CARSON, Calif. – Ashley Cole showcased his versatility despite the sour performance in the LA Galaxy’s 1-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Cole, traditionally a left back, was thrust into a central midfield role against the Whitecaps. With head coach Curt Onalfo hoping to get his best XI on the field, the veteran Englishman sparkled as he provided a calming two-way influence in the center of the park for Los Angeles.
At 36-years-old, moving into a midfield role wasn’t easy for Cole, but he took the challenge with gusto.
“It was okay. It was difficult,” Cole told Spectrum SportsNet after the match. “I’m all tired, but I feel relaxed. We didn’t have the ball a lot in the last few games, and I’ve always wanted the ball to help the center backs to have options. I think I did alright.
“[Curt] saw that I play with confidence and I try to play the ball forward as quick to our playmakers Romain and Gio as I can. I tried to find them as quickly as I could.”
Eager to get on the ball in as many occasions as he could, Cole was very efficient, completing nearly 90 percent of his passes as he provided the Galaxy’s attack with a needed outlet in midfield. Despite the move, he did not shrink from his defensive responsibilities either, completing seven recoveries while also making two clearances and two interceptions.
As demure as Cole was about his performance, his head coach and captain were the exact opposite.
"He’s a great soccer player. You can play him anywhere and he knows how to play. I thought he did a good job of helping us keep the ball and helping us dictate the game,” Onalfo said. “He wants the ball in every occasion, it’s just unfortunate we didn’t finish the chances we played some good soccer at times tonight, and that’s what we have to focus on.”
Added Jelle Van Damme, “He asks for the ball. He doesn’t hide. I think he did well.”
Whether Cole will remain in the holding role for Saturday’s road match against the New England Revolution will likely depend on Jermaine Jones’ health. The U.S. international made his first MLS appearance since April on Wednesday and showed signs of sharpness during his brief cameo.
As Jones regains fitness, Cole will undoubtedly return to his familiar spot on the left side of the defense, but Wednesday’s showing offered a glimpse of his usefulness in the middle.
“We all know his best position is on the left side but right now we need him,” Jones said. “I was not ready to go. He did an amazing job but we all know he’s still really good on the left.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
