Los Angeles Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy were able to defeat Real Salt Lake 1-0 in the first leg of the 2013 MLS playoffs, but they must improve if they have hopes of winning their third-straight MLS Cup this season.

The Galaxy entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed after a second-place finish in the West behind the Portland Timber. They were just four points behind Portland, but they didn't play like it against Real Salt Lake.

Sean Franklin scored L.A.'s lone goal of the game in the early goings of the second half of the match, but there were a plethora of missed opportunities by Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane.

Franklin's first goal in almost five months was enough to push the Galaxy into the second leg, but Donovan and Keane can't keep missing opportunities in the upcoming legs of the playoffs.

They had several opportunities up front to put the game out of reach, though each striker was unable to capitalize on easy opportunities. Credit needs to be given to Real Salt Lake's defense and goalkeeper Nick Rimando, but the fact remains that Donovan and Keane simply weren't effective.

Moving into the second leg, Donovan and Keane will need to work together on spacing in an effort to get open near the net. Both players don't need to look to score every time they touch the ball, but looking to set each other up on the attack will result in more goals scored.

There's a reason the Galaxy have won two straight MLS Cups.

Donovan and Keane make for arguably the top duo in the MLS—and certainly in the Cup playoffs—so it's really just a matter of time before they get going.

Their lack of effectiveness against Real Salt Lake is likely just a blip on the radar, but if it's not, then L.A. will have a tough time in the second leg.

Thankfully for the Galaxy, their defense looks in top form. They played exceptionally well in the first leg, limiting Real Salt Lake's attack and controlling the ball for a majority of the time. They'll certainly need that defense to carry over through the playoffs.

Without improvements offensively, the Galaxy will not record their third-straight MLS title. The New York Red Bulls and the Timbers are simply too strong to beat without having their top strikers at their best.

Getting past the second leg is obviously of the utmost importance at this point, but the Galaxy are one of the few teams that can get away with looking ahead.

United States national team and Los Angeles Galaxy star Landon Donovan will miss some time after suffering a sprained ankle.

According to Scott French of MLSSoccer.com, the midfielder has been ruled out of his club's upcoming CONCACAF Champions League match against Isidro Metapan.

Donovan injured his ankle in Saturday's match against D.C. United and was removed at halftime. He had this to say about the incident:

It was my fault. I gave away a bad ball in midfield and then won it back, but Silva and I got tangled up, he fell on my ankle and it rolled. I couldn't run anymore. I was trying to run and I couldn't run. At that point, you're doing yourself more damage and the team damage.

The veteran has only made 17 starts for the Galaxy this season out of a possible 28, but he is second on the team with eight goals and eight assists. He trails only Robbie Keane in each category.

Still, the club has certainly suffered without him. They stand in fourth place in the Western Conference with only six matches remaining in the regular season. Clint Dempsey's Seattle Sounders are currently in first place.

It will take a strong finishing effort to win a third MLS Cup in a row. 

Additionally, the club hopes to contend for a CONCACAF Champions League title, something that will be difficult to claim without its star player. 

As far as the United States national team goes, the Yanks can afford to rest their star player after clinching a bid to the 2014 World Cup with a win over Mexico.

Still, the squad cannot afford many more injuries after losing Michael Bradley to an ankle injury earlier in the month. 

Both teams certainly hope that Donovan's injury is not too serious.

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The Los Angeles Galaxy have announced that Omar Gonzalez will become their third designated player (DP).

The 24-year-old's contract was set to expire at the end of the season, and a move across the pond would've been the next logical step for him. Now, his European aspirations will have to be put on hold for now.

The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) defender has enjoyed tremendous success with the Galaxy, winning two MLS Cups and MLS Defender of the Year.

Gonzalez is far from the best DP ever that many expected though. Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan are L.A.'s two other current DPs. Former Galaxy designated players include none other than David Beckham and Juan Pablo Angel.

With the likes of Kaka, Frank Lampard, Andrei Arshavin, Gio dos Santos, and Samuel Eto'o all rumored at some point to be the Galaxy's third and final DP, signing Gonzalez to the lucrative contract seems to be somewhat of a letdown.

As for how this impacts the national team, it can be debated whether or not staying in MLS is the right choice for Gonzalez. Going up against tougher competition in Europe is always good for a young player, but staying with the Galaxy and getting guaranteed minutes leading up to the World Cup may be more important.

Gonzalez's DP contract also means a lot for the growth of MLS. The league has recently been keeping and bringing back many USMNT players. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi both signed extensions with Sporting Kansas City. Clarence Goodson now plays for the San Jose Earthquakes. And of course, Clint Dempsey's transfer to Seattle Sounders FC tops them all.

Perhaps this now paves the way for Landon Donovan to re-sign with the Galaxy once he's out of contract at the end of the season. And if Donovan does stay, what does that say about MLS? Perhaps other top American players will remain in the league, or some may even pull a "Clint Dempsey" and make their way back.

