Galaxy: What impact could Kamara have on the LA Galaxy this season?

After a disappointing 2017-18 season, the Los Angeles Galaxy have made some moves during the offseason that could help make the team a contender.

The Los Angeles Galaxy had plenty of issues last season, but perhaps the most glaring problem was the fact that the team just struggled to score goals.

The club finished the season with only 45 goals, ranking 17th in the league in total goals scored. Thanks to this inability, the Galaxy lost several games by a single goal margin and drew games they dominated.

So how has Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid addressed that problem this offseason? 

Earlier this week, the Galaxy announced the team had traded forward Gyasi Zardes and $400,000 in Targeted Allocation Money to the Columbus Crew in exchange for Norwegian striker Ola Kamara.

Ola Kamara’s Fit

For those unfamiliar with Kamara, the striker scored 18 goals for the Crew last season. He ranked fifth among all scorers in the league. With 34 goals in 59 MLS appearances, Kamara is the consistent scorer the Galaxy have been desperately needing.

Kamara is a pure striker and can fit perfectly in the middle to work in the natural forward position. He can work from there with either Giovani Dos Santos, Romain Alessandrini or the newly signed Chris Pontius playing along the wings. Kamara can essentially fill the role that Zardes struggled to play all season.

Although Kamara isn’t as fast as Zardes, the forward is much more precise with his runs. He can be a real nightmare for defenders to catch when he’s chasing down through ball passes.

His skillset off the ball and his movements around the box are very similar to that of players like Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Miroslav Klose. Kamara also excels at collecting loose balls in the box and getting shots off.

His ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities could make a huge difference for the Galaxy. The team constantly squandered scoring opportunities against teams they outshot

last season. Kamara can be the guy to put those chances away.

Another upside to the Norwegian striker is that he is much more of a clinical finisher than Zardes.

Kamara is able to consistently place the ball away from opposing defenders and goalkeepers. Given the space, Kamara will find a way to get to the ball.

It’s safe to say that there is some pressure on Kamara to deliver. The Galaxy have made major changes this offseason with the intention of getting back in the playoffs.

Next: Seattle Sounders: How to improve the attack for the 2018 season

Without much depth at striker, the team’s success may come down to Kamara. If the Norwegian striker can keep up the productivity he had with the Crew, the Galaxy should be in good shape.