LA Galaxy Extends Three Contracts: Garcia, Rogers, and Villarreal
- Updated: January 13, 2016
With the 2016 off-season in full force, MLS teams are signing new players and re-signing free agents. On January 12, the LA Galaxy announced that it extended the contracts of three players—Rafael Garcia, Robbie Rogers, and Jose Villarreal.
Rafael Garcia
Garcia has been with the LA Galaxy since 2012. He primarily plays for LA Galaxy II and as a substitute for the senior team. Yet, 2015 proved his most prolific year to date. He played in 10 games and started 4 of them. In total, he played 338 minutes. Even though none resulted in a goal, his presence contributed to the team when it needed support. Garcia is fairly underutilized, but I hope it changes because I see him as a valuable substitute like Alan Gordon. I also think, if given the chance, he might be able to become a regular starter for the LA Galaxy.
Robbie Rogers
One of my favorite soccer players. I’m pleased to see Rogers extended his contract with the Galaxy because he plays so well and actively seeks off-field reforms for the LGBTQ community. On a side note, he has actually inspired me to write and research more about homosexuality in soccer and sports as a whole.
In 2015, he played in 27 games and started 26. He totaled 2,315 minutes. Unfortunately, injuries also hindered his performance and activity. Yet, he became an even bigger force in both the offense and defense. He and Sebastian Lletget crafted a special relationship on the wing. They passed well, made assists, and provided numerous goals. Rogers scored his only goal of the season during the team’s Pride Night against the Portland Timbers. I’m eager to see what 2016 will bring for Robbie Rogers!
Jose Villarreal
Villarreal also joined the club in 2012. 2015 represented his second highest year regarding playing time. He played in 16 games and started 9 of them. Unfortunately, injury cut his playing time, so he only saw action for 698 minutes. Yet, I think Villarreal showed the most consistency and success when not injured. He seemed ready to take on a new role and do his best to fill in Landon Donovan’s position. He took 17 shots with 6 on goal, assisted 4 times, and scored twice. I’m ready to see Villarreal play more in 2016 and hopefully see more time on the field. I consider him the Galaxy’s sleeper cell.
All three contribute to the LA Galaxy in numerous ways. They have proven their value to the team and continue to improve each season. I’m happy to see them return with longer contracts. The LA Galaxy needs to foster more long-term investments instead of short-term ones.
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