Both the Los Angeles Galaxy and Juventus lost in the opening round of the International Champions Cup. The losses ended their hopes of winning the title and sent them into the consolation bracket for the remaining matches.

The Galaxy actually trailed Real Madrid by just one inside the last 20 minutes before Karim Benzema scored to put the match out of reach. It was a showing worthy of praise from the event's only American club, but they simply didn't have the pieces necessary to pull off the upset.

Juventus' loss to Everton came as a surprise due to the Italian squad's success last season. While they were able to equalize late in the match, they couldn't survive penalty kicks as the Toffees punched their ticket to the semifinals.

All that said, it should be an entertaining encounter between two defending champions. Let's examine the key information for the clash, followed by a preview and match prediction.

Where: Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.

When: Saturday, Aug. 3 at 10:30 p.m. ET (3:30 a.m. BT)

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go

Preview

What made the Galaxy's performance against Real Madrid impressive was the fact they were able to keep it close despite Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez not playing. The role players stepped up to avoid a blowout.

Of course, the Blancos are still searching for top form as they work toward the new campaign. If it was a midseason match with something important on the line, the result probably would be more lopsided. But it should still give Los Angeles some confidence.

Unlike the European clubs, the Galaxy are in the midst of their regular season, which is an advantage. They already have the chemistry the other squads are currently building, and which was noticeably absent for Juventus in their loss to Everton.

Alas, it's hard to imagine the Galaxy earning any victories in the tournament unless they get some star power back. Donovan, who was tremendous in the United States' run to the Gold Cup title, would give the club a much-needed attacking boost.

Los Angeles do not have the talent to keep pace with the marquee clubs otherwise.

Although it's just preseason, Juventus can't be happy with their performance against Everton. They struggled to maintain attacking pressure and allowed Everton, who lack offensive stars, to steal the win.

The only goal the Vecchia Signora scored came off a fortunate deflection in the Everton box. Full marks to Kwadwo Asamoah for striking a laser past Tim Howard, but better defending and Juventus wouldn't have found the scoreboard.

Juventus need a far more comprehensive effort in attack. Along with Asamoah, players like new arrival Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal must rise to the occasion. The Galaxy back line should provide less resistance than the wall Everton put up for most of the match.

Juventus are the deeper and more talented side. That should shine through, allowing them to earn the victory, but the Galaxy should be able to keep it close.

Prediction: Juventus 2, LA Galaxy 1

In his 10th-consecutive start for the Los Angeles Galaxy, Gyasi Zardes netted his third goal of the season, and it wasn't just any old goal. It was the first goal he's scored using his feet. The equalizer against the Vancouver Whitecaps last Saturday showcased the incredible talent and skill that the 21-year-old possesses. 

After signing with the Galaxy as a Homegrown player before the season began, expectations were high for the youngster. He was widely considered to be one of the best players coming out of college, and if he had gone through the MLS superdraft, there's no doubt that he would've been picked first overall.

Known for his speed and eccentric hairstyle, the young forward has had somewhat of an average season so far. The match against the Whitecaps was his chance to step up and lead the Galaxy attack as both Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan were unavailable to play.

Zardes did indeed put his best foot forward and out-shot the entire Vancouver team 6-2. He's done the same to Chivas USA (8-6) and FC Dallas (7-6) this season. Not afraid to shoot, the 21-year-old ranks seventh in the league (minimum 11 appearances) in shots per game with 3.2.

Just for some perspective on how impressive Zardes' feat is, the league's leader in shots per game, Camilo Sanvezzo (3.7), has only out-shot an opposing team once in 15 starts this season.

The young speedster does have much to learn and improve on though. He averages 3.1 turnovers per game (the most in MLS) and only has a 67 percent pass-completion rate.

In comparison, Robbie Keane, his strike partner and arguably the best forward in MLS, has a 77.6 percent pass-completion rate and turns the ball over 1.9 times per game (18th in the league).

However, the Irish captain makes up for his giveaways in assists and key passes. With seven assists this season, he's tied with Sebastien Le Toux for the lead and 2.9 key passes per game puts him in fifth.

With Robbie Keane still questionable for the upcoming match against Colorado and Landon Donovan away on Gold Cup duty, Gyasi once again has the opportunity to be the focal point of the offense.

If he can build off of his great performance last week and continue to impress, there's no reason why he can't contend for MLS Rookie of the Year honors.

Landon Donovan is back to his old tricks since returning to the L.A. Galaxy after a brief hiatus from soccer. 

In fact, by many metrics, Donovan can be considered one of the top playmakers in all of MLS so far this season. 

The most prolific goalscorer in United States men’s national team history has started in 12 MLS matches and appeared in 13 for the two-time defending MLS Cup Champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy. 

