Coming off a season where they failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time, the Los Angeles Galaxy made it no mystery that they were looking to build up their attack over the winter.
Highlighted by the signing of David Beckham, the Galaxy also added forward Nate Jaqua and re-signed Santino Quaranta. The only defensive move the Galaxy have made this offseason was to bring 'keeper Joe Cannon from Colorado, although the back half of that trade included sending two-year starter Ugo Ihemelu to the Rapids, leaving a hole in the center of the Galaxy back line.
Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas has been swarmed with media attention regarding his superstar acquisition, but he is well aware of the old axiom that defense wins championships.
"There's been a tremendous amount of talk about the offense as of late and that's all well and good," said Lalas. "If one thing's been proven in this league it's that if you don't let in goals you do well. Do we need to upgrade and find additional folks (on defense)? Yes."
The good news for Los Angeles is that the Galaxy have several options to try and fill that gap. One of the more promising young players on the Galaxy roster is Nathan Sturgis. Sturgis will be heading into his second year as a professional and played left back, center back and as a holding midfielder last season. His recent play at the U-20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Panama as a center back shows that he has the poise to be successful in the middle.
"Sturgis can play at the back if we need a center back or a fullback," said head coach Frank Yallop. "It's great to have the versatility of him."
While Sturgis is a possible option for the Galaxy rearguard, he won't be available for a long stretch in the summer as he is likely to represent the U.S. at the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Canada. In addition to Sturgis, starting left back Ante Jazic could be called into Canada's national team for the Gold Cup this summer, and right fullback Chris Albright is likely to represent the U.S. men in either the Gold Cup or Copa America, if not both, this summer as well.
"We could have six or seven guys gone (this summer)," said Yallop. "I hope we don't. We'll talk to (U.S. national team head coach) Bob (Bradley) and see what his plans are but I don't think he'll decimate one team."
The worst-case scenario could mean the Galaxy will be stretched extremely thin this summer, especially on defense. With the Galaxy set to participate in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, SuperLiga and the mid-summer grind of the MLS regular season, depth will play a huge role in the team's success this season.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
