CARSON, Calif. -- Jaime Penedo declared on Monday that there is “no problem” between him and the LA Galaxy coaching staff after an UniMas report during last week’s 2-0 LA win over the Chicago Fire stated that he was purposely benched in favor of Brian Rowe due to contract negotiations.
On Friday Galaxy coach Bruce Arena quickly denied the report and cited Penedo’s “nagging injuries” as the reason behind the reason that Panamanian was benched. After training on Monday, Penedo, who is signed through the end of the 2015 season, shook off the report, and stated that he was focused on returning to his place between the pipes when the Galaxy face the Portland Timbers this weekend.
"The contract is there, but I just need to continue to look to win a championship,” Penedo said. “The team has the option, but it is not my priority right now. ...The coach and I have come to an agreement, and that is all set.”
LA GALAXY RESERVES DEFEAT LA GALAXY II IN SHORT GAME SCRIMMAGE
Ahead of this week's trip to Oregon to face the Portland Timbers, a reserve-laden Galaxy squad defeated LA Galaxy II in a 60 minute scrimmage on Tuesday.
Alan Gordon scored two goals for the Galaxy while Todd Dunivant added a third in the practice game.
GYASI ZARDES WORKING WITH ON FINISHING WITH JOSE VILLARREAL
A year ago, Gyasi Zardes was the breakout star for the LA Galaxy, but in 2015, it’s fellow Galaxy Homegrown Player Jose Villarreal who is eager to fill that role.
Villarreal notched a goal in an impressive shift along the left side of midfield in the Galaxy’s 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire, and put himself in contention to start again this Sunday when LA faces the Portland Timbers. Following the match against the Fire, Zardes spoke highly of Villarreal, and after practice on Tuesday, he echoed his praises.
"We're working together on finishing, and we're always helping each other," said Zardes. "We're both hungry to be on the field and stay there. He scored a beautiful goal [against the Fire], and I'll make sure that he stays confident and if he gets down then I'll be there to help him."