He has certainly been aggressive since his voyage back to California, committing the third most fouls of anyone on Los Angeles (1.5 per match, 19 total) and receiving one yellow card.  Only Juninho and Marcelo Sarvas have committed more fouls for L.A., having been whistled 1.5 (26 total) and 2.9 (46 total) times per match respectively.  Sarvas’ figure is the highest total in all of MLS 2013. 

Donovan has always been a finisher. He has the most goals in U.S. national team history (49) and the second most caps per goal with 2.8 just a notch behind current U.S. captain, Clint Dempsey (2.9).  He also has the third most goals in MLS history, having tallied 127 times and only trails Jeff Cunningham (134) and Jaime Moreno (133).

He has picked up where he left off in that category, having notched the second highest (three) amount of goals for current Galaxy players so far trailing only Robbie Keane.  Mike Magee’s total of six still leads L.A. even though he has been traded to the Chicago Fire. 

Donovan’s goals have come with the fourth highest shots-per-match ratio on L.A. (1.7, 22 total) giving him a 13.6 percent conversion rate. 

While Donovan’s contributions in scoring have been needed for L.A., a look at chance creation and Donovan’s playmaking statistics clearly shows where he shines brightest for head coach Bruce Arena. 

Since his first MLS match in 2013, a 2-2 draw with Toronto FC, Donovan has dished out 27 key passes, just over two per match (2.1).  That figure is second behind only Keane (28 total key passes, or 3.1 per match) on the Galaxy.  Donovan’s 2.1 key passes per match is also the seventh highest total in all of MLS.  The Columbus Crew’s Federico Higuain leads the league with 4.3 key passes per match. 

It makes perfect sense that Donovan has been able to dish out such a high rate of key passes so far considering he is tied for second in all-time MLS assists with Carlos Valderrama (114), looking up only at Steve Ralston (135). 

Once again, Donovan has not missed since his break in regards to assists and is having one of the best seasons in MLS so far in the aforementioned category.  He has notched four total, tied for the ninth highest figure so far in MLS.  He is not so far off the league leaders (David Ferreria, Sebastien Le Toux and Robbie Keane) either; who are tied with six assists each.  The California native is also tied for eighth in assist per MLS appearance with 0.3. 

Donovan is connecting three out of every four of his passes (75 percent).  This figure is almost exactly around L.A.’s team average pass success rate (75.1 percent) when including players with at least nine appearances in MLS 2013. 

The Galaxy’s captain is far more likely to look short with his pass attempts than he is with longer passes.  In fact, Donovan connects on average 2.1 long balls per match.  Midfielder Juninho connects the most long balls per match for L.A., linking up with a teammate on a long pass 5.9 times per match.     

The MLS legend has always been capable of beating defenders off the dribble, so it comes as no surprise that he is tied for the lead for L.A. with Robbie Keane and Marcelo Sarvas in successful dribbles per match with 1.3.

Not too much to report in terms of defensive statistics for Donovan who has mostly been deployed as a winger or striker by Arena.

Indeed, Donovan is certainly continuing to do what he has always done in MLS: score goals and create for teammates at a serious clip.

One team stat, though, might well nag at Landon Donovan: only 24 points so far for L.A., just one ahead of the Colorado Rapids for the last Western Conference Playoff spot.  He will undoubtedly make it his mission to dramatically increase that figure once he returns from Gold Cup duty likely in early August. 

All data based on MLS matches through July 2, 2013.  MLS Statistics gathered from WhoScored.

During the time of the soccer calendar where plenty of European clubs are unveiling new kits, the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer had a kit unveiling of their own.

Just hours after the club acquired MLS veteran Pablo Mastroeni from the Colorado Rapids, they made a much bigger splash through social media with their new third kit (via MLSSoccer.com).

According to the press release on the club's official website, the kit was designed by a fan named Carlos Rodriguez.

The kit resembles the color scheme that the Galaxy used when they started as a franchise in 1996.

Rodriguez's inspiration came from attending a Galaxy match at the Rose Bowl in that inaugural season against the New York-New Jersey MetroStars, which is the franchise now known as the New York Red Bulls.

“That year set forth what this team is about. The team didn’t win MLS Cup that year, but this team is built to win and these colors represent winning to me,”

                                                    -Carlos Rodriguez via lagalaxy.com June 15, 2013.

Los Angeles president Chris Klein also chimed in on the fan contest that was in charge of choosing the new kit design.

“It’s important to involve our fans in anything that we do, so to do this in an innovative way where we, literally, put the design of our third kit in their hands was something that we’re really excited about,”

                                                   -Chris Klein via lagalaxy.com June 15, 2013.

According to the same press release quoted above on the club's website, the new kit will be worn for the first time on August 17 against Real Salt Lake.

What do you think of the new Galaxy kit?

Comment below or leave me a comment on Twitter, @JTansey90.