When the Los Angeles Galaxy signed Kevin Harmse recently, the club added yet one more player to their roster who brings an international pedigree -- and all the positives and negatives that come with that.
The Galaxy completed the deal to sign Harmse literally just before they took on FC Dallas at The Home Depot Center last Thursday evening. He has experience at the youth international level, having represented Canada at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. He's also played at the under-23 (Olympic) level and collected his first cap with the senior side in March.
Harmse joins fellow Canadian international Ante Jazic in Los Angeles; Frank Yallop was the head coach of the Canadian national team before moving to the Galaxy. It was Yallop's familiarity with Harmse that first prompted the Galaxy manager to try and sign the Canadian international.
"I've been around Kevin for three or four years really. I've always been intrigued about him," said Yallop. "There's something about him, that if we harness and get right, he can be very good."
Knowing the coach has certainly helped with Harmse's transition, as well. He had been training with the team for several weeks before his work permit was approved, which allowed him to adjust to his teammates, a process that can sometimes be difficult. Knowing what his coach expected of him came naturally.
"It's helped quite a bit, especially since (Yallop) knew me from before. He's seen me progress over the last couple of years, which has helped my transition," said Harmse. "Frank's easy to get along with and he's a great coach."
One of the changes that hasn't set Harmse's progress back is the off the field issues that can sometimes slow down a player's development. Adjusting to a new city and being away from home can oftentimes have a drastic effect on a player's ability to perform on the field, but Harmse has taken everything in stride.
"(The Galaxy) is a great club, with great facilities. It's L.A. There's sunshine every day," said Harmse about his new environs. "Coming from rainy Vancouver, this is much better.
Having a fellow Canadian in Jazic doesn't hurt either, as Harmse has admitted that he's leaned on his countryman a bit to help him settle in. "He's helping me out here, and so he should. He's another Canadian -- he has to help me out," Harmse said.
Harmse made his debut off the bench against FC Dallas when a number of injuries in the Galaxy roster opened up some space for him, and according to his coach he's done quite well with him opportunity.
"I think he found a home at the center of midfield. That's the position he's learned," said Yallop. "He's learning what I want from him: be simple with the ball, win the ball back and use his power and aggression."
The Galaxy will need Harmse to be at his best, as their schedule is laden with games. The ironic thing is that the better Harmse does, the less likely he'll be available when the Galaxy needs him most. With Canada playing in this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, Harmse is a potential candidate to be called in to represent his country.
"We'll see how he does with us, but I expect good things from Kevin this year," said Yallop. "I expect him to probably be gone for the Gold Cup, so there's another one to add to the list."
Yallop might joke around about losing a number of players to international duty, but it's a problem that most coaches enjoy lamenting. A roster full of senior internationals isn't a bad problem to have, and the addition of Harmse to the lineup brings yet another experienced player to the Southland.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
