One of the most notable changes that Frank Yallop has made since taking over the reins of the Los Angeles Galaxy has been the emergence of young players in the first team. Under Yallop, Josh Gardner, Quavas Kirk and Nathan Sturgis have all emerged as regular starters.
Troy Roberts can now be added to that list. The second year defender out of the University of California came on in the 62nd minute against Houston on June 24th and hasn't missed a minute since. Roberts played in the center of defense while in college, but has seen the majority of his minutes come as a fullback with the Galaxy.
Last season under then-head coach Steve Sampson, Roberts found the field both in the center and at right fullback when the Galaxy were decimated by injuries and national team call-ups. This year he has show his diversity, having started the last three games at left fullback in place of Todd Dunivant, who was traded to New York.
Roberts has had a lot of success so far on the left side, but gives a lot of the credit to his teammates.
"I get a lot of help from Josh (Gardner) on the left and Tyrone (Marshall) and all our backs," said Roberts. "We all work really well together. When you have good players around you it makes it a lot easier to play well."
What's been most impressive with Roberts' recent form is that the left side is his unnatural side. Despite that Roberts has fit right in, and has even played well going forward and linking up with Gardner on the flank.
"It's a new position for me," said Roberts about playing on the left. "I've never played there before. It's all about adjusting and communicating."
With Canadian international Ante Jazic close to being signed by Los Angeles, there are some questions as to whether Roberts will retain his starting position as left back. According to his head coach, his performance has made it Roberts' position to lose.
"I think he's played well enough in the games to warrant a spot on the team," said Yallop. "I think his confidence is back. He's defended very well."
Yet Roberts isn't letting his newfound success get to his head. Where he fits into the Galaxy's long-term plans for the season is still unknown. For the time being, Roberts is just happy to be helping his team during their recent turnaround.
"Right now it's just game to game, going in there and doing a solid job wherever I'm at," said Roberts. (Yallop) hasn't said anything (about) long term. It's all about getting better."
Roberts is likely to have his role change with the defense this weekend against Chivas USA. Ugo Ihemelu will miss the next game due to yellow card accumulation and Roberts is the likely choice to slide into the middle in his absence. Still, wherever he lines up along the back line, Roberts has already proven that he is more than capable of being a solid MLS defender.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
