This, That & Impending Disaster!

So with a little spare time today I would like to throw out my opinions on some of the big issues and events that have recently taken over the Galaxy Universe. Go ahead and grab another cup of coffee, because this is going to get a little scary!

Edson Buddle Signs with FC Ingolstadt 04

Whats that? You have never heard of FC Ingolstadt 04? Yeah, me neither until yesterday. Now I know that they are 2nd division German team that is very soon going to be relegated to the 3rd division unless they start winning games.

This should have come to a shock to most Galaxy Fans. Sure we had heard of Buddle’s name being tossed around at Rangers, but I don’t think we ever expected our star striker to take a position in Germany. And then not even in the top flight of the Bundesliga. I just don’t get this move.

Rumors speculate that Buddle turned down a $400,000 (Non DP) payday to go to Germany. So I hope its worth it for him.

The bigger issue concerning the team is that we now have no number one striker signed to a contract. Current strikers include Kirovski, Magee, Jordan and Donovan. We have issues folks. Issues the draft can’t necessarily help us out on.

Cristman from DC United

In a surprise move just announced this morning, the LA Galaxy acquired Adam Cristman from DC United. Cristman totaled two goals last season while appearing in 17 games (Making 8 starts). The Galaxy traded a first round pick in the upcoming 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft.

Don’t panic Galaxy fans. This move was not a replacement for Buddle. This is about picking up a serviceable sub for later in the game. Cristman will join Magee and Kirovski in battling for the 2nd striker position.

I don’t want to say this is a “panic move” because I am hoping that Head Coach Bruce Arena has some greater master plan with all these little moves. But I don’t think I can keep defending him, especially if he loses out on Juan Pablo Angel.

No News From JPA

Remember the sense of euphoria that enveloped the Galaxy faithful when we found out that Arena had picked up the former Red Bulls striker during the second round of the re-entry draft? Well all those good thoughts, care bears and happy rainbows have ended quickly. With absolutely no word coming from either the Galaxy Front Office nor Juan Pablo Angel himself, I have to assume that no news is bad news.

With Buddle’s departure it is now even more evident that the Galaxy are taking a step backwards with regards to finding a viable primary striker, let alone a second striker. There is still a lot of time remaining in the off season, but I am worried that the clock is ticking.

Galaxy Announce a New 2nd Kit

The only bright spot recently seems to come from the front office’s announcement of a brand new 2nd kit for the 2011 season. For all of you paying attention I think we wore the dark navy blue 2nd kit three times last year. But maybe I am wrong.

However, I really like the tones on the new kit and I am hopeful we will wear it much more often. In fact, I would love to see us break out the kit against Seattle on opening day.

Needless to say, some people like it, some people don’t. That never really changes with anything new announced to the Galaxy faithful. If my opinion counts, I will be buying one as soon as my bank account allows it.

You can take a look at the new kit here.

Cobi Jones Departs for NY Cosmos

Yep, you got that right… Cobi Jones has departed his position as LA Galaxy Assistant Coach to become the new Associate Director of Soccer for the New York Cosmos. And yes, you are also correct in your statement that the Cosmos currently don’t have any players nor an actual team. But none the less he is gone.

I have never been a particularity huge fan of Cobi Jones the assistant coach. Cobi Jones the US and Galaxy Soccer player rank up there as far as legend status go, but as a coach I never found him all that enjoyable. So I will leave it up to the rest of you to discuss whether this is a huge loss to the team or not. I am staying out of this one!

On the Pitch

Bottom line for the Galaxy is that they now have more questions than they started the season with. Buddle has departed and we are now in need of a primary striker as opposed to just needing that second striker. There is no news on the JPA front and Cristman seems like an odd pickup. Juninho is missing in action and I would expect that any deal to permanently sign him is going to cost us some cash.

Really the only bright spot is that three of our defenders are currently in the Unites States Mens National Team camp, and that our starting backline will remain intact. We have the ‘Keeper of the Year’ returning between the pipes and our two outside midfielders look to be healthy and readying themselves for the upcoming season (Notice how I didn’t say anything about Beckham and all the Spurs nonsense that is constantly being talked about?). But we still lack an attacking central Midfielder as well as two strikers up top.

I worry about our depth, especially with the heavy schedule we will be playing once the season rolls around (US Open Cup, CCL, and League games). All of these things need to be ironed out before we step on the pitch.

So lets let Beckham deal his way through Spurs training and then pin his butt to the Penalty spot at the home depot center for the rest of the year, lets sign Juan Pablo Angel, draft a tall and powerful striker and keep our fingers crossed. What else can we do, crying in the corner only lasts for so long!