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Only a few days after the turmoil of losing their head coach and their club President/General Manager, the Galaxy took the field on Thursday night for this year's final installment of the Honda SuperClasico against Chivas USA.
The Galaxy looked like a new team, perhaps not so much from a technical standpoint, but certainly a different spirit. Looking at their faces, one could tell that they felt relieved, as though the weight of the world had been lifted off their shoulders and they were now free to do what they do best -- play soccer.
Both teams were desperate for a victory Thursday night. The Galaxy's David Beckham was quoted as saying that it was a "must win" situation for the team. In the end, it was an entertaining game, with the Galaxy getting the first and last goals of the match. The last goal coming in dramatic fashion in the dieing minutes of the game, tieing the score for the Galaxy and allowing them to bring the Honda SuperClasico trophy back to its rightful owner.
The drama on the field was matched by activity in the suites overlooking the pitch at the Home Depot Center. Former U.S. Men's National Team head coach Bruce Arena was spotted sharing some time with AEG CEO Tim Leiweke, and later, with Galaxy Director of Soccer operations, Paul Bravo. Arena is widely considered to be the leading candidate to take the reins as the new Galaxy head coach, and his meeting with Leiweke certainly was no coincidence. ESPN later reported that it was a done deal and that it is only a matter of time before Arena is announced as the new coach.
For those wondering about AEG's significance, they own the Galaxy and it was Leiweke himself that rattled the cages in the days leading up to the departure of Alexi Lalas and Ruud Gullit.
With Arena in charge, we could have a rather interesting final phase to the season. Arena is one of the most successful MLS coaches in its short history, but his success came in the early years of the league. However, he is proven within the league, and his subsequent success coaching the U.S. Men's National Team cannot be considered a coincidence. This could prove to be a rather fruitful move for the Galaxy, assuming the league hasn't passed him by, but this is unlikely.
All those notes aside, a number of other stories have surfaced since Monday's shake up at Galaxy central.
Topping the list is the disturbing story that Beckham's people were influential or responsible for the hiring of Ruud Gullit in the first place. Yes, hindsight is 20/20 and we can now all agree that Gullit's hiring was a bad move, but his hiring is not the problem per se. Instead, it is the possibility that a given player has that much influence over the team. That is not good any way you slice it and there is no indication from Beckham's camp indicating that the story is factually incorrect.
Assuming it is true, the fact the Leiweke was the one seen with Arena would seem to indicate that AEG is not too fond of the idea either. A good move on AEG's part.
The coming days or weeks are likely to reveal many answers to this and other stories that have surfaced.
For the team and its fans, it is time to move on. The team will soon have a new coach, and one that is likely to have a positive effect on the team. The playoffs are still within reach and there is plenty of time to heal wounds, mental and physical alike. It is time for Galaxy soccer.
Come Thursday night against Chicago, a standing ovation in support of the players and Cobi Jones would seem a merited action to thank them for their efforts despite their turmoil.
GO GALAXY!!
Photo by Lord Jim via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
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What efforts? Thursday night the Galaxy drew against Chivas USA, a club missing a huge chunk of its starting lineup and instead playing at least four players who are USL quality at best.
Face it: This Galaxy squad is simply bad. Beckham or no, it doesn't deserve to make the playoffs.
It is funny how people confuse the definitions of the words "earned" and "deserved."
The season didn't end yesterday or today for that matter.
Both teams, as others in the league, still have a chance to "earn" themselves a spot in the playoffs. That's regardless of whether they are terrible, good or great.
Nobody is forcing anyone to support any team. There is also no need for me to go slash my wrists because I happen to support one that hasn't done well. There are more important things in life than be bitter about a soccer season.