There's a few different sources. But like any rumor, 80% of it is false, but it's a talking point.

Not a problem, I myself shy away from this type of stuff. The problem I have with it is it causes negative comments directed at the Galaxy when in fact they may (and in this case I'm sure they aren't) even associated with the story. It's just another opportunity to take unmerited 'pot shots' at the Galaxy. OR, to take it a step further, I don't care if it's Arsenal, Liverpool, Man U, Barca, Real or anyone else, the same holds true, in my opinion............

Well lets have a talking point. Say it is true. Doesn't even have to be Ronaldinho, say it's some other 'super star'. Henry was 'linked', Figo, Zidane ...

How would the Galaxy acquire another designated player spot? Would they even need one, as the MLS is known to 'look the other way' or to introduce a new rule to favor one of the 'big boys'.

So far, Beckham has been the only rumor that has come true. But the MLS made that deal happen by introducing the new designated player rule. If it wasn't for the introduction of that new rule, Beckham would still be over in Europe somewhere. The rule has been a great success with the likes of Blanco, Angel, Claudio Lopez and so forth (the first two being the most impactful).

For talking point purposes, because I just don't see this happening, as I stated when the Henry 'rumor' was introduced.....

The Galaxy have no more DP spots, and they would need to sell one (most likely Ruis) in order to get one, or trade for another. I just don't see this occurring. I honestly feel Gullitt is pleased with what he has and wants to work with this team.

With that said, you never close the door for the chance to obtain a great player...........

Scandalous...... Up 2-0 in the second half and allow the Crew to tie the game, then go ahead in the 77th only to allow the Crew to draw even again is unforgivable. 2 more goals from Landon, another goal from Buddle should have well been enough for L.A. to pick up the win who out played the Crew. 1 point when it should have been 3 points is painful.

I will say this, the refering this season has been atrocious, and I say this with both teams in mind. I don't know what criteria needs to be met to be a MLS ref, but I'm convinced being blind in at least one eye is one of them.

Next up: Away to the streaking DC United........

4th of July.... Fireworks.... Stadium at SRO..... Great evening for the game...... Playing team with best record in MLS..... Final: N.E. 2 - L.A. 1

What a disappointment... 55 minutes of total flat football from L.A. and being dominated by what appears to be the best team in the league. N.E. moves the ball around quite nicely, controls the midfield and it's players do not make many careless errors. I was totally impressed with what I saw in them..... both N.E. goals came off set pieces as L.A. stood around and watched, both by Adam Cristman (who?, yes....).

Finally Donovan who didn't start (ill) entered the the game at the start of the second half with L.A. trailing 2-0. L.A. started to play and make N.E. play the final third of the field. L.A.'s lone goal came in the 66th minute on a volley by Beckham, and there was a feeling that maybe things were changing. A couple of missed headers in front of the goal, a shot off the cross bar (Buddle) was all L.A. could come up with.

So, another loss to the East. It's been one step forward and two steps back as of lately. Ruud was visibly frustrated and it will be interesting to see what he'll do to shake things up.

Next up: Chivas USA.......

5 goals for beckham this season

And quite a few missed opportunities (not on set pieces...). It's obvious he's not used to the opportunities he's been getting since he never had so many with Man U. and Real....... He gets up the field much more in the MLS (again for obvious reasons) and gets some pretty good chances..........

The L.A. Galaxy have signed 29 year old Argentinean defender Eduardo Dominguez. I don't know much about him, but defense is a position that they need to improve on.......

Full story at: http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=txgalaxydominguez&prov=st&type=lgns

Galaxy 1 - Chivas USA 1

I can't believe I sat through the entire game.......

Best described in 3 words, 'School Boy Soccer'............


Next up: Away against the New York Red Bulls.....

Bonsoir
Good evening

I have just read a paper of CBC.ca on David Beckham and its appreciation of the MLS

''Beckham says MLS is better than people think''
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2008/07/18/david-beckham.html

In a rematch of last season 5-4 Red Bulls win in N.Y.............

A crowd of 46,754 watched Landon Donovan score in injury time to allow L.A. finish witht a 2-2 tie....

The first 45 minutes pretty much belonged to the Galaxy but missed opportunities once again seemed to get the better of them.

The second half belonged to the Red Bulls and a cheeky chip past the L.A. keeper Cronin by Angel put N.Y. up 2-1 in what appeared to be the winner, before Donovan tallied.

Carlos Ruiz put L.A. on the board with his first goal of the season only to be followed by a goal by N.Y.'s Dave van den Bergh.

In a game that L.A. didn't play well in, they will be happy to come away with a point.

Also, in a player move by L.A. ex-Portuguese International Abel Xavier was released to make room for the new defender from Argentina Eduardo Dominguez.

