New Defender in LA Galaxy's Sights

With the worst defensive record in the league last season, the Los Angeles Galaxy are in desperate need of shoring up their defensive ranks. Honduran Muma Bernárdez could be part of the answer.

Nov 28, 2008 11:54:13 AM

MLS Chicago Fire coach Dave Sarachan (ISI)

The Los Angeles Galaxy had an abysmal defensive performance this past season, so it's no wonder the team is looking to reinforce their backline corps. To that end, Galaxy assistant coach Dave Sarachan was in Estadio Olympico of Honduras to scout last week's Mexico-Honduras World Cup qualifier. That match had the Central Americans beating out Mexico to finish atop of their World Cup qualifying group.

One player in that contest is already known worldwide for his defensive prowess. It's unlikely, though, that star Barcelona centerback Rafael Marquez was the object of the Galaxy's interest.

Instead, press reports from Honduras have emerged pegging the Galaxy's target as defender Víctor "Muma" Bernárdez. Negotiations between the Galaxy and Motagua, the current club of Bernárdez, are said to be ongoing.

Bernárdez was part of the Honduran defensive effort that held Mexico scoreless in the match Sarachan observed. He had a recent trial with English club Birmingham, but that did not result in a contract offer.

The Galaxy last contracted another Honduran player, forward Carlos Pavon, in 2007, but his contract was not renewed at the close of the season.

--Andrea Canales, Goal.com