COMMERCE CITY, COLO. -- The LA Galaxy may be without the services of defender A.J. DeLaGarza for at least a month, but the Galaxy are ready to trust in rookie centerback Tommy Meyer.
Filling in for the injured DeLaGarza, Meyer went 56 minutes in Sunday's 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids, in his first league appearance since May 5 and his first appearance alongside Omar Gonzalez. Meyer was stellar facing occasional heavy pressure from a desperate Rapids attack. I caught up with Meyer after the match to discuss his first appearance and his expectations going forward.
If there was any idea that the Galaxy were apprehensive about calling on the rookie during a crucial October stretch, Galaxy captain Landon Donovan quickly put any worries to rest.
“Injuries are a part of sports,” said Donovan. “A.J. for years now has been as important a player as any. If he's out for any significant time, it will hurt. But Tommy did a really good job. He's arguably our most improved player this year from the beginning of the year until now, and if we have to depend on him, we'll depend on him.”
