The LA Galaxy are currently on a break after crashing out of the Leagues Cup.
Missing out on trophies always sucks, but could this impromptu vacation end up being a blessing in disguise?
Getting bounced out of the Leagues Cup in the first knockout round was not a good look for the LA Galaxy. The 3-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders was a bitter way to start a period of three weeks with no matches.
The MLS restart is still a week away as the remaining teams continue to play for a chance at the trophy. For their part, the Galaxy has been at home, enjoying the summertime in Southern California.
The break gave the front office the chance to finalize a deal they’ve been working on for a while now: the signing of Marco Reus.
The deal was finally announced this past Thursday, months after Reus’s agents first reached out to Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz. Marco Reus will be a part of the LA Galaxy’s squad for the rest of his career, ending in 2026.
Reus will surely become a crucial part of Greg Vanney’s midfield and attacking unit. His versatility will be an important asset as the Galaxy tries to manage players’ workload and injuries as they head into the final eight matches of the MLS Regular Season.
Having a shiny new toy to strengthen the squad before the decisive end of the campaign is great.
Getting existing players back from injury is just as important.
A reinforcement in defense feels especially necessary following the pair of defensive mistakes that sentenced the last game against Seattle. The backline seemed to be missing an aerial presence as they conceded two early goals from corner kicks.
Fortunately, the LA Galaxy could have exactly what they need just waiting to get off the injury list. Carlos Emiro Garcés played 86 impressive minutes during the Galaxy’s win over Chivas Guadalajara before coming off with a calf contusion.
In that game, Garcés won 100% of his aerial duels, made four clearances, and completed 100% of the 47 passes he attempted before getting injured (sofascore.com). He plays with the confidence and strength of a much older player and has the potential to become the Galaxy’s air traffic controller.
With Garcés returning to training this week and the Galaxy’s need for an aerial presence well established, the Colombian’s recovery could be perfectly timed for Garcés to return to the starting 11 and establish himself in LA with stronger performances.
Another injured player who will be getting back on the pitch this week is striker Dejan Joveljic. As the Galaxy’s leading goal-scorer, his reintroduction will be vital during the final stretch of the campaign.
While the Galaxy lost the chance at a League Cup trophy, the break from action gives them a chance to improve in each of the outfield positions, either by completing new signings or by allowing injured players to heal without missing any games.
With the final games of the MLS season kicking off on August 24th, it’s nearly time for the LA Galaxy to show what they’re made of.
PHOTO: Los Angeles Galaxy
The post Sometimes All You Need is a Vacation appeared first on Los Angeles Sports Nation.