warrior16
Data Expert
Michael Stein - Volunteer Assitant
Posts: 2,169
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Post by warrior16 on Dec 22, 2015 14:00:52 GMT -6
The LA Galaxy sold USMNT defender Omar Gonzalez to Mexican club Pachuca today. This is a move that has been coming for a while. The Galaxy simply could no longer afford Omar's contract, as he was one of the most expensive defenders in the league, and the Galaxy had to meet salary cap restrictions on some other contracts. I can easily see the Galaxy missing the playoffs entirely next year with so many holes to fill. Hopefully a move to Pachuca isn't damaging to Omar's career. He should at least get regular playing time.
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warrior16
Data Expert
Michael Stein - Volunteer Assitant
Posts: 2,169
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Post by warrior16 on Dec 24, 2015 19:22:54 GMT -6
More details of the deal emerged today, and Gonzalez's transfer fee was a paltry $750K, a bargain for such a high-quality defender. My guess is Pachuca knew the Galaxy were in a pickle financially and negotiated a very favorable contract. Less than a million for a player of that caliber is a steal.
A further blow to the Galaxy, star midfielder Juninho was also sold this morning to Mexican club Tijuana (right across the border from San Diego) in a surprise move. This is devastating to the Galaxy's chances of winning the CONCACAF Champions League this year. Juninho and Gonzalez were two lynchpins of the squad that won 3 MLS titles in the last 5 years. The Galaxy will rely heavily on Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos to score next year, and hope that their strong academy can fill the cracks left behind.
Don't be surprised if the Galaxy miss the playoffs entirely next year in a loaded Western Conference that leaves no room for mediocrity.
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warrior16
Data Expert
Michael Stein - Volunteer Assitant
Posts: 2,169
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Post by warrior16 on Dec 24, 2015 19:25:42 GMT -6
It will be interesting to see what other moves Bruce Arena and the Galaxy make this offseason to rebuild his squad. Everyone was expecting Omar to be sold, but no one saw the Juninho move coming. He probably has something big planned with all the cap space he just freed up.
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Post by premier on Dec 24, 2015 22:57:02 GMT -6
He has too....otherwise it's going to be a very abysmal year and possibly couple of years for the Galaxy
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Post by happyjack on Dec 26, 2015 9:36:42 GMT -6
Not sure I'd classify Gonzalez as "high quality." He is an average defender that will have to improve to see some playing time. He needs to improve as the USMNT is so weak in back, and he is part of the reason why.
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Post by kevin on Dec 26, 2015 10:34:24 GMT -6
The Galaxy have two DPs with their best years behind them. Not a recipe for success. Keane has been tremendous for them, but I don't think you can expect him to continue at a high level for much longer. And Gerrard needs to improve over what he did in MLS last season.
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