Well before the signing of David Beckham by the Los Angeles Galaxy, the club made a pair of offseason moves that should significantly change its fortunes in the upcoming season. Since Nate Jaqua and Joe Cannon were brought to southern California, however, their addition to the Galaxy roster has been completely overshadowed - and they don't seem to mind one bit.
The pair is currently training with the U.S. national team at The Home Depot Center in advance of this weekend's friendly against Denmark and already getting further acquainted with some of their new teammates in Landon Donovan and Chris Albright. The extra time together will definitely help as the Galaxy prepares to open their preseason training in early February.
"Obviously, getting in a month before preseason starts is good, especially since we're in L.A.," said Jaqua. "I'm just happy to be out here and be closer to home."
Getting to know their new teammates a bit early isn't the only plus that the pair will see. With the U.S. training camp being held in their new home, both Jaqua and Cannon have the opportunity to get to know the area, look for a place to stay and settle in so they can focus only on their on-field duties when the time comes.
"Playing here and getting into the area before you have to settle in with the team is an advantage," said Cannon.
Jaqua is expected to start on the Galaxy's frontline alongside Donovan. Donovan has had some trouble finding a consistent strike partner in his two seasons in Los Angeles and is eagerly anticipating getting onto the field with Jaqua.
"For Nate, we've played together before and we clicked pretty instantly," said Donovan. "He's a good soccer player and he knows how to play the game. I think he's going to be very good for us."
Cannon is delighted to have Jaqua on his side as well. Having gone up against the 25-year-old in league play, the standout 'keeper is happy he won't be responsible for keeping Jaqua off the scoreboard anymore.
"It's good to get to know Nate. We haven't spent that much time together before," said Cannon. "I've always thought he was one of the better forwards in the league. It's just a huge addition to the team."
The Eugene, Ore. native, who had 21 goals in 92 career appearances in four seasons with the Chicago Fire, had expressed an interest in trying to make the jump to Europe this offseason. But the move to the Galaxy changed things.
"I was thinking of going to Europe but this opportunity arose and I jumped on it," said Jaqua. "This is everything I'm looking for, so I'm happy to be here."
While Jaqua is a young up-and-comer in MLS, the 32-year-old Cannon has established himself as one of the premier 'keepers in the league. He faces a very different sort of challenge in replacing an institution between the pipes in Los Angeles in Kevin Hartman.
"I know Kevin off the field and he's a great guy. It's just part of the business," said Cannon. "When the organization wins I think the fans come around. I have to do my job. If I don't and the fans don't like me then, that's fair enough."
Both Cannon and Jaqua will have to win over the Los Angeles fans as they have now been charged with helping the Galaxy rebound after a disappointing season. They've already had a head start to settle into the Southland and now it's just a matter of taking care of business on the field.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
