SB Nation Los Angeles - LA Galaxy Sign Forward Edson Buddlehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2012-02-17T16:10:22-08:00http://losangeles.sbnation.com/rss/stream/23633422012-02-17T16:10:22-08:002012-02-17T16:10:22-08:00Tom Payne Leaves LA Galaxy, Chris McGowan Named New COO
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>After nine years with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a>, director of business operations Tom Payne on Friday decided to leave the organization. Payne will be replaced by Chris McGowan, who will assume duties as COO, taking charge of all day-to-day business operations of the club.</p>
<p>McGowan, 38, will hold dual roles with the Galaxy and Los Angeles Kings, for whom he has been COO for the last five years. Both the Galaxy and Kings are owned by AEG.</p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">"With our recent MLS Cup Championship, the return of <span>David Beckham</span> and our outstanding roster heading into this season, the Galaxy will continue their rapid growth in this marketplace under Chris’ leadership," said AEG CEO Tim Leiweke. "Also with the addition of our new partnership with Time Warner Cable Sports, we now have a tremendous opportunity to significantly increase our reach and support in both the English and Spanish-speaking population, and with Chris’ knowledge combined with AEG’s resources, we expect that growth to be unprecedented in our history with the Galaxy."</span></font></p>
<p>Payne will temporarily remain with the Galaxy to assist in the transition. "<font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">After nine great years here at The Home Depot Center, I have made the decision to leave the Galaxy organization. I have enjoyed my time with the club and have fond memories of all the great things that we have accomplished, including winning the MLS Cup last year in front of our home fans," Payne said Friday in a statement.<br></span></font></p>
<p><i><b>To discuss the LA Galaxy and all their offseason moves and news, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lagconfidential.com/">head on over to LAG Confidential</a>. </b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2012/2/17/2807079/tom-payne-leaves-la-galaxy-chris-mcgowan-cooEric Stephen2012-02-01T16:46:57-08:002012-02-01T16:46:57-08:00LA Galaxy Acquire Kyle Nakazawa From Philadelphia Union
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> continued their busy Wednesday by trading for former UCLA Bruins star <span>Kyle Nakazawa</span>, acquiring the midfielder along with a second round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for an international roster spot in 2012.</p>
<p>Wednesday was a day of soccer stars returning to Los Angeles, as the Galaxy also signed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/111203/edson-buddle">Edson Buddle</a> earlier in the day. Nakazawa, who turns 24 in March, was drafted by Philadelphia in the third round in 2010 draft. In 2011, Nakazawa set career highs by appearing in 22 games, starting 14, and scoring one goal and tallying three assists.</p>
<p>While at UCLA, Nakazawa scored 20 goals and had 26 assists in 75 games over four years in Westwood.</p>
<p>By giving up one international spot to Philadelphia in the trade, <font id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328132982261282" size="2" color="black" face="Arial"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328132982261279" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;">the Galaxy will now be able to have seven international players on their roster in 2012, after which the club will return one international spot to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> as part of a previous trade while receiving spots back from the Union and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a>, who also acquired an international spot from the club in a prior trade.</span></font></p>
<p><i><b>To discuss the LA Galaxy and all their offseason moves and news, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lagconfidential.com/">head on over to LAG Confidential</a>. </b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2012/2/1/2765108/la-galaxy-kyle-nakazawa-trade-philadelphia-unionEric Stephen2012-02-01T11:23:59-08:002012-02-01T11:23:59-08:00Edson Buddle Signs With LA Galaxy On Free Transfer
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday announced the signing of forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/111203/edson-buddle">Edson Buddle</a> on a free transfer, bringing back one of the most prolific goal scorers in franchise history. Buddle left the Galaxy in January 2011 and played a year with FC Ingolstadt of the German 2.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><font size="2" color="black" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">"I am thrilled to be able to return to MLS and a club that has meant so much to me in my career," Buddle said. "When I left for Germany last winter, I said that I hoped to be able to one day return to the Galaxy and help lead the club to an MLS Cup championship. That day is today and I look forward to the challenges that now lie ahead."</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Buddle, a member of the U.S. National Team at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, scored 42 goals in 87 regular season games with the Galaxy in four seasons from 2007-2010. His best year was in 2010, when he finished second in the MLS with 17 goals as the Galaxy won their first Supporters Shield in eight seasons.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><font size="2" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">"We’re really excited to have Edson re-joining the LA Galaxy,” General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena said. “He has been an outstanding player for us in the past and we look forward to him continuing that success for many years to come."</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Buddle, who has also played for the Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls, has 90 goals in 231 career games in his 10-year career, making him the eighth leading scorer in MLS history.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss Buddle and the Galaxy, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lagconfidential.com/">head on over to LAG Confidential</a>. </b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2012/2/1/2764351/edson-buddle-signs-la-galaxy-free-transferEric Stephen2012-01-18T15:19:12-08:002012-01-18T15:19:12-08:00David Beckham To Announce His Return At Thursday Press Conference, According To Source
