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LA Galaxy-FC Shirak Match Hero: Jose Villarreal

@LAGalaxySRH

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:

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.

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?

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