CARSON, Calif -- Landon Donovan. David Beckham. Robbie Keane. Steven Gerrard. Giovani Dos Santos.
The LA Galaxy in the Designated Player era have been known for bringing in some of the biggest names in world soccer -- but Curt Onalfo and Peter Vagenas, the replacements for head coach and general manager Bruce Arena, come with more grassroots experience at LA Galaxy II and the Galaxy Academy respectively.
It seems to follow that a new more development-focused era is on the way for the Galaxy, but they still expect to be a top destination for stars wanting to come to MLS.
“First and foremost we as going to be bold and aggressive in the players that we’re targeting,” Vagenas said on Tuesday, after the press conference introducing Onalfo as the Galaxy's new head coach. “We also believe strongly in the foundation that we’re building within our youth.
“I believe that we are one of the few clubs that can go not only go out and attract some of the world’s biggest stars, I do believe we can produce some of the best talent in America. We have the resources and the capacity to do so and I [expect] us to do both.”
It might be overlooked at times, given all the hype the DP’s get, but the Galaxy have made five Homegrown player signings since the rule was implemented. At the same time, the existence of LA Galaxy II since 2013 has changed the urgency with which developed players are brought onto the senior roster. Players like Raul Mendiola, Jose Villarreal, and Bradford Jamieson IV have bounced back and forth between MLS and USL, while Gyasi Zardes became a mainstay only after a full college career.
The 2017 season could be the one that sees the Galaxy play with a core largely developed through LA Galaxy II.
“I had a hand in developing my team,” said Onalfo. “There’s a good portion of this team that I’ve helped mold.
“If you look at the roster now there’s probably ten players that have spent some significant minutes with Galaxy II that are our depth, and that’s what you need to be successful, especially when you start qualifying for [CONCACAF] Champions League.”
While certainly aware of the weight that comes with stepping into the shoes of a head coach who never missed the playoffs while in control of the Galaxy (excluding 2008, when Arena came in as a mid-season replacement), Onalfo seemed unfazed by the expectation to win right away.
Still, he said, "Our goal is to win. Hopefully we can hit the ground running and do things the way it’s been done in the past.”