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Early this morning, it was confirmed by a source to <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2012/01/story.html" target="_blank">Soccer By Ives</a> that <span>David Beckham</span> would be announcing his return to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> at the press conference tomorrow. <a href="https://twitter.com/mrogersyahoo/status/159726185457254400" target="_blank">Yahoo Sports</a> claims that press conference is likely to be held in a downtown AEG property, either Staples or at LA Live. The Galaxy held their MLS Cup celebration party at Staples, and had their third kit unveiling at LA Live. </p>
<p>Yahoo Sports is <a href="https://twitter.com/mrogersyahoo/status/159735104988651521" target="_blank">also reporting </a>that allowing Beckham time off to be an ambassador for the London Olympics, as well as playing in them, was a key component in Beckham returning. Paris St. Germain, Beckham's most vocal suitor, would have been in offseason during the Olympics. PSG could also offer Beckham more money. </p>
<p>This could mean that PSG was not so much a place Beckham hoped to land, but rather a tool to get leverage on the Galaxy where a 36 year old man would not usually have leverage. Keep in mind, this is a man who claimed he had to leave the Cup part early to take his kids to school. Putting family first, especially when the kids are school age and a baby in the house, usually doesn't mean moving across a continent and an ocean. </p>
<p>The full story won't come out until tomorrow's press conference, if the conference is indeed happening tomorrow. Beckham does have an online chat planned via Google+ for that morning. Contract details will likely trickle out over the next month. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2012/1/18/2717182/david-beckham-to-announce-his-return-at-thursday-press-conferenceJosie Becker2012-01-05T19:28:42-08:002012-01-05T19:28:42-08:00MLS And LA Galaxy Unveil 2012 Schedule
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Today MLS and the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> unveiled the 2012 regular season schedule, which will see the Galaxy play 34 games - 15 of which will be broadcast nationally in English. The Galaxy will be part of First Kick weekend, opening up the season at home on March 10th against <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a>. This year MLS has returned to an unbalanced schedule, which will see the Galaxy play each Western Conference opponent three times, and each Eastern Conference opponent just once.</p>
<p>Out of their 24 Western Conference games, there will be 12 at home and 12 on the road. They will face <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Dallas</a>, the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a>, Real Salt Lake, and the <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> twice at home, once on the road; and they will face <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a>, the <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rapids</a>, <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Jose Earthquakes</a>, and Seattle Sounders FC once at home, twice on the road.</p>
<p>When it comes to the 10 Eastern Conference Games, they will face DC United, the <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Revolution</a>, <a href="https://www.onceametro.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Red Bulls</a>, Philadelphia Union, and <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto FC</a> at home. The Galaxy will face the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a>, <a href="https://www.massivereport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Columbus Crew</a>, <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a>, <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a>, and <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sporting Kansas City</a>. The Galaxy will have two separate trips to the Rust Belt, but will not venture as far as the original thirteen colonies.</p>
<p>ESPN is set to air 8 Galaxy matches this year, airing two of the three legs of the SuperClasico against Chivas USA (May 19 and August 12), as well as games against Sporting Kansas City (April 7), New York Red Bulls (May 5), San Jose Earthquakes (June 30), Chicago Fire (July 8) and two games against the rival Seattle Sounders FC (August 5 and October 28).</p>
<p>The newly launched NBC Sports Network will carry 7 Galaxy matches first on March 31 when the club hosts the New England Revolution to close out their season-opening three-game homestand. The network will also broadcast two of the club’s three meetings with FC Dallas (July 28 and August 26), as well as games against the Houston Dynamo (May 26), Portland Timbers (July 14), Columbus Crew (August 15) and Colorado Rapids (September 30).</p>
<p>For an in-depth look at the LA Galaxy schedule, check out <a href="http://www.lagconfidential.com/2012/1/5/2684985/la-galaxy-and-mls-unveil-complete-2012-regular-season-schedule" target="_blank">LAG Confidential</a>. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2012/1/5/2686115/mls-and-la-galaxy-unveil-2012-scheduleJosie Becker2011-12-22T05:02:30-08:002011-12-22T05:02:30-08:00David Beckham Yet To Sign Contract, Saga Continues
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>With his five year contract with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> completed, <span>David Beckham</span> is free to negotiate with whomever he pleases. His loudest suitor has been Paris St.-Germain, who in the past few days have told the French press their deal with Beckham is 99% done. However, as the movie The Damned United illustrated, that means they don't have a signature. </p>
