Dan Kennedy: The New LA Galaxy Goalkeeper for 2016
- Updated: December 16, 2015
After a lackluster 2015 season, the LA Galaxy barely managed to reach the 2015 MLS Playoffs. Poor goalkeeping partially hindered the team from improving in both the regular season and the playoffs. Others problems in the defense and midfield and numerous injuries also hurt its chances. The Galaxy needed to make changes and acquired Dan Kennedy with such hopes.
On July 29, the LA Galaxy and Jaime Penedo mutually ended his time in California. A day later, the team signed Donovan Ricketts, a former LA player from 2009-2011, from Orlando City. Yet, he struggled to improve his form. His mistakes in the team’s loss to the Seattle Sounders primarily cost them the game and knocked them out of the playoffs.
With such poor goalkeeping performances, the team needed to revitalize this position. This first move occurred before the 2015 MLS Cup. On December 3, 2015, it signed Clement Diop, the Los Dos goalkeeper.
Much to no one’s surprise, the Galaxy then released Donovan Ricketts on December 7, 2015—along with other keepers, Brian Perk and Andrew Wolverton. They spared Brian Rowe from this string of goalkeeper cuts. I hoped Bruce Arena might promote Rowe to the starting role, but he had another player in his sights.
On December 12, Kevin Baxter wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times. He reported on the Los Angeles Football Club’s (LAFC) decision to hire John Thorrington as its “executive vice president of soccer operations.” He also included details about the Galaxy’s offseason moves. It planned to trade with FC Dallas for its goalie, Dan Kennedy.
Three days later, the team made its official announcement
The #LAGalaxy announce the acquisition of goalkeeper @1DanKennedy from FC Dallas. LA send a 2nd & 3rd round 2017 draft pick to Dallas.
— Adam Serrano (@LAGalaxyInsider) December 15, 2015
With Kennedy on the team, I’m more optimistic about the upcoming 2016 MLS Season. He has “160 appearances, 481 saves, and 33 shutouts” in his professional career. I’m excited to see Kennedy in a Galaxy uniform. I think he is an excellent addition! He will bring skill and experience to the team. So, sit back and watch Dan Kennedy, hopefully, help the LA Galaxy win the 2016 MLS Cup in the #RacetoSeis!
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