Good Evening everyone, it's time for the tenth edition of Ask the Insider.
This evening's question comes from Steven KippelHow will the injury to AJ affect the upcoming matches?
The knee injury to A.J. DeLaGarza came at an unfortunate time for the LA Galaxy ahead of a pivotal four game stretch that will determine the club's seeding in both the MLS Cup Playoffs and the CONCACAF Champions League. However, the Galaxy have a number of options to fill in for DeLaGarza including Andrew Boyens, David Junior Lopes and even Bryan Gaul, but it is likely that Tommy Meyer will play alongside Gonzalez while DeLaGarza is on the mend.
Although Meyer looked very much like a 22-year-old rookie at the beginning of the year, Meyer appeared right at home in the Galaxy back four during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids. Despite the match being Meyer’s first appearance alongside Omar Gonzalez this season, the pair showed great chemistry helping LA earn a point on the road. As the Galaxy begin a grueling three game stretch against Real Salt Lake (Oct. 6), San Jose Earthquakes (Oct. 21) and the Seattle Sounders (Oct. 28), this chemistry will be crucial as LA look to secure a top three seed in the Western Conference.
While Meyer may not be the speedy and cerebral DeLaGarza, the 22-year-old defender has his own attributes including an impressive size –standing 6-foot-2—and a smooth distribution that have developed by leaps in bounds during his rookie season. Central to Meyer’s development have been his appearances in the CCL and with the club’s Reserve League squad. These matches have offered Meyer a chance to not only maintain his fitness, but have allowed the rookie the opportunity to play in meaningful games that will come in handy during a crucial three game league stretch.
If Meyer can be successful then it could lead to some difficult choices for head coach Bruce Arena during the MLS Cup playoffs once DeLaGarza returns to full fitness.
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Thanks for your question Steven. You can get your tickets by e-mailing socialmedia@lagalaxy.com. For everyone else, remember to leave your questions on the LA Galaxy Facebook page following the club's next match against the Real Salt Lake on Oct. 6 for the chance to have your question featured and win tickets to an upcoming Galaxy game.
