CARSON, Calif. –International commitments have cost the LA Galaxy the services of Landon Donovan for, perhaps, the entire month of July. But with Donovan off on Gold Cup duty, the player that seems most likely to slide into his spot on the right side of midfield is Hector Jimenez.
Jimenez scored his second goal of the year last weekend in LA’s 3-2 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes and was unlucky not to bag another in the 88th minute when he saw his attempt from close range saved by goalkeeper Jon Busch. Even though Jimenez couldn't lead the Galaxy to a win at Stanford Stadium, the midfielder is confident that he can step into Donovan's spot and contribute.
“I feel good. Obviously, we're going to miss Landon for a couple of games and I think that I'm going to find some time out wide. Hopefully, I can contribute and we get back on the board with three points [on Thursday],” said Jimenez, who has 12 appearances this season. “I'm definitely feeling confident. Sometimes it’s tough being outside watching [from the bench], but when I get in, I just have to take advantage of that [confidence] and hopefully I can produce again.”
If Jimenez does slide into Donovan’s midfield spot, he'll have the support of Galaxy captain Robbie Keane, who has been impressed with the 24-year-old's play lately.
“Hector has been very good, coming into games late. It'd be good for him [if he plays],” said Keane. “The manager has good options on the wing.”
