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LA Galaxy

Robbie Rogers Sets a Course for the First Team

April 14, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, Calif. - Robbie Rogers completed his first hurdle on his road back to the LA Galaxy first team on Sunday with a confident 39 minute showing in LA Galaxy II's 3-0 loss to Sacramento Republic on Sunday.

In his first action since a closed-door preseason game against Orange County Blues in January, Rogers was one of Los Dos' most active players as he attempted to spark the Galaxy's USL PRO affiliate's attack amid a poor offensive performance. Despite missing the last three months with a stress reaction in his left ankle, Rogers appeared sharp down the right flank in the closing minutes for Galaxy II.

After a frustrating 2013 and a poor start to the year, Rogers was thankful for the opportunity to get some minutes under his belt against Sacramento.

"I felt great. It's been over two months since my first preseason game. It took forever for the bone to heel, but it's nice to play a game. I've been training for about a week now and it's just nice to have these real competitive games," Rogers told LAGalaxy.com. "Last year, we didn't have a team like this so I think that this is such a great investment for the Galaxy for younger players and guys that have gotten injured. It felt great to play here."

Rogers admitted afterward that despite the choppiness of the game, that he felt able to use his speed, which was too often limited by injuries during his ill-fated 2013 campaign. Against Sacramento, the 26-year-old helped set up several dangerous sequences as the team looked to claw their way back into the match.

"I thought that he stepped in and looked sharp. He had a good presence and helped us get some balls in front of goal which helped us. It was a really solid performance," Galaxy II head coach Curt Onalfo said. "[Rogers' situation] is a case where this helps players through injury and get some minutes which is good for his progression and helps the first team."

Although Rogers moved forward with his recovery on Sunday night, the Galaxy midfielder expects to see more time with Los Dos before he makes his way back into the fold with the first team.

"I feel good. I feel like a few more games and I should be ready to go. Again, getting games is so important," said Rogers. "I'm hoping to get my rhythm and then be ready to play for the first team again."

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