That New New or a Reason for Optimism - Los Angeles Sports Nation

Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association formally ratified a new Collective Bargaining agreement on Monday.

After more than a month of negotiations threatened a player lockout and to keep Galaxy soccer from the world, the approved agreement allows for training camps to begin on Feb. 22 and the MLS season to start on April 3.

That means there isn’t a lot of time for Dennis te Kloese to fill out a roster heavily reliant on academy signings that still has glaring holes in it.

Key player departures have left the club short of depth in the midfield and no first-team wingers, while little has been done to improve the league’s 2nd worst defense.

**And although Galaxy fans have loved seeing Chicharito Hernández really putting in that work to get fit all over social media, there is no plan B on offense if he struggles.**

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A post shared by Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (@ch14_)

But, there are reasons for optimism.

There is so much new new to enjoy! With plenty more new new sure to follow now that the Galaxy begins training camp in 14 days. So far, the Galaxy have announced a new goalkeeper, a new left-back, various new academy signings into the first team, and most importantly, a new coach and coaching staff.

Former Galaxy defender Greg Vanney took over the club in early January and recently added former teammates Dan Calichman, its first-ever captain, and Kevin Hartman, the Galaxy’s goalkeeper when the team won its first MLS Cup to his coaching staff.

Few if any Galaxy faithful were opposed to the move. As head coach, Vanney transformed a terrible Toronto team into an MLS Cup-winner, understands the league, and more importantly, understands what the fans expect of the Galaxy.

So far, Vanney has said all the right things. Stressing that Los Angeles can no longer coast on a legacy of former glories, Vanney has set out to transform the club’s culture. Vanney made 31-year-old Jorge Villafaña his first signing. The veteran left-back will instantly slot into the starting role for the Galaxy. Hopefully, Villafaña’s experience winning MLS Cup with Portland will solidify a backline that conceded 46 goals last year.

Jonathan Bond

Central to this endeavor is new Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond. The 27-year-old Englishman was signed from English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion and is expected to challenge Jonathan Klinsmann for the starting spot. Bond describes himself as a “modern keeper,” comfortable with the ball at his feet and playing out of the back. He will have to be comfortable to bring stability to the defense and make the position his.

Although not expected to immediately contribute to the first team, The Galaxy announced the signings of LA Galaxy 2 players Marcus Ferkranus, Jalen Neal, and Adam Saldaña in January. The move ensures that the Galaxy will be compensated if another team comes in with a transfer offer for one of the talented youngsters, ala Uly Llanez or Alex Mendez.

Perhaps the cherry on top of all the recent new news was the retro-inspired away jersey that was leaked by @Lacasadeljersey two days ago that had Galaxy Twitter in meltdown and #richgalaxyfans ready to hand over all their money.

? #SpoilerCamisetero ?
¿Se viene lo nuevo del @LAGalaxy_Es? @EleteTSC @Footy_Headlines @marcadegol @LaCasacaBlog pic.twitter.com/NvgXRlCdAo
— La Casa Del Jersey (@LaCasaDelJersey) February 7, 2021