Columbian International Juan Pablo Angel is halfway to being a member of the LA Galaxy, after today's second round of the re-entry draft. Juan Pablo Angel has split time this decade between Aston Villa of the English Premier League and the New York Red Bulls. The forward scored 44 goals in 175 appearances for Aston Villa, and 58 goals in 102 appearances for New York. Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was quoted yesterday saying that Landon Donovan could possibly move up to forward next year, but if they are able to add Juan Pablo Angel the Galaxy would have last years MLS second highest goal scorer in Edson Buddle and the seventh highest goal scored in JPA.
The Galaxy began the day by trading with Houston for the fifth and f picks in the re-entry draft, giving up a fourth round pick in 2014's amateur Superdraft . The Galaxy knew Angel could go before the fifth pick, but that was the closest the Galaxy could get to the top. Bruce knew he wanted Angel before the draft started, but said that if he was prepared for the possibility of not getting him.
"In the re-entry draft all the teams are doing is aquiring the rights to players, there is still a negotiating period. We think he's a very fine forward, I was part of bringing him into the league in 2006. We're hopeful we can reach an agreement."
Bruce Arena was complimentary about Juan Pablo Angel's ability to compliment Edson Buddle. He called him very good in front of the goal, stating that he's scored more than fifty goals in his time in MLS. Arena said the Galaxy and Juan Pablo Angel want to make something work, so a deal seems likely.
The Galaxy's other pick in the re-entry draft was Luke Sassano, also from the New York Red Bulls, a young Midfielder. Sassano made 19 appearances in 2009, but due to a knee injury missed most of 2010. Luke has also made appearances as a defender, an area of the field where the Galaxy appear to be getting younger.
Bruce Arena said that he fully expects Landon Donovan to be a member of the Galaxy from January to November, dispensing with rumors that Landon may be headed to a half season loan with Newcastle which would leave him in Europe until the summer. Edson Buddle will be spending some offseason time in England, training with Birmingham City. This is is no way a trial for Buddle, especially since he doesn't meet the requirements for a UK work visa. Arena, declined to make any comments about Ronaldinho, saying it was unprofessional to make comments on a player still under contract with another club.