CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides the Three Things We Learned from the Galaxy’s 1-1 preseason draw with Club Tijuana.
JOSE VILLARREAL STARTS PRESEASON OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
The 2017 campaign a big one for Jose Villarreal and the homegrown forward started off the season on the right foot.
Donning the No. 33 jersey that he wore for his first two seasons with the Galaxy, the attacker was active during his second-half appearance up top alongside Galaxy II striker Ethan Zubak. Villarreal opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a tidy finish after a clever run to make space after some nice play from Ema Boateng.
Earning consistent minutes will be a challenge for Villarreal with Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes in front of him on the depth chart, but given Curt Onalfo’s history with Villarreal, more showings like Tuesday could lead to further opportunities for the Inglewood native.
A POSITION BATTLE BREWING ALONG THE FLANKS?
Curt Onalfo will have plenty of tough decisions to make this season when filling out his lineup, but the toughest choice could come on the left flank where Sebastian Lletget will square off with Ema Boateng.
Lletget earned the start against Club Tijuana, putting in a productive showing as the Galaxy’s first XI looked dangerous against an inexperienced Xolos defense. In the second half, Boateng terrorized the opposition with his blistering speed, making several clever runs including the play that set up Jose Villarreal’s opener.
As we inch closer to March 6, the battle between the two wingers will be one for Galaxy fans to keep an eye on.
JERMAINE JONES MAKES GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Jermaine Jones made a fine first impression for his new club on Tuesday with a strong 45-minute showing in the Galaxy’s draw with Club Tijuana.
The 35-year-old made his first start for the club in the 1-1 draw against the Mexican side, seeming right at home alongside veteran Baggio Husidic in central mdifield. Despite just arriving from international duty last week, Jones looked comfortable with his new teammates, repeatedly covering for opponents in defense and displaying pinpoint passes to open up the attack.
Although the Galaxy are still a month away from their season opener, Onalfo will be encouraged by the showing of the veteran.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
