Landon Donovan and Chris Albright -- to the World Cup.
If the 27 points the Galaxy amassed over the final half of the season is any indication of what head coach Frank Yallop will bring to the table with a full season to work with then the rest of the league should take notice.
WHAT WAS THE TEAM'S BEST MOMENT IN '06?
The catalyst for the second half turnaround had to be a five game shutout streak that began just four games into Yallop's tenure as head coach in L.A.
In what was the high point of the season, Los Angeles set one of the best defensive marks in MLS history. The team made a collective effort to close up shop in front of their goal and take some pressure off of a struggling offense. The streak built a foundation for success that the Galaxy used to make a legitimate run towards the playoffs.
WHO MADE THE MOST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON?
With a full offseason to mold the Galaxy in his vision, Yallop is expected to make changes. Still, there were a couple of players on this year's roster that could make a significant contribution next season.
Alan Gordon emerged as the most improved player on the squad legitimizing himself as a target striker. His size helped clear out valuable real estate on the field for Donovan to move around in.
WHAT RESERVES ARE MOST READY TO MOVE INTO THE FIRST TEAM?
Young Quavas Kirk should see a lot of time next season as well. The heir apparent to Cobi Jones on the right side of midfield, Kirk made 10 starts this season. With Jones considering retirement, the U.S. youth international may see the torch passed to him sooner rather than later.
WHAT AREA OF THE TEAM NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT?
Even with a solid core of players returning next season, the Galaxy will need to find a way to improve offensively if they are going to return to the perennial championship contenders of old. Whether it's a change in philosophy, formation, or personnel, the Galaxy need to improve in the midfield in order to be more dynamic when moving the ball forward.
The climb back into the playoffs isn't as Everest-like as it might seem at first glance. The Galaxy already have a solid core of players. With the right changes, Los Angeles could very easily challenge for the Supporters' Shield in 2007.
