2018 Season Preview: LA Galaxy
After having the worst year in club history, LA Galaxy has made some significant offseason moves. We take a look at the transactions and predict if they can make a comeback in 2018…
For the first time since 2008, LA Galaxy missed the postseason last year, finishing dead last in the Western Conference. In order to bounce back, the five-time MLS cup Champions made some remarkable transfers this offseason, hoping to return to winning ways.
Recap of 2017
Record: 8-18-8 (W-L-D)
Finishing Position: 22nd in MLS, 11th in Western Conference
Post-season: N/A
A last-place finish in all of Major League Soccer shocked fan’s of the league, especially considering the Galaxy’s star-studded lineup. With the likes of Romain Alessandrini, Jonathan and Giovanni dos Santos, it seemed like LA would challenge in the Western Conference.
What lets the Galaxy down the most was by far their shaky defense. A shocking 67 goals got past them, the second highest allowed in the league. The loss of captain Jelle Van Damme in August sparked this defensive downfall, lacking a leader in the back line.
Transfers OUT:
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- GK – Jon Kempin (Option declined)
- GK – Brian Rowe (Option declined)
- GK – Clement Diop (Option declined)
- D – Robbie Rogers (Retired)
- D – Pele van Anholt (Option declined)
- D – Nathan Smith (Option declined)
- D – Bradley Diallo (Option declined)
- M – Jermaine Jones (Option declined)
- M – Rafael Garcia (Option declined)
- M – Jaime Villarreal (Option declined)
- M – Raul Mendiola (Option declined)
- F – Jose Villarreal (Option declined)
- F – Jack McBean (Option declined)
- F – Jack McInerney (Option declined)
- F – Gyasi Zardes (Traded to Columbus)
Transfers IN:
- GK – David Bingham (Free)
- GK – Brian Sylvestre (Free)
- D – Jorgen Skjelvik (Free)
- D – Rolf Feltscher (Free)
- D – Emrah Klimenta (Free)
- D – Tomas Hilliard-Arce (SuperDraft)
- M – Perry Kitchen (Free)
- M – Servando Carrasco (Re-Entry Draft)
- M – Chris Pontius (Free agent)
- F – Ola Kamara (Trade from Columbus)
Projected Starting XI
2018 Predictions
Well, it’s only up from here for the LA Galaxy. Some would say it would be quite difficult for a team to go from dead last to a spot in the playoffs, but I think Sigi Schmid’s men could do so. The shaky backline seems to have been replaced with the acquisition of four defenders.
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Additionally, bringing in forward Ola Kamara could easily be the best signing this offseason. The Norwegian shined in his two seasons with the Crew, knocking in 34 goals in 59 appearances. As you can see above, the signing of Kamara completes a very intimidating attack, one every team should fear at least.
Predicted Finishing Position: 5th in Western Conference