What a difference a home game makes, a packed house, close to 70 degree weather and some line-up changes. Donovan moved up top, Beckham has free reign to move, and 3 first year players start and play well. Beckham got his first goal in the MLS to give LA a 1-0 lead then Donovan looped the ball into an empty net past the keeper who was rushing out for what turned out to be a 2-0 win. There was much improvement, but with younger players and just the majority of these guys never playing together it is a work in progress and there will be times that everything doesn't go as well as last night. as I said in an earlier post, these players need to be held accountable and step-up, and last night they did in a much needed win and pleasing performance. Let's see where it goes from here...........

No comment on the offsides call to wipe away San Jose's first goal? I personally thought it was the wrong call. Not that it would have made much difference in the end, the Galaxy were strong up front and caused some havoc on San Jose's defense. Surprising for a team built on defense, San Jose's offense looked better than their defense.

The apparent offsides? Believe me, if I commented every time there was a close call (especially with the offsides interpretation) I'd be constantly commenting. It appeared close at the game, it appeared close on TV, and SJ didn't put up an argument, so I can't say one way or the other. I've watched enough games to know that the calls aren't going to change, and it usually evens out in the end and sometimes calls are just missed. Evidently you saw it the other way...

I saw a bad call. hahaha. I don't remember the play exactly, but if I remember correctly, the guy at the near post was a foot offsides, but didn't factor in the play itself, but the guy making the run on the back post (who put it in the back of the net) was onsides.

In the end though, I don't think it would have really mattered. And it was good to see Beckham get his first MLS goal.

Beckham gets pulled over .... by Los Angeles police and fined $160 for an illegal left turn made between Fairfax Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. The 100-capped right-winger was warned that he would be given one point on his driver's license unless he attended traffic school - which is extremely unlikely. An onlooker revealed: "David was really cooperative. I think he knew he was in the wrong." With the Beckhams always in demand, David's wife Victoria was tailed by officers last year until she eventually pulled over and produced a valid license to keep them at bay.

He must have had flashbacks that he was in England while making that left turn.

Great game Galaxy great game, can't even keep Toronto in check. Amazing for a club that's The Face of the MLS.

Are you now working with the paparazzi? I didn't even know this, and really as a Galaxy supporter and football fan find the story a bit humorous. Got any news on that Spears girl?

I can see you will not give any slack to LA, which is your prerogative, and at least I now know where you are coming from and how you choose to look at things, which again is of your own choosing......

I have just returned from the game, and I am bitterly disappointed in the outcome. The weather was a bit over 100 on the field and both teams played like it. Beckham played an average game, and could have been given the ball more but it didn't happen. Landon who scored on a penalty and on a another he created himself should have had 3 more goals. the game should have been over after 45 minutes. To many missed opportunities, no midfield continuity and lack of respect for ex-Newcastle player Laurent Robert and his dead ball kicks cost them in the end. 2-2 in the 88th minute and LA continued to push forward for the winning goal when Toronto sends the ball up field to super sub Cunningham who wins the ball from Franklin (as he falls down) and slots it past Cronin for the winner. I have said earlier that with the younger players LA will be a work in progress, but today was a game they should have won if only Landon had done his job.

I might be, I just might be. hehehe. But I found the story funny as well.


Moving on though. All hatred for Lalas and the Galaxy (due to being a DC United supporter and being natural enemies) aside. I really do want to see the Galaxy do well. I feel that they are The Face of the MLS, and many others would probably agree with me on this. And to see them play the way they do is not a good sentiment to the league. To lose like this to Toronto FC of all teams, arguably the worst team in MLS is just terrible in all aspects. Missed chances or not, there's no way Toronto FC should score 3 goals in a game with their attacking core.

I really don't see it changing in a good way for the Galaxy in the coming weeks. Next week at Houston (granted they are struggling right now), then Chivas USA (this one will be great like it always is), then Real Salt Lake, then New York Red Bulls. It doesn't look good.

I must admit it seems as if you are writing with a poison pen each time you post something in regards to the Galaxy. So, please bear with me if i struggle when you say you want to see them 'do well'. With that said, I will take you for your word.

