Comments on: Galaxy v Whitecaps Review

By: Jon E

Jon E — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:51:43 +0000

I’m with Jeff–Wicks settled down some but he didn’t inspire any more confidence in me than Cronin does. In fact, early on, he made some pretty weird and frightening choices. One can attribute that to his rustiness and to the whole defense being cobbled together, but it strikes me as wishful thinking to use this game as proof that Wicks is a better choice than Cronin.

By: justin

justin — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:07:50 +0000

Well you better call Ruud and let him know you want to change his formation. lol Also I have seen the reserve games at the HDC and I am a Season ticket holder so I could be missing things that you see on tv, who knows.

By: charlesj27

charlesj27 — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:57:13 +0000

Sorry Justin – not to be disrespectful. I will admit that there were a high number of turn-overs when Josh had the ball and were making the charging runs. But, in that game against Vancouver Whitecaps at Edmonton… both physical size, energy, and clear desire to win was on the side of the Whitecaps. Josh played as he thought he must… he took on the role of attacking mid-fielder… because the service from Beckham to Alan or to Jordan kept getting smacked down by Whitecaps defensive line. In those instances – YES – you would need an attacking midfielder to charge ahead and try to get “scurried” or “knock-off” goals. Josh is not elegant and clinical, but the young man has heart & grit. Maybe you’re right… with what Head Coach Ruud is trying to set-up and accomplish, Josh is finding it hard to fit-in and be what the coach wants him to be… May be? But, in that game – I believe, Josh did the right thing. Cronin vs. Wicks… Yes, both of them can stay and find positions inside the pentalty area. However, MORE loose balls have been tipped away / knocked away by Wicks than by Cronin. Wicks (from what I’ve repeatedly seen) seems to have the faster reaction times. However, BOTH Cronin and Wicks are athletic, fit goal-keepers. I certainly would not mind if our LA Galaxy kept both of them! You are right, Roberts worked hard in our LA Galaxy game vs. NY Red Bulls. He did indeed block/post-up against Jozy many times. However, has he been just as commanding in “air-ball / fly-ball” situations? Not that I’ve seen. A full-back is NOT just a physical defender… but, also a “hawk” & a “dragon” during air-balls & fly-balls towards net. A full-back should not always leave that duty to just the Goal-Keeper behind them. Yes, our LA Galaxy defensive line does need a LOT of work… I just don’t know how our LA Galaxy team is going to acheive quick, reactive, effective coverage of opposiional forwards and loose-balls with the current senior line-up our LA Galaxy have??? On Sunday, our LA Galxy face FC Dallas… a team with FAST forwards (Cooper, Alvarez, Ricardinho)… Do we see Xavier and Vanney effectively stopping / thwarting them ???

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:35:34 +0000

Yeah I am with Jeff Tudela turned a whole lot of balls over. He seems to be more of an attacking mid, and we do not need that in the way our lineup is now. With Wicks I have seen a few reserve games and he is in position almost always but Cronin is also. We need to fix our de Back line and that will help a million times over. Also I notice everyone is always quick to blame Roberts for things and if you watch the New York game he was all over Altidore he did a great job and has been doing good back there.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:25:55 +0000

You guys are kidding right? I took that game as a sign of why Wicks isn’t ready. Also, while Tudela had plenty of hustle, he gave away enough balls that I didn’t bother counting. It was good to see Jazic back in action though.

By: charlesj27

charlesj27 — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:21:59 +0000

Ditto on Wicks being the first choice on GK over Cronin. Tower0surfer, I do agree… Josh Tudela is playing with more urgency and intensity. Always good to see. If he gets the proper coaching & time on the practice field, plus more opportunities to play competitive matches, his abilities will only improve, I think. It was interesting to note that Josh was playing both as an attacking midfielder and as a defensive midfielder in this exhibition game. What a “NASTY / HORRIBLE” pitch. Good lord, no wonder David walked off in the 72nd minute, I believe. Abel was pure molasses on that field. You know – still, even now, too many “balls-towards-net” get past Troy Roberts. Is something the matter with him (No, seriously, does he have vertigo or something???) Ante Jazic seems to have his speed back, but, still needs much more scrimmage time with the team to get the communication between him, Vanney, and Abel down. Yes, everyone – I too am anxiously wondering and waiting what will transpire for our LA Galaxy during the transfer season. I just hope we get some of our regulars playing again for a full 90 minutes. We have TOUGH games ahead of us this month. We need everyone healthy and fully-charged. David is okay, isn’t he?

By: TJ

TJ — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:07:25 +0000

Before we even think about starting a petition to get Wicks to start between the pipes (which I am in favor of), we need to get a petition going amongst all Galaxy fans / season ticket holders to either get Lalas to resign or fired – whichever comes first. Seriously, he has to go – his time has come and AEG needs to wake up.

By: Glen

Glen — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:51:05 +0000

the Edmonton Journal did a good job it sounds like on their assessment of the game.

By: Glen

Glen — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:40:55 +0000

There is no question wicks is so much further along in his GK skills and instincts, you have it or you don’t. I feel Cronin don’t have them. Should we all pitch in and get a banner flown over the Galaxy practice saying Play Wicks!

By: jen

jen — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:11:11 +0000

The transfer window is June 15th to August 15th.