The big story in LA is of course, David Beckham.  The LA Galaxy, or as some like to call them Cirque de LA, actually have a preseason camp going on with players not named David Beckham.  I know big shocker.  The work that Bruce Arena has been doing with LA Galaxy is starting to come together.  I think it is a good idea to take a look at how their roster is shaping up and who I think will make the final cut.

Senior roster (20 players)

Forwards: Donovan, Buddle, Gordon, Magee, Kirovski, Jordan

Midfielders: Beckham, Klein, Lewis,  Kovalenko, Tudela, Miglioranzi

Defenders: Sanneh, Dunivant, Franklin, McDonald, DeLaGarza, Randolph

Goalies: Ricketts, Saunders

The battle between Wicks and Saunders for the backup GK role will be interesting.  Neither is really that good, but someone needs to back up Ricketts.  Arena will probably bring in a few more trialists, one of which is likely to be a center back. I think Miglioranzi and De LaGarza would be the first to miss out on a roster spot if someone comes in that deserves a roster spot.

Dev roster (4 players)

1. Gonzalez D.

2. Sesay MF/F

3. Bowan F

4. Yohance Marshall D

All of these players have tremendous upsides.  Bowan and Sesay are both very young and fast attacking players. Omar Gonzalez could get a lot of minutes this season at center back.  Marshall is still a question mark in my book, but with the lack of depth in the backline he might be kept just for the numbers.

Not looking good:

1. Patterson MF

2. Allen MF/F

3. Boatang MF/F

4. Griffin MF/D

5. Valentin D

6. Roberts D

7. Wicks D

Many of these guys are falling victim to the reduced roster size. If Boateng and Patterson can’t contribute right away there is no space for them on the roster since some of the younger guys have more upside.  Griffin is a good professional but might not have done enough to earn a spot.  Allen, Wicks, and Roberts should find work in MLS somewhere.  Valentin, former U20 standout, is probably USL bound.

Possible Starting Lineups:

Buddle    Donovan

Lewis    Kova   Becks   Klein

Dunivant   Sanneh  Gonzalez   Franklin

Ricketts

Or:

Buddle     Donovan

Magee Kova  Mcdonald Beckham

Lewis      Sanneh   Gonzalez    Franklin

Ricketts

This is what I would like to see:

Buddle    Magee

Lewis     Kova    Donovan   Beckham

Dunivant     Sanneh     Franklin     Klein

Ricketts

The team is still missing a quality center defender.  Another concern is the age of some of their players. Overall, it is a much better team that last season.

By: Eric Fulton

Spring Wish List

1. For our 8 unique teams to coalesce into strong and organized groups with fun, unique personalities.
2. For our upcoming ‘FC Denver “Kick Cancer in the B*lls” Coed Tournament’  – Sunday March 8th – to go off well and serve its purpose of raising assistance funds to help one of our own.
3. For our new Management members to enjoy their first season leading FC Denver teams (Bill Bolsen, Cassandra Montoya, Rick Bowen).
4. For our teams to be passionate, well-intentioned, and successful on-and-off the field.
5. For injuries to be a fleeting occurrence.
6. For all of our players to attend practice and for the practices to be focused and incisive.
7. For our new players to get involved in the joy of the game and the desire to give back to our community.
8. For our Women’s program to take a confident step forward in creating two talented and cohesive teams.
9. For Lino to score his first ever goal.

You don’t think I’m asking for too much, am I? Do you have anything to add to the list ?

ef