MLS LA Galaxy

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Published on March 5, 2015 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, Calif. - The task is a familiar one for the defending MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy entering Friday's MLS regular-season opener against the Chicago Fire at StubHub Center (7 p.m., UniMas).

The Galaxy would love to maintain the status quo, starting with making sure their home field remains an almost impregnable fortress, and get in position for another title run. But a tough challenge awaits them as they embark on their quest for a fourth MLS Cup in the last five seasons.

First and foremost, Landon Donovan retired not only as Major League Soccer's all-time leader in regular-season goals and assists but as the holder of a record six MLS Cups. Midfield stalwart Marcelo Sarvas was traded to the Colorado Rapids.

The Galaxy also know they're going to get their opponents' best every time they take the field, but that's nothing new. They're ready as always, starting with adding to their home dominance.

"We need to continue to do the same (thing we did last year)," Robbie Keane told reporters. "We need to make sure that this place is difficult for players and teams to come.

"We want them to not enjoy coming here and know that it'll be a difficult game when you play against the LA Galaxy."

StubHub Center has resembled a house of horrors for opponents since the Galaxy won the first of their consecutive championships in 2011.

Since that season, the Galaxy have lost just nine regular-season games at home. A year ago when they won their record fifth title, the Galaxy lost just once at home - the season opener to Real Salt Lake - finished 12-1-4 at home and outscored opponents 44-14 at StubHub Center.

Can the Galaxy maintain that excellence? Do they have what it takes to mount a successful title defense? Players sounded optimistic about such chances, but don't ask head coach Bruce Arena for his opinion.

"I haven't given it any thought, to be honest with you," he said. "You get your team ready for the first game, you play the season, you move along and see what needs to be done every step along the way to make your team better. It's usually decided at the end of the season, from what I can tell.

"I think it's comical when I see teams talk about that. It doesn't make any sense right now talking about winning MLS Cup. It's a long way away."

The Galaxy, who open against a Fire team that finished ninth in the East last season, return the likes of Keane and Gyasi Zardes, who combined for 35 goals and 16 assists and much of an offense that scored a league-high 69 goals. There also is a defense that allowed just 37 goals (tied for fewest overall with D.C. United) and is anchored by goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, who had eight shutouts. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard arrives this summer to further bolster the midfield.

Versatile defender A.J. DeLaGarza said the Galaxy are prepared for the season that awaits them.

"Everyone's gunning after you," he said. "You're going to get everyone's best game. It's just hard when you're going to get everyone's best game and you have to be at your best 34 plus games. That's not easy.

"A lot of us have done it before, and I don't think it's anything we can't handle. We have to make sure when we're playing well we have to make sure we don't think we get too high on ourselves and think we're going to run over this league."

Added forward Alan Gordon, who provided a spark off the bench in the stretch run last year following his acquisition from San Jose, "It's a tough league, first and foremost. I don't think it's easy to do what this team's done. But I think we have a solid squad and will be in contention.

"It's always a tough task to win the championship. I think we'll still be good and find ways to put together a good squad. Bruce is a master at doing that. I have confidence in that regard."

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