The LA Galaxy season may be over, but LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano will spend the next few weeks offering an evaluation of each member of the squad. VIEW CALENDAR
The LA Galaxy Player Ratings will begin with players who appeared in the least number of games this season starting with goalkeeper Brian Rowe and concluding with Sean Franklin who played in all 34 of the club’s regular season games. There will also be an evaluation of head coach and general manager Bruce Arena and his moves at the conclusion of the list.
We will have two to three evaluations per day and focus on what each player did well, what they need to improve on ahead of next season as well as a select thought from the player on their performance and a rating from myself out of four stars.
BRYAN GAUL
AGE: 23
POSITION: Defender
APPEARANCES IN ALL OFFICIAL COMPETITIONS: GP: 19 [4 in CONCACAF Champions League, 1 in U.S. Open Cup], MIN: 1146, G: 0, A: 1
RESERVE LEAGUE APPEARANCES: GP: 7, MIN: 610, G: 0, A: 1
HIGHLIGHTS: Chosen in the first round of the Supplemental Draft, Gaul became a valuable contributor in his first season as a professional. Whether it was filling in for Omar Gonzalez or Todd Dunivant, Gaul’s size and composure helped transform the college forward into a more than competent defender. By the end of the year, Gaul finished tied with rookie center back Tommy Meyer for the most appearances for a rookie in 2012. But where Gaul had his most profound impact was in CONCACAF Champions League play as he appeared in all four matches during the 2012/2013 campaign.
LOWLIGHTS: Gaul’s rookie season was not without challenges as he was placed into an unfamiliar center back position early on the season before finding his position at left back. However, Gaul and the rest of the Galaxy defense struggled on Aug. 5 as the club was defeated 4-0 by Seattle Sounders FC. Filling in for the injured Todd Dunivant, Gaul struggled against midfielder Alex Caskey during LA’s disappointing defeat.
HIS THOUGHTS: “It’s been hectic, but it’s been unbelievable. I think that I’m set to be a left back and I think that’s the position for me. The position changes helped me become a better defender and it’s been great. The coaches are telling us that we need to come in fit and ready to win a position, so that’s the mentality that we have to have going into the offseason.”
RATING: TWO AND A HALF STARS
When called upon, Gaul performed admirably in his first season as a professional despite moving across the back four. After a brief spell at center back, he flourished at left back whenever Todd Dunivant was unavailable. With his unique size for an outside back and willingness to go forward, Gaul could become the left back of the future for the Galaxy.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
