A look through the Los Angeles Galaxy roster tends to read like a who's who of CONCACAF internationals. Start with the U.S. contingent -- players like Landon Donovan, Cobi Jones, Chris Albright, Nate Jaqua, Joe Cannon, Kyle Martino and Santino Quaranta have all represented the Red, White and Blue. Add in Tyrone Marshall and Shavar Thomas (Jamaica) and Ante Jazic (Canada), and that's 10 players who have played for their full national teams.
Throw in former England captain David Beckham after he expands the club's international reach upon his arrival in July, and add Pete Vagenas, Quavas Kirk and Nathan Sturgis to the list (all of whom have played at either the Olympic or under-20 level) and it starts to paint an impressive picture.
Despite all that international experience there is a pair of Galaxy rookies that are looking to make an impact on this year's team. Robbie Findley and Ty Harden play on opposite ends of the field, but both have very similar goals for their first professional seasons.
"I want to establish myself with the team and make a name for myself," said Findley, a rookie forward out of Oregon State. "I want to get out on the pitch and get some minutes."
For defender Ty Harden the goal is much the same. The University of Washington graduate is hoping to get the full MLS experience, beginning with racking up some frequent-flier miles.
"My goal right now is to make the 18-man traveling roster," said Harden. "That's what I'm focused on right now."
It won't be easy to crack the Galaxy starting 11 this year, but with the number of fixtures on LA's calendar this year, both should get plenty of playing time. The real question is how well the duo adapts to the professional game. Both admit it hasn't been easy.
"It's a tough adjustment at first," said Harden. "The pace is a lot faster. In MLS every player is really solid. There's not that weak link like there sometimes is in college."
One thing that has helped both players in their transition has been the guidance of the seasoned veterans on the team. Often times in professional sports veterans tend to keep to themselves. That's not the case with the Galaxy, according to the '07 rookie class.
"I look up to all of (the veterans). They've been here for years and have done it all," said Findley. "I just try to pay attention to the attitude they take during training."
As the depth of the MLS improves from year to year it will be tougher for rookies to make a significant impact on the league. Both Harden and Findley have acquitted themselves well to the MLS game so far in preseason and could well make their mark with the Galaxy this year.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
