Los Angeles Galaxy
The Home Depot Center (Capacity: 27,000)
2006 Record: 11-15-6, 39 points (5th in the Western Conference)
GF: 37 (10th in MLS)
GA: 37 (2nd in MLS)
Finish: Did not make MLS Cup Playoffs
Head Coach: Frank Yallop
Key Departures: Kevin Hartman, Paolo Nagamura, Ugo Ihemelu, Herculez Gomez
Key Additions: David Beckham (will arrive in July), Joe Cannon, Nate Jaqua, Shavar Thomas
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
GOALKEEPER
Joe Cannon: The Galaxy front office made a bold move when they said goodbye to Kevin Hartman, but got a perennial Goalkeeper of the Year candidate when they traded for Cannon. Cannon is as solid a backstop as anyone in the league.
DEFENDERS
Ante Jazic: Jazic is a Canadian international who Yallop brought in last season to fill in at the left back position. If Jazic can improve his ability to join in the attack on the flanks, he could emerge as one of the premier fullbacks in the league.
Tyrone Marshall: The veteran defender has locked down the middle of the Galaxy defense for the past several years and will be looking to bounce back from what was a sub-par season last year.
Shavar Thomas: The Galaxy filled up what was their biggest hole late in the offseason. Thomas is a full international with Jamaica and has teamed up with Marshall at that level. That experience should make the transition into the Galaxy relatively seamless.
Chris Albright: Albright's name is in regular consideration for the U.S. national team these days and for good reason. He is one of the most athletic outside backs in the league, and he's found his scoring touch as well this preseason, netting four goals.
MIDFIELDERS
Cobi Jones: It's Jones' farewell tour this year, but don't expect him to slow down to take everything in. Jones still has speed to burn on the wing and is likely to start on the left side of the Galaxy midfield.
David Beckham/Landon Donovan: Yallop has already said that he plans on using Beckham as a playmaker in the middle of the park when he arrives. Until then Donovan seems to be the best suited for this position. Expect Donovan to move up to the front line once Beckham arrives.
Santino Quaranta: Quaranta will start on the right side of the midfield in the 4-3-3. Don't expect him to stay on the right though. He and Jones have a tendency to flip-flop sides during the run of play. Galaxy fans got a preview last year and can expect more of the same.
FORWARDS
Kyle Martino: Martino will most likely start the season high on the left side. He's had a good preseason and has impressed Yallop. He has the ability to both score and create from a wide position, but will most likely be the odd man out once Beckham arrives.
Alan Gordon: Gordon still has a lot to learn, but made great strides in a short amount of time last year. He's a big-bodied forward who can win balls in the air and hold things up for the rest of the attack.
Nate Jaqua: The Galaxy are very high on Jaqua and will most likely use him on the right side despite his height. Jaqua played on the right side of midfield a lot last season with Chicago, so being on the outside won't be anything new.
OUTLOOK
The Galaxy offense might be the most dynamic attack next to D.C. United this season. Just about everyone in the midfield and forward positions is interchangeable with one another. Depth on the defensive side might be the team's Achilles heel, but the Galaxy will still erase the bad taste left by last season and make a run in the playoffs.
GRADING THE SEASON
The Galaxy really won't be happy with anything short of a trophy this year. They'll have three chances with the U.S. Open Cup, SuperLiga and the MLS Cup. Anything short of making the MLS Cup Playoffs will be a huge failure for the club. Pressure will be high in Los Angeles, but what else is new?
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT
David Beckham. Say what you will about his not being the player he used to be. The fact is that anytime the Galaxy get a free kick within 35 yards of goal, opposing coaches are going to be holding their breath. Top that off with the level of professionalism he brings to the club and his impact is going to be felt a lot farther than the box office.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