I think if you take a minute to look at our backline you'll find that it's by far our weakest point. We have Klein who is an outstanding midfielder, and can hold his own in the back, but it's not his natural position. we have Vanney as a central defender who does pretty well, but he's not getting any younger, and next to him we have first year player Franklin who is learning on the job, a very tough position to do so and then at leftback we have Randolph, who doesn't look near the player he was last season. Now, throw in Cronin at keeper in his first full season and thats a pretty rough defensive group. successful teams usually build from the back. Believe me, I'm not making excuses, just stating the facts. So, now throw in weak play from your two center mid's and you get todays outcome. Doesn't matter how bad you say Toronto is. Secondly, if Landon makes just 2 of the 3 chances he had (and I'm talking about sitters, one an open goal) in the first half that changes the game, and Toronto doesn't get the liberty to make the runs as they did. Again, no excuses here, just the way things are under the circumstances. People think 'Galaxy' and they think Beckham, Landon and Ruiz and that should be enough. That is so far from reality, it's a team game and the other 8 players on the field need to do there share, and simply put, today it didn't happen. And, the fans in LA are not ignorant, they also realize it takes 11 on the field to win, so we are concerned as well when we see outcomes like we saw today.

One more comment on the defense, Danny Dichio, Toronto's striker and point man is very tall and presents problems when the ball is sent into the box, and the Galaxy have no height in the middle of the field and he did present problems until he was subbed for when Cunningham came in, who I think for the last 20 minutes of a game is one of the most dangerous strikers in the MLS..

You are correct, things will probably not get easier. This team desperately needs Ruiz back............ and, they really can't worry about being the 'Face of the MLS', (I haven't heard anyone from within the organization make that claim, including your 'love to hate Lalas'), they obviously have other things that they need to attend to.....

I don't think Ruiz coming back will help the squad much. Might score more goals, but you're still giving up a lot of goals. As you've said, defense is the problem, which is 100% correct. Do you think it was a wise decision to bring Ruiz in as the 3rd designated player on the team? When you already have two other attacking players in the other designated spots (Beckham and Donovan) that are more than capable of lighting up other defenses on fire in the MLS.

I feel that Beckham and either Donovan/Ruiz, is plenty quality to score many goals in the MLS. Maybe the wiser thing would have been to bring in a defender as a designated player or 2/3 defenders of quality in place of Ruiz.

LA have spent all their money on forwards, and nothing on defense. Buddle Edison, 147,000; Alan Gordon, 72,504; Israel Sesay, 45,000; Ely Allen, 36,000. Is there really a need for all these high priced forwards that will spend most of their time on the bench? While sacrificing the back-line to players that only make $33,000 at the most (beyond Vanney and Xavier). Vanney is quality and pretty solid back there if he has the right people around him. He showed that last year with DC United.

What would you personally like to see the Galaxy do? Who should they bring in? What should they bring in? Who should they get rid of? ...


I fully feel that they are The Face of the MLS. The Galaxy go on a world wide pre-season tour to promote the Galaxy brand name and the MLS. There's a petty marketing tournament created (Pan-Pacific Championship) by the MLS, purely to exploit Beckham's brand to be the face of the MLS. Every time when the MLS is mentioned, the first thing and usually only thing that gets mentioned with it is Beckham and the Galaxy. That to me, it's the MLS making the Galaxy The Face of the MLS. And for that I want to see the Galaxy do well. Not for the sake of Lalas and the Galaxy per se, but for the sake of the league as a whole.

Do you watch Football Fone In on Fox Soccer Channel? It was actually quite interesting. They were talking about the Galaxy. They actually mentioned similar things to what I stated in my last post. Too much spending on forward players and nothing on defenders. And how they want to see the Galaxy to do well for the sake of the league. (adding more fuel to my view that the MLS has made the Galaxy the face of MLS.)

Ante Razov was also on the show stating that he would love to see a single table and promotion/relegation incorporated into the MLS. And for the club with the most points throughout the season to be the MLS champions instead of having the playoff to determine it and giving the club with the most points the supporters shield. (which I agree with 100%).

First off Beckham was not brought over to score goals, he is not a goal scorer, he almost never takes shots on goal unless it is a dead ball/set piece. So I will have to disagree with you when you say Donovan and Beckham are more than capable of lighting up other defenses. I wish it was truly that easy though. Ruiz is a poacher, a 'fox in the box' so to speak, and he is there to finish. He was dying to get out of Dallas and wanted to come back to LA where he has a huge fanbase.

What would I do, who would I get or get rid of? The salary cap makes it hard (basically impossible for them) just to go out and get another player without giving up someone. (I really don't think the majority of MLS fans even understand how the salary cap works). Defenders are not easy to come by, it hurt when they moved Albright, but, it was a decision because of $$$, as has been many decisions of late. What I would do is send Xavier packing, he is a liability at the back and a 'booking' just waiting to happen. I would send Vagenas packing as well, his days are done and he's a shadow of the player he used to be. It's obvious they need a defender. I still think that Franklin can play in this league and be a good player, and Valentin who they drafted will be another good one. Problem is, LA fans expect to win now, other teams celebrate when they make the playoffs, for LA its always been expected that they make the playoffs, no reason to celebrate, but when they don't (as they recently haven't) it's a disaster for the franchise and it's fans. Currently, I think it's a work in progress, I don't see an instant fix and fans are really tired of seeing players get blown out and come in. At some point and time you need to go with what you got (and I say this in response to the young players on the roster) and hope for some continuity. I'm not sure Cronin is the answer in goal either. While he continues to get a bit better, he still is pretty shaky.

