CARSON, Calif. – Stefan Ishizaki has evolved into a critical player off the bench for the LA Galaxy, a valuable commodity as they look to claim the Supporters' Shield and roll to a third MLS Cup title in four years.
It's not a role the 32-year-old Swedish midfielder relishes, but he's hoping elegant performances in limited minutes can vault him back into LA's starting XI.
Ishizaki, who is building up to 90 minutes after missing three games at the end of July with a toe injury, has been tremendous in back-to-back outings off the bench. He was the key figure in LA's rally for a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas two weekends ago and as the Galaxy pulled away in a 4-0 rout last weekend over the New York Red Bulls. LA are even on points but behind in the total-wins tiebreaker with the Seattle Sounders atop the Western Conference and Shield tables.
“When I come on, I want to show them that I want a starting place, and the only way to show it is every day in training and when you get the chance in games, you really have to take it,” said Ishizaki, who has started 22 competitive matches in 31 appearances this year. “That's what I'm trying to prove right now.”
The Galaxy (16-5-9), who are home Saturday night against Toronto FC (10:30 pm ET; MLS Live, TSN, RDS2), like Ishizaki in either role, but Baggio Husidic, who has made nine straight starts, has been first choice on the right side of midfield as LA have gone nine games without defeat. They've been interchangeable at times this year – Husidic has come on for Ishizaki five times, Ishizaki for Husidic twice – although they bring different qualities.
“Husidic is a little bit more of a two-way player, a box-to-box player,” head coach Bruce Arena said. “Ishizaki is certainly a more creative player, you could argue maybe a better player in the final third of the field.”
Ishizaki, who handles most of the Galaxy's set pieces when he's on the field, is the team's best crosser, one of their headiest attackers and a technically proficient player who helps those around him raise their games.
“If you had a pickup game, Stefan would be a guy you'd [pick] right away,” associate head coach Dave Sarachan said. “Because he'll understand who he's playing with pretty quickly and take it from there, and the soccer connections almost are immediate.”
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And he's got fresh legs whenever he comes into the game.
“We've changed his role a little bit,” Arena said. “He's had some injuries and all that. But his last couple games he's coming off the bench, and he's been a spark. He's offered us a lot as a starter and a reserve, and I think he certainly has a lot more to offer this year as well.”
Ishizaki says his confidence is “up” and that “the last month I've been feeling really well in practice, and I think I've done well when I come off the bench.”
“I want to be starting,” he said, “but I want to help the team, too. I know right now there's a couple guys in front of me, and that's something I have to deal with, and it's not the first time I've been on the bench in my career.
“I know I have to do my best and fight hard every day and show Bruce and show every guy on the team that I deserve to play.”
