CARSON, Calif. – After missing the LA Galaxy’s last three matches, midfielder David Beckham returned to Galaxy training on Tuesday afternoon.
READ: Beckham returns to LA training, weekend status unclear
The 37-year-old midfielder has been out since September 1st when he picked up a left ankle sprain during the LA Galaxy’s 2-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. On Tuesday, Beckham participated in full training, taking part in a short-sided game with his teammates as well as running laps around the field following practice.
“It’s good to see him back on the field,” head coach Bruce Arena told reporters after training.
However, Beckham’s status for this Sunday’s match against the Colorado Rapids remains up in the air, according to Arena, who said the player’s status was “day to day.”
If Beckham is able to go, it could lead to a shuffling of LA’s midfield quartet of Christian Wilhelmsson, Juninho, Marcelo Sarvas and Mike Magee, who have started the last two league matches together. Although Beckham’s addition may lead to a player being dropped from the starting XI, Magee assures that there is no worry among his teammates.
“Everyone is in good form, it’s not like there is reason to be pissed or whatever,” said Magee. “David’s a good player too so I think that he deserves to play.”
GALAXY LOOK TO START OVER AFTER SHUTOUT STREAK SNAPPED
With Terry Dunfield’s goal for Toronto FC in the 38th minute of play, the Galaxy saw their five game shutout streak snapped at 491 minutes in all competitions and 381 minutes in MLS play last Saturday.
Not only did the Galaxy concede a goal late in the first half, but there were a few nerve-wracking moments when a deflection led to Luis Silva’s goal in the 86th minute of play, cutting a 3-1 lead to a single goal. Following training on Tuesday, defender A.J. DeLaGarza admitted to getting nervous when TFC pulled to within a goal.
“For a little bit,” said DeLaGarza. “I was thinking that this is looking like earlier in the season. It comes to your mind that if we give up this third goal then it’s going to feel like that.
“But we are a totally different team. There were two goals off deflections that could have been prevented, but nevertheless Robbie had a fantastic goal to give us our forth and a little bit of cushion.”
GET IN AND GET OUT
Ahead of their match against the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, the Galaxy revealed that they will depart for Colorado on Saturday, a little more than 24 hours before their clash with the Rapids.
The practice has become common place for the Galaxy when traveling to Colorado in order to allow the team a chance to avoid the elevation. As LA look to move closer to securing one of the top three spots in the Western Conference, the Galaxy believe that flying in a day earlier will provide an advantage in Colorado’s elevation.
“You either got to get their five days early to get accustom to it or you got to get there right before the game so it doesn’t hit you yet,” said Magee. “I think either way it affects you, but we do as best we can and fortunately, we’ve got an organization that takes care of us on those aspects.”
The Galaxy have not lost in Colorado since 2009, going 3-0-1 in their last four games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