And, again on the subject of LA being the 'face of the MLS', you state it correctly a couple of times, it's the MLS who has branded them with this, it's not the Galaxy who are calling themselves this. Beckham is here to promote the game in the US, and the attendance figures from last year prove that he is doing that. Maybe those wearing the three piece suits need to think twice before they go labeling any team 'something' until they have lived up to it.

I don't think the MLS ready to have clubs go down and others get promoted. I think that would be a disaster for franchises. Can you imagine DC, Red Bulls, Houston or LA having a poor season and going down? What would this do structurally as far as that teams financial status, and would you pay the same ticket prices to see your team play in the USL against Portland? (no disrespect to Portland, just an example). We just are not ready for that yet, but I do hope it see it someday, I just don't see it in the near future......

How's that for rambling on? Oh yes, I do watch Fox's Football Fone In when I get a chance, but I'm usually watching a game instead..............

How much was Albright's salary last year?



I agree, it shouldn't happen now, but when they get up to 18 clubs, they should incorporate it. Unfortunately, I don't think they ever will. The MLS tends to want to do things their way and follow the model of other American sports. Yes, it could be devastating for DC or the Red Bulls or some other club to get relegated, but will be beneficial to the clubs being promoted. Here comes another aspect, if you don't want to get relegated, you're going to spend money to bring in more quality to be a better team, and so forth. The upside of incorporating a promotion/relegation setup (in the future) is great, but I fear it will never happen and it'll always be a flaw. Lower teams will continue to be bad; like in baseball, it's always the same clubs that are in the lower half of the table season in and season out.

They talk about the playoffs giving an environment like no other, but then, if you're in a relegation battle or in a top of the table battle where every point matters for the last 2-3 months of the campaign. That to me is the same or better than the 'so called' playoff environment.

As for the MLS branding the Galaxy as The Face of MLS. You have to remember that the MLS operates under a single-entity which teams are centrally controlled by the league. It's mainly to keep operating costs under control, but also the league as a whole share revenues, and player contracts are negotiated by the league (not the club). The MLS brought in Beckham and placed him with the Galaxy knowing they were going to make the Galaxy The Face of MLS. And the Galaxy knew this. If the head office of the Galaxy didn't, then they are ignorant as can be. Even if the Galaxy were to sell Beckham for X amount of money back to a club in Europe, the league would get most of that money, and only a small portion of it would go directly to the Galaxy. So in essence, the Galaxy report to the MLS, if the MLS wants them for this or that, the Galaxy will say yes sir and follow. And it's the same as every other club in the MLS.

There are changes being made with this though with new owners and such, and the MLS is starting to give individual owners more freedom to flex their own personal bank accounts for the better of the club (designated player slots). But currently, they still report to the man in the head office whether they like it or not. So currently, it's an obligation for the Galaxy to play quality football and show the world what the MLS is about and why they should be interested in watching the MLS.

With the current schedule layout (which I disagree with) could actually heighten the MLS band around the globe since our season runs through the summer, where all major leagues are in the off-season. Football fans have to get their football fix in somehow. Why can't it be watching the MLS?

In theory the one league with promotion/demotion sounds fantastic. But in reality its along way away. SS Stadiums would need to be built not only for existing MLS teams that currently don't have them, but also for the USL teams, and where is that money going to come from. Growth is always great, but it can also kill what already exists. I fear for the latter.

I'm more then aware of the MLS and how it operates. My point is and was the MLS branded the Galaxy as 'The Face of the MLS', although I still haven't seen this in print or heard Garber state that. If there is any ignorance to be handed out it would be to the MLS itself for expecting Beckham to make this team a winner, and that seems to be your argument here, not about promoting the game itself, which I see so many little kids wearing his shirt it's unbelievable. That's the only point I was ever trying to make here. With a league with such a strong salary cap, it's not a sure thing to bring in a high profile player and expect that francise to start winning games. Like I also said, unless you fully understand how the cap works, there will always be misconceptions. Sigi Schmid wrote an excellent article on the salary cap, and he himself stated that the MLS is one of the toughest leagues to coach in because of the restrictions the cap puts on teams.

