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Los Angeles Galaxy: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

Oct 23, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; A general view of StubHub Center during the second half between the LA Galaxy and FC Dallas. The game ended in a draw 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; A general view of StubHub Center during the second half between the LA Galaxy and FC Dallas. The game ended in a draw 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele (13) and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard (8) fight for the ball in the second half at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele (13) and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard (8) fight for the ball in the second half at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The big fear: That this is a transition season for the Galaxy. 

It is never easy to write off the Los Angeles Galaxy given their history and the type of players that are on their roster. But given all of the injury issues and contract questions that are upcoming it is somewhat difficult to see just how this club can really win the MLS Cup.

Although there isn’t the level of controversy that existed in the pre-Arena Beckham years there is an air of uncertainty around this squad. In particular the injury and contract questions around Gerrard, Keane, and Zardes seem to have taken on a life of their own.

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If there is one manager that can handle all of the issues surrounding the Galaxy it is Arena. The man who is renowned for speaking softly but carrying a big stick Arena has shown time and time again an ability to get the most out of his players no matter the situation.

There are many teams in MLS that would have fallen apart if they had to face the questions that are facing the Galaxy. It is a testament to Arena, the players, and management in general that they have overcome all of these obstacles this season (and we aren’t even including the Nigel de Jong situation) to get this far.

The question is now can they pull it together for another month against the best sides in the Western Conference. Their 2-3-8 record against the other Western Conference playoff sides should be a bit of a worry for Galaxy supporters.

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