’s 4-2 win over Orlando City before being subbed out in the 83rd minute by, of all people, Landon Donovan.
Garcia, who turns 28 in December, also started last weekend’s game and combined with Mendiola to render Orlando City’s Kaka, the 2007 FIFA Player of the Year, virtually invisible.
“I thought they were brilliant,” center back Daniel Steres said. “Rafa was huge in midfield, breaking up plays and keeping the ball for us. Raul has been good all year long. Every time he gets on the ball he makes things happen.
“It’s good the guys are getting a shot, making good plays and helping us win.”
Arena has gone to the unheralded duo, not only because of a recent rash of injuries that has claimed the likes of Steven Gerrard (hamstring), Robbie Keane (strained groin) and Gyasi Zardes (broken foot) but also for their energy and as a reward for their daily efforts on the practice field.
“They’re real good people,” he said. “You don’t win any games that way, but they work real hard in training and they have a great work ethic. They understand what they can bring to the team and they force themselves on you.
“These are guys who compete so well. They know how to play through mistakes and give you great effort. I think on any team in any sport you need players with those kinds of qualities.”
Garcia, a native of Canoga Park, downplayed his impact on the team of late.
“I feel like I haven’t done anything different,” he said. “To me, I’m still doing what I’m doing. You have to be ready when you get called on.”
Mendiola, originally from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, took a similar low-key approach to his recent playing time.
“I’m pretty happy,” he said. “But our goal is to win a championship. Until then I’ll keep working.”
Mendiola said he never was discouraged by his inactivity.
“Everybody has a role here, even the guys that don’t play,” he said “We’re all a team, a family. Everybody has to step up when their name is called. That’s my mentality.”
