'07 Preview: Galaxy of improvements in LA this offseason

By Pat Martin Apr 3, 2007, 15:55 GMT

Carson, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy's signing of soccer icon David Beckham is the most important signing in the history of Major League Soccer. Since he agreed to come to America from Spanish La Liga power Real Madrid, MLS ticket sales have increased as well as news coverage and overall interest in the league and sport.

In an age when teams are trying to produce quality teams that can compete in tournaments abroad and build fan support in an effort to legitimize America's top soccer league, the signing of a global soccer star is a huge step for the league off the field.

As big a signing as Beckham's was off the field for the league, it is just as big on the field for the Galaxy, who missed the MLS playoffs for the first time in their history last season. When Beckham joins Los Angeles, probably in mid July, it is hoping to be in the thick of the playoff race.

'Obviously we are really, really excited to have David joining us in midseason,' Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop said. 'I think until he actually arrives, I don't think we are really going to grasp the enormity of the signing. Our job before he comes is to make sure we are nicely grounded and have a good, solid team. He is just going to enhance what we are trying to do at the Galaxy. Really what a signing for the league and obviously our team. Guys are looking forward to it, as am I, and I'm sure fans around the country, especially the Galaxy fans.'

Despite the Beckham signing, the most important player on the field still figures to be team and U.S. National Team captain Landon Donovan.

'Landon is obviously the focal point of this team,' Yallop said. 'We seem to do so well when he is involved in everything we do and when he is on the field. I'm trying to get to a point where we can handle a little bit more with missing Landon because he is going to be missing for a few games (this summer because of national team commitments), we know that. Through the season there will be injuries, there will be tiredness and things like that we can't control and we need to make sure that the team is ready to perform and play well when Landon is not in the fold. Having said that, he looks so hungry and fresh and ready for our season. Mentally he is really focused. If you look at the four games he has played for the U.S., I feel you have seen a different Landon this season.'

With the 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2 formation the Galaxy will probably employ this season, Beckham will probably take one of the outside midfield roles with Donovan taking the withdrawn forward or attacking midfield role.

'There is a lot of debate as to where he should play, but for me he has got to be nearest to goal because that where he does all his great work,' Yallop said of Donovan. 'We played a 4-3-3 system last year and he was a floating forward underneath just picking and choosing and he was outstanding for us. That is his position for me, underneath forward or whatever you want to call it. He is not a central midfielder that is going to go pick the ball up too many times from his back fourth, so we need him as close as we can to the goal. Underneath, not up high so he can pick and choose his runs. He is definitely the best in this country and one of the best in the world at doing that late run, that explosive blast from the midfield area beyond the back four.'

The Galaxy made other significant changes to their roster this offseason to improve on the 11-15-6 record from a year ago and hopefully make the playoffs in '07.

'I think change was needed,' Yallop said. 'Some of the players that we let go hurt but sometimes you have to give something up to get what you really need. I think if you look at the players we have acquired, I am real happy with those acquisitions.'

Two of the biggest acquisitions were forward Nate Jaqua and goalkeeper Joe Cannon. Jaqua, who scored eight goals for Chicago last season, was taken by Toronto in the expansion draft and then was traded to LA. Cannon was acquired from Colorado for defender Ugo Ihemelu, forward Hercules Gomez and draft picks.

'Joe Cannon is arguably the best and most consistent goalkeeper the last six years in the league,' Yallop said. 'Nate Jaqua has been a real versatile, good front runner for Chicago over the last couple years. To add those two guys to the roster is great. We lose a couple guys in Ihemelu and Gomez but sometimes you have to give guys up to get what you feel are strengths in certain positions. I feel real confident those players are going to do real well for us this season.'

Kyle Martino will also be in the mix, either up top or in the midfield after testing the waters abroad this offseason.

'Kyle Martino re-signing is a big plus for us at the moment,' Yallop said. 'We have some players returning from last season that we are real happy to keep and obviously keep on the squad. Then we have the additions that we have added that obviously make us that much stronger.'

The backline will feature Ty Harden, Troy Roberts, Chris Albright and Ante Jazic among others while veteran Cobi Jones - who is entering his farewell tour this season - will be in the mix at midfield.

'There has been no better consistent professional,' Yallop said of Jones. 'He does everything right for the team, he says the right things, playing great for his country as a record cap holder. He has played 12 years at one club, all those things you don't take lightly. I hope every team is going to do something for Cobi when he comes he comes into their city.

'Overall though we have an array of good players. I like the competition that we are going to have, it keeps players on their toes. I think they need that on any squad, it is up to me to manage it. One of my strong points is making sure everybody knows their roles and knows what is going on. They need to be ready to play at any time because they might get the call,' Yallop added.

With all that has happened in the offseason, the Galaxy should dramatically improve in 2007. From Joe Cannon in goal to Beckham in the midfield to a refreshed Donovan up top, Los Angeles looks like a team to beat in the West.

'We will be a good exciting team to watch,' Yallop said. 'I feel pretty confident that the guys are going to focus and try not to make the signing in the middle of the year really take away from what we are doing as a club. It really is all about the Galaxy. It is not a one-man show like we have said with Landon and with David joining it is the same thing. They are going to join into our team, and hopefully this team is going to be a good one.'

© 2007 The Sports Network