|
|
LA Galaxy rue loss of Omar Gonzalez
Surgery earlier in the week for a torn ACL will rule Omar Gonzalez out for seven to nine months, which undermines the Galaxy's defense.
Jan 20, 2012 2:43:00 AM
By Zac Lee Rigg
Victor Decolongon
LOS ANGELES – Omar Gonzalez's torn ACL also tore a hole in the LA Galaxy defense. Facing the prospect of missing the 2011 MLS Defender of the Year for the bulk of 2012, the Galaxy bemoaned his loss.
The 23-year-old was injured on the first day he spent on loan with FC Nurnberg.
"It's so disappointing because he's a talented young kid and he was exceptional last season," David Beckham said. "It's sad to see, but he'll be back playing. He's professional and he'll be working hard on himself."
Beckham, no stranger to lengthy injuries himself having missed the 2010 World Cup after he ripped his Achilles tendon, advised patience.
"When you're young like that you tend to want to get back sooner than you should," the 36-year-old said. "I hope he takes his time. He'll be looked after; we've got great medical staff at the Galaxy."
While Gonzalez recovers, and indeed possibly after his contract expires at the end of the year, the Galaxy need a replacement.
Bruce Arena said a new deal for Brazilian defender Leonardo is being discussed. However, he confirmed defenders Frankie Hejduk, Dasan Robinson and Chris Leach would not be returning. Gregg Berhalter also left the club over the offseason.
As Arena scouts for external options, he currently has two more players out on loan in Europe. On Jan. 14, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane squared off against each other when Everton and Aston Villa met in the Premier League.
"It's good to see," Arena said. "In their cases the loans are good, and I still say in the case of Omar it would have been a good experience for him. Unfortunately he suffered an injury. It's a good statement for our league when you see MLS players playing in the Premiership. Teams want them. That says a lot about our league and our team."
Follow ZAC LEE RIGG on
or shoot him an email.
The 23-year-old was injured on the first day he spent on loan with FC Nurnberg.
"It's so disappointing because he's a talented young kid and he was exceptional last season," David Beckham said. "It's sad to see, but he'll be back playing. He's professional and he'll be working hard on himself."
Beckham, no stranger to lengthy injuries himself having missed the 2010 World Cup after he ripped his Achilles tendon, advised patience.
"When you're young like that you tend to want to get back sooner than you should," the 36-year-old said. "I hope he takes his time. He'll be looked after; we've got great medical staff at the Galaxy."
While Gonzalez recovers, and indeed possibly after his contract expires at the end of the year, the Galaxy need a replacement.
Bruce Arena said a new deal for Brazilian defender Leonardo is being discussed. However, he confirmed defenders Frankie Hejduk, Dasan Robinson and Chris Leach would not be returning. Gregg Berhalter also left the club over the offseason.
As Arena scouts for external options, he currently has two more players out on loan in Europe. On Jan. 14, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane squared off against each other when Everton and Aston Villa met in the Premier League.
"It's good to see," Arena said. "In their cases the loans are good, and I still say in the case of Omar it would have been a good experience for him. Unfortunately he suffered an injury. It's a good statement for our league when you see MLS players playing in the Premiership. Teams want them. That says a lot about our league and our team."
Follow ZAC LEE RIGG on
or shoot him an email.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.