CARSON, Calif. – It wasn’t exactly the kind of debut Michael Ciani had envisioned with the LA Galaxy. Far from it, in fact.
The Frenchman had signed with the five-time MLS Cup champions on Sept. 2 and had less than two weeks of training before being pressed into duty in central defense in Saturday’s clash with visiting Toronto FC at StubHub Center.
The results, unfortunately, were disappointing, not only for the 33-year-old but also for the Galaxy in a 4-0 loss in front of a crowd of 19,650.
“It was probably a week too early for Ciani to play,” Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid admitted after the game. “He’s probably at the low point of where he’s at fitness-wise. But I felt in a three(-man back line) it would be better for him with so many defenders missing.
“The options are limited.”
The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder, who is being counted on to offset the recent departure of Jelle van Damme and was taking the place of injured center back Daniel Steres on Saturday, said he actually felt fine as far as his conditioning was concerned.
He also maintained he wasn’t asked to play too soon.
“No, no. I don’t think so,” he told reporters. “It was hard because we were playing a good team. We left it on the pitch.
“We didn’t do what we know.”
Ciani was victimized twice for goals by Toronto’s Tosaint Ricketts – a third goal was nullified by an offside call – and made a costly decision on Toronto’s final score in the 78th minute.
Toronto’s Alexander Bono had just let fly with a goal kick and Ciani was about to head it back upfield when he let the ball drop behind him. Ciani, however, was unaware that Toronto’s Victor Vazquez had sneaked in behind him to steal the ball. He gained possession, dribbled into the penalty area and beat Galaxy goalkeeper Jon Kempin for the final score.
“I heard the keeper and my defenders say ‘Leave,’ but they said ‘Time,’ “ Ciani said.
His partner in central defense, Dave Romney, could sympathize with Ciani’s plight.
“It’s a tough game to come into,” he said. “You’re coming against a first-place team. We have a huge roster rotation with guys being hurt, guys (missing) with yellow cards. We’re kind of shoved into a new formation.
“It’s not easy, especially with him coming into shape after an off-season. It’s not an easy task at all.”
Ciani, who spent last season with French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient and also has played professionally in Spain, Italy and Belgium, said he was not surprised by his first experience with Major League Soccer.
“I played against good teams in Spain, Champions League and with the (French) national team,” he said. “I know what MLS is.
“I wasn’t surprised. We just have to work together. It’s difficult.”
