Galaxy revved up their training session Thursday ahead of this weekend's game against the New England Revolution at The Home Depot Center.
The biggest and best news out of today's session was the return of Landon Donovan, pictured right in a photo taken earlier this year. Donovan did not rejoin the guys on the field, but did take part in a team meeting that broke down the Revolution's on-field tactics. Even though his body is still in South Africa time, he promised fireworks "on and off the field" for Saturday's game. When asked by media if he was going to play in the game, Donovan responded, "I'm hoping too.""My body feels pretty good," the 27-year-old said. "I'm probably fitter maybe than I've ever been from all the running. It's nice having a few days off, but this is what I do. I want to be able to contribute Saturday, and I think the team is excited to have me back and I'm excited to be back and I'm excited to play here again."
On the field, after two days of small-field drills, the club opened up things and went 11v11. The drills included, for the first time in a blue and gold uniform, newly acquired forward Alecko Eskandarian. Eskandarian, who caught himself heading down to the wrong locker room yesterday (you know, those other guys down the hall), was being used as an attacking option. The 2004 MLS Cup MVP is available for selection, but it has not yet been determined whether or not he will be in uniform on the field or on the bench.
Someone who is likely to see more playing time is goalkeeper Josh Saunders, pictured left. With Donovan Ricketts called up by Jamaica to play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, Saunders has been preparing for the game against New England as if he were going to be the starter. Ricketts, who's first game with Jamaica is at The Home Depot Center on Friday, may end up playing in the game, but Saunders isn't leaving anything for chance. Neither are the coaches, who today called up league pool goalkeeper Kevin Guppy, who was on the bench for the Galaxy in games against Real Salt Lake and San Jose last month.Finally, Todd Dunivant was interviewed by 95.5 KLOS' Cynthia Fox on her VideoBlog. Coincidentally, 95.5 KLOS is powering Saturday night's Fireworks Extravaganza. In case you missed the chat, here it is for your enjoyment.
Where are Birchall and Haskins?????
ReplyDeleteThanks for the training update. So, I guess Josh Saunders is going to get his shot at goalie again - OK? I hope all goes well. YES< Landon's back. I hope he gets to play - but, getting re-charged and rested is very important now... All that playing/running/traveling - I think it's going to soon catch-up to Landon. Nonetheless - good to have him back.
ReplyDeleteTodd, thanks so much for being positive, candid, and mentioning the fans. I, especially, want to give a shout-out to our terrific supporters' groups, as well - The ACB, Riot Squad, and the Galaxians. Let's make sure, on Jul. 4th - we're all there in our gear, and letting the visiting team know where we are and the home-team we support.