Finally I agree, the restrictions should be less as far as owners wanting to spend there money. That too creates enormous problems, far to many to go into here. I think it is safe to say that no owner wants to lose money, and with happening then teams go up for sale and the stability of the league itself is put in jeopardy. I was around when the NASL was going on, I had season tickets for the LA Aztecs and it was very cool to see all the European and South American stars in the twilight of their careers playing, and the quality of the game was nice on the eyes as well, but too much money was invested, the stadiums were too big, thus attendance was poor and I woke up one morning and professional soccer in the US was gone. My point is, everything needs to be planned out and whatever decisions the MLS makes, they definitely need to learn from the past and plan for the future. I still think going slow is the best for the league, it's just not what we as fans want..............

I understand exactly how the salary cap works. And there are ways to build a very strong team. Houston, New England, and DC United have all shown this. All three of these clubs are pretty strong top to bottom. And they have the same salary cap as the Galaxy. I feel the Galaxy have spent their money in wrong areas. Whether that be Lalas and his people in the office, or MLS doing the bidding for them.

Like I've posted in a previous post. Galaxy forwards: Buddle Edison, 147,000; Alan Gordon, 72,504; Israel Sesay, 45,000; Ely Allen, 36,000. And that doesn't include Donovan and Ruiz who are both designated players and have most of their salary exempt. In a league with clubs that have very thin rosters, is it wise to have 3 forwards on the squad that make more than the average salary in the MLS to sit on the bench? They could get rid of Edison and bring in 1 defender with very high quality from South America, or bring in 2 defenders with good MLS quality. Or maybe even got rid of Edison and kept Albright (I don't know how much he made last year though).

I agree, they haven't spent there money wisely, thats pretty obvious. But again, no excuses here, but there are some telling factors here. A larger than normal amount of injuries last season mixed with a absoulute idiotic schedule (thanks to the MLS), made them scramble for cover at positions. This was Yallops team last season and talk to any supporter at the HDC and they will tell you how he bumbled things up. i s Lalas to blame for some of this, probably so, but is the lone cause of it, no way. Now, fast forward to this season, bring in a talented coach but one who hasn't coached in this league and with the talent here (or lack of it, which ever you prefer) and I think its fair for me to say that LA's past 15 months haven't been the norm. Again, no excuses, I just think one needs to look at the circumstances and see how teams arrive in certain predicaments.

Albright was making $145,500. As I said earlier, Xavier ($156,000) and Vagenas ($144,000) are two players I would pay there airfare to leave town. I am one that believes in developing young talent, so getting rid of young players is not something I'm for. It's again, a work in progress and there will always be those out there that will criticize, thats part of the game, and part of life in general.

It's a long season, time will tell. I'm not ready to walkaway after 3 games, I've been around too long to know how things can quickly change. Then again, I'm also aware it could be a 'long season'.......

Galaxy have traded a 2009 MLS SuperDraft choice to the New England Revolution for 31 year old M/D player Joe Franchino. Franchino can play either LB of a defensive midfielder. To make room, they moved young defender Michael Gavin to the developmental team.

This could clear room for another move to free up some salary cap..........

Another game of Gullitt shifting players to different positions in a desperate attempt to find a winning combination. Houston controlled the first half and another mix-up in the back where the ball ping-ponged around led to a Houston lead that they took to the dressing room. The second half saw Gullitt sub in new acquisition Joey Franchino as well as make a few other positional moves and the galaxy started to control the game. They finally got even on a Beckham cross that was headed in by a diving Donovan. It was very long before LA left two players open on the backside and the ball was headed in and Houston led again 2-1. But, the combination of a Beckham run and cross was netted again by a sliding Donovan and the score was tied at 2-2. LA continued to press but couldn't get the winner and the game ended in a 2-2 tie. For the Galaxy supporters, while it was not the win we were looking for, it was a step in the right direction only because it appears a set line-up may have been determined.

I will also say, even though Houston is missing players due to injuries and suspensions, they are in my opinion still the team to beat and play a very nice game of soccer.

Gullitt's changes for the second half were definitely good. Terrible defending in the back on both goals for Houston. Beckham to Donovan is going to be something heard over and over again this season.

I wasn't impressed or happy with Donovan's celebration after the first goal. Definitely should have gotten a yellow for it. I commend the defender to keep his cool and not drop Donovan on his ass.

It's hard to drop anybody on there a** when you are on yours, as the defender was. I don't like that type of celebrating either, but thats a entire different subject for maybe another thread if you deem it of importance.

As I said, we will take the point, Houston is a dangerous and well coached team and i don't care where they currently are in the standings, when we get to the end of the season they will be one if not the team to beat.

This was printed in the LA Times.