Next Up: L.A. travel's to Pizza Hut Park to take on FC Dallas next Sunday.

Last time these two teams met in Dallas it was a 5-1 win by the Galaxy. Dallas was not about to allow that to occur again. When it was all over (after about 15 minutes actually) Dallas came away with a 4-0 win.

It was by far the worst game L.A. has played since Gullit has been the coach. They looked liked they wanted to be somewhere else, and there wasn't one player that earned his paycheck tonight. Standing around, getting beat to the ball, schoolboy passes, passing up shots in the attempt of making the perfect pass leading to the perfect goal, I could go on and on and on.

I'm not sure where that laugh is coming from, but I did hear Abel Xavier laughing when it was all over.....

Next up: Away to San Jose.......

Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse for the Galaxy, surprise!, they do.... Another lackluster start and they find themselves down 2-0 to a struggling San Jose side. Poor passes, lack of any work rate, looking as if they are disinterested, the defense running in to each other as if they are the keystone cops and finally this poor play of a keeper who should not be starting and maybe not even in the MLS. L.A. found a way to draw even at 2-2 only to give up a gaol in the dying minutes and lose 3-2.

The natives are now getting restless..... Talk of Alexi Lalas getting fired or possibly Ruud Gullit. It's interesting that Gullit has his house up for sale, but he insists it's only because his wife doesn't like it. Not good that all these rumors are swirling when the ship is quickly taking on water. There are players that really need to be released, but I'm not sure what will happen. I know as a season seat holder I'm hoping for a shake-up as well as someone putting a 'boot' in the rear ends of these players that are satisfied with noting more then taking these games as if they were a Sunday league game knowing that a few beers are waiting for them when it's all said and done......

Wow.... I think most Galaxy fans were waiting for Lalas to be fired, but what a shock to see Gullit quit as well, even though we knew his house was up for sale. We also heard rumors that Lalas and Gullit didn't get along and basically it was Beckham who was running the show on the field.Cobi Jones takes over for the time being, and if the Galaxy weren't struggling enough, now they have to deal with finding a new coach and general manager. This is a club in turmoil..... One wonders what Beckham is thinking

From the Galaxy website:

la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080811&content_id=179386&vkey=pr_lag&fext=.jsp&team=t106

First game minus Coach Ruud Gullit, GM Alexi Lalas and interim coach Cobi Jones, not sure what to expect with this club already in chaos.

As with recent games, lackluster play from the start and throughout the game. Poor passes, dodgy in the back and a handful of missed opportunities only to see Chivas USA get on the board and go up 1-0. Beckham looked very tired (he has played every minute of every game including pre-season), Landon who got the first goal was in and out of the game (what's new) and Cronin had a couple nice saves but still is an accident waiting to happen between the sticks. It wasn't until the final whistle blew that the Galaxy got the tie on header off Alan Gordon. A deserved tie? I'm not so sure. 1 point gotten when 3 was in need, and the 'ship appears to be sinking'.

Of note: Ex-USA National Coach Bruce Arena watched the game from the owners box and was seen before the game eating with AEG President Tim Leiweke. In a live interview during the game Tim said, "No bones about it, if I could convince Bruce to join AEG and join the Galaxy, he'd be the ideal guy to come in here," Leiweke said. "There's not a better candidate. There's not a better potential coach. He knows more about the game. I have more respect, Mr. Anschutz has great respect for Bruce, so we'd be honored to have him.

"Whether or not that happens, time will tell."

It appears to be only a matter of time before Arena is brought on board, another change that will be heavily scrutinized if the ship continues to take on water......

Former US National team coach Bruce Arena has been named GM and Coach for the Galaxy........

see story from LA Galaxy website:
la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080818&content_id=180980&vkey=pr_lag&fext=.jsp&team=t106

Well, a new coach, minus some starting players and the result remains the same. Chicago scored late in the game to get the 1-0 win and put the Galaxy even further from a playoff spot. Both teams were missing key players due to International call-ups, Donovan and Beckham for LA, and most notably Blanco from Chicago.

In a footnote: LA traded Carlos Ruiz to FC Toronto and then signed US National team player Eddie Lewis (also didn't play)....

I'd write more, but I didn't attend game (nor see it), since I am currently sitting in Barcelona on my Vacation..........

Not able to see the game while vacationing in Barcelona..........

Scoreline ended up at 2 - 2. playing away, with Landon, Becks and Lewis all together for the first time under Arena against one of the top teams in the league, the result is quite good from the past results........

Next Up: Home to RSL

Bruce Arena's 2nd game as coach, and again without Donavon, Beckham and Eddie Lewis. The Galaxy again only managed to get a point in drawing at 2-2 with RSL.

I'm still in Holland, so didn't get to see the game.


Next up: Away to Kansas City Wizards....