<p>The deal they're so sure he would take was reportedly <a target="_blank" href="http://www.leparisien.fr/psg-foot-paris-saint-germain/david-beckham-a-dit-oui-au-psg-21-12-2011-1777766.php">800,000 Euros a month for 18 months</a>. That's quite a lot to pay for a 36 year old midfielder, even if he is stil one the best free kick takers in the game. Le Parisien came down a bit from that figure when their Wednesday paper finally went to print; <a target="_blank" href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/999594/spokesperson-for-david-beckham-denies-psg-deal-is-complete">670,000 Euros per month. </a></p>
<p>Still, Beckham's handlers were adamant that no deal had been reached. "There has been no agreement reached with any club. Any talk of a deal is premature. David is yet to make a decision." </p>
<p>The hardest part in analyzing these rumors is figuring out motivation. Is Beckham's camp simply wary of being seen coming to business terms before the transfer window officially opens? Is this simply a negotiating tactic, or is Beckham still seriously considering the LA Galaxy offer. </p>
<p>It came out Wednesday that new <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/999654/la-galaxy-offer-psg-target-david-beckham-new-terms" target="_blank">terms have been tabled</a> in negotiations with the LA Galaxy and David Beckham. Most reports have been of a one year renewal, with the possibility of Beckham getting a management position at AEG after he retires. He already has the option to purchase an MLS team from his previous contract. </p>
<p>For parties on both sides of the pond, the negotiations are as much about image as they are football talent. David Beckham raised the global stature of the Galaxy over his five years, and sold a lot of shirts. PSG already has mockups of a Beckham shirt floating around. </p>
<p>Only Beckham knows where he'll end up. For the sake of the soccer fans who supported him in LA, hopefully his decision is announced soon. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2011/12/22/2654590/david-beckham-yet-to-sign-contract-saga-continuesJosie Becker2011-12-15T14:12:28-08:002011-12-15T14:12:28-08:00Landon Donovan, Everton Agree To Short-Term Loan From LA Galaxy
<figure>
<img alt="LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Landon Donovan of Everton applauds the fans during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Hull City at Goodison Park on March 7, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ObmJI5r5BIJo1vtSepAMwCReNQ8=/0x294:768x806/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/826834/97511885.jpg" />
<figcaption>LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Landon Donovan of Everton applauds the fans during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Hull City at Goodison Park on March 7, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Landon Donovan is heading back to Everton on a two-month loan before returning back to the L.A. Galaxy.</p> <p>The Los Angeles Galaxy will be losing one of their top stars this offseason. But he'll be back sooner than you think!</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> has always toyed with the idea of returning to play in Europe, and it appears he'll get this chance after signing up with his old side. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2011/12/15/donovan-to-return">D</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2011/12/15/donovan-to-return">onovan </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2011/12/15/donovan-to-return">returns to Everton</a>, which will allow him to play in all fixtures from January 4th to February 25th.</p>
<p>Here's what Donovan had to say in his press release.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The opportunity to return to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> and play for such a well-respected club and a manager that I hold in such high regard was something that was simply too good to pass up. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Everton in 2010 and I’m hopeful that we can experience similar success this time around," Donovan said. "I want to thank <span>David Moyes</span> and Bruce Arena, as well as executives from both clubs and Major League Soccer for allowing me this unique and special opportunity."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Donovan made a big impression with Everton in his first stint there in 2010 (which was also on a loan). He was named club Player of the Month in January and scored two goals in 13 appearances.</p>
<p>The loan will be very short for Donovan. He'll play for Everton for the next two months, then return to the States and get ready for training camp with the Galaxy.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss Donovan and the Galaxy, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lagconfidential.com/">head on over to LAG Confidential</a>. To talk about Donovan heading back to Everton, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalbluemersey.com">check out Royal Blue Mersey</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2011/12/15/2639046/landon-donovan-everton-los-angeles-galaxyAvinash Kunnath2011-12-13T15:56:35-08:002011-12-13T15:56:35-08:00LA Galaxy Sign Midfielder Marcelo Sarvas From LD Alajuelense
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> saw LD Alajuelense twice this past calendar year in CONCACAF Champions League. Manager Bruce Arena liked what he saw in midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, enough to sign him to an MLS contract. The 30 year old Brazilian was acquired on a free transfer, and has his P-1 visa approved earlier today. </p>
<p>Marvelo Sarvas came out of the Corinthians youth system in Brazil. He went to Europe in 2004 and bounced around the Swedish league. He signed with Alajuelense on January 17, 2011, making 21 appearances in thirty games during the year. This includes all six of Alajuelense's Champions League appearances. </p>
<p>In his time in Costa Rica, Sarvas helped Alajuelense win the 2011 Verano title and a berth in the 2011 Invierno championship. He scored three goals, including two in the recent Invierno. Costa Rica, like Mexