LA Galaxy-FC Shirak Match Hero: Jose Villarreal
- Updated: February 1, 2016
MLS soccer is finally here! This past Saturday, the LA Galaxy played its first 2016 match against FC Shirak. As expected, LA made mistakes and needs improvement. It’s only preseason though, so mistakes should happen now rather than later. If you missed the game, check out the highlights here: Highlights: LA Galaxy vs. FC Shirak January 30, 2016. Overall, I’m impressed with the team thus far especially Jose Villarreal and Emmanuel Boateng.
LA Galaxy Lineup
| First Half | Second Half | ||||
| GK | Dan Kennedy | 12 | GK | Brian Rowe | |
| 14 | D | Robbie Rogers | D | Josh Turnley | |
| 22 | D | Leonardo | D | Daniel Steres | |
| 20 | D | A.J. DeLaGarza | 33 | D | Dan Gargan |
| 27 | D | Dave Romney | 36 | D | Oscar Sorto |
| 10 | M | Giovani dos Santos | 5 | M | Jose Villarreal |
| 8 | M | Steven Gerrard | 15 | M | Ignacio Maganto |
| 6 | M | Baggio Husidic | 25 | M | Rafael Garcia |
| M | Emmanuel Boateng | 40 | M | Raul Mendiola | |
| 7 | F | Robbie Keane | F | Mike Magee | |
| 9 | F | Alan Gordon | 38 | F | Bradford Jamieson IV |
Missing from the game on Saturday are Jelle Van Damme, Ashley Cole, Sebastian Lletget (minor injury), Nigel De Jong, and Jeff Larentowicz. Van Damme and Cole have not travelled to LA yet, and De Jong signed a contract with the Galaxy on Saturday. I’m unsure why Larentowicz did not play, but it likely has something to do with fitness.
In the first half, the Galaxy controlled the possession. Keane and Gordon just barely missed two goals. Gordon’s header hit the post, and Keane’s quick tap also hit the post. Unfortunately, Keane’s accuracy failed him. It could be due to age or regaining his composure after the off-season. I hope it’s just fitness.
Steven Gerrard actually showed some of his Liverpool form as well. After a poor first season, I hope he shows his worth. We need a soccer player, not a vacationer. If I were the coach, I’d play Husidic much more than Gerrard. Husidic showed excellent movement and possession. Yet, Gerrard brings in attendance because of his name.
Emmanuel Boateng, newcomer to the team, transformed into the first half’s star. He showed incredible speed, dribbling, and connection with his teammates. He and Romney missed some opportunities together, but it’s expected this early. I think Boateng will for sure become a starter.
In the second half, the lineup resembled a Los Dos match. Bruce chose to play the younger members of the team along with Gargan and Magee. Josh Turnley played well in his first professional match since being drafted earlier this month. I think he will be an excellent addition once he gains more experience.
Early last season Jose Villarreal showed improvement and determination to become a starter. He scored, assisted, and interacted well with his teammates. On Saturday, he scored the only two goals of the game. Sorto and Mendiola each assisted him. Check out his second goal:
WATCH: @jayy_villa stole the show last night in #LAGalaxy‘s 2-1 win over @FCShirak: https://t.co/u6JJ6Dq5Yp https://t.co/eJYJDgoG59
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 31, 2016
Villarreal deserves more playing time with the first team. He’s proven his worth and I think Bruce needs to give him more chances. He also exhibits excellent chemistry with his teammates.
BFFs pic.twitter.com/fKIvAp684B
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 31, 2016
Unfortunately, with the incredible depth to the roster this year, that might be difficult to do. Fans will likely see many changes to the lineups with Cole, Van Damme, and De Jong still on the way.
Who would you like to see in the starting lineup?
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things LA Galaxy and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, all the time!
Related Posts
About Patrick Salkeld
