CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy are embarking upon a major youth movement in 2017, and the team’s new change in direction has the stamp of approval from a few of the club’s most revered alumni.
Speaking at the Galaxy’s Season Ticket Member Rally on Sunday, former U.S. international and Galaxy star Clint Mathis voiced his support for the youth movement that has begun under new head coach Curt Onalfo and general manager Pete Vagenas.
“I think the Galaxy will be a young team in 2017. Curt is bringing in some new blood to revamp the team. They were so good and successful for so many years, but they did have some age,” Mathis told LAGalaxy.com. “There is going to be a lot of young new talent that is looking to break out and put their stamp on the league. I’m excited to see it.”
Mathis, a former assistant coach with the Chicago Fire, who earned his final appearances with the USMNT during Onalfo’s time with the program believes that the Galaxy’s new manager is ready to follow in the footsteps of his celebrated predecessor.
“With the disappointment of not winning a championship last season, Curt is obviously looking to put things right,” he said. “He’s got experience coaching in MLS, USL and as an assistant coach and wants to put his own mark on a club that he’s been at for a long time. He wants to really grow on what he’s learned from Bruce Arena and his experiences.”
As excited as Mathis may be for the Galaxy’s new era, no one is quite anticipating the changes like former Galaxy star Mike Magee who retired in early January. Having won two MLS Cups with Onalfo as an assistant coach and spent his final season mentoring the team’s bundle of young talent, the retired forward is ready to see the youngsters rise to the occasion.
“I’m never going to be worried about the Galaxy. I know that they got a great coach in Curt and a lot of guys that I know are great,” Magee said. “It’s also exciting to see a lot of the young guys get a chance to step up. I’ve been close with [Jack] McBean, Jose [Villarreal], Ari [Lassiter], and I know great their futures are and that they can perform now. More than anything, I think it’s an exciting time for the Galaxy. They’re going young, and it’s going to be cool.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
