Midfielder Marcelo Saragosa has left the Los Angeles Galaxy and returned to Sao Paulo Futebol Club in his native Brazil at the end of a year-long loan spell in the Southland. The Galaxy and Sao Paulo were unable to complete an extension to the loan, but with the clubs having an established relationship, the possibility remains that Saragosa could one day return to the Galaxy.
Saragosa joined the Galaxy on March 31, 2004, after training with the club during a preseason trip to France. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder impressed then-coach Sigi Schmid while playing in all three of the club's European exhibition matches, earning a spot on the Green and Gold's roster.
During the regular season, Saragosa became a vital cog at the defensive midfield position for the Galaxy, helping to link the backline with the attack. Saragosa played in 26 of 30 matches for Schmid and Steve Sampson in 2004, starting 24 of them and leading the team in fouls committed with 62.
Saragosa returns to the club whose youth system he first joined as a 16-year-old in 1998. Sao Paulo are reportedly planning to loan him to a Brazilian second division side.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
