As Manchester United mourned the loss of their top scorer, those in Major League Soccer were contemplating what it meant for themThe sight of a player suffering suffering a season-ending injury is always a desperate one, particularly when the player in question is of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s quality. Indeed, the Swede will take no further part in the 2016-17 campaign, picking up a cruciate knee ligament injury that could sideline him until 2018. But as Manchester United mourned the loss of their top scorer, those in Major League Soccer were contemplating what it meant for them.Ibrahimovic has been heavily linked with a move Stateside, with recent reports claiming Los Angeles FC have offered the striker a deal worth $6.4m a year...
Bruce Arena is gone, Keane and Gerrard have gone, and Landon Donovan isn’t coming back. But, reports Matt Pentz, the club’s aim is still the same: successThe five trophies are hard to miss, by placement and sheer number.Walking into the StubHub Center through the players’ entrance, past the tunnel that leads on to the field, they’re off to your left. The two comet-like statuettes commemorate titles from Major League Soccer’s early years, and the three cups that complete the quintet speak to the LA Galaxy’s staying power. Related: Steven Gerrard was a much better tourist than a player in LA Continue reading...
This week marks 10 years since the former England captain announced his move to LA Galaxy. But how did his decision shape soccer in the States?Wednesday marks 10 years since David Beckham confirmed he would leave Madrid and head to California to sign with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Then football’s most recognisable star, he arrived in Major League Soccer with the goal of improving the American game. Beckham promised to “make a difference” Stateside, but where did he fail and where did he succeed? Related: Why Miami made David Beckham work hard for his MLS stadium dream Related: Landon Donovan – I was wrong to criticise David Beckham at LA Galaxy Continue reading...
With big names leaving and a cross-city rival preparing to take the stage, the time could be ripe for MLS’s most successful team to reinvent itselfWhile Major League Soccer doesn’t trade in pure transfer market currency like most other leagues, the Designated Player system burdens a player with the same pressure as a hefty price tag. With only three DP spots handed to each team there is a clearly defined expectation placed on them. They are signed to be better than the rest. Robbie Keane handled that pressure better than the rest.The Irishman may well go down as the greatest DP in MLS history with eulogies of his career Stateside flowing after it was announced he is to leave the...
The former England captain has departed the LA Galaxy. And he always gave the impression of a man who valued the Californian lifestyle over MLSThere were more than a few familiar aspects to Steven Gerrard’s last appearance on a Major League Soccer pitch. Not for the first time, he stroked home a penalty past Tim Howard as the LA Galaxy vied with the Colorado Rapids for a place in the Western Conference final. And again, not for the first time, the 36-year-old finished a shoot-out on the losing side. It was an appropriate way for Gerrard to bring this stint of his career to a close.Of course, that isn’t reflective of the glittering 18-year career Gerrard has enjoyed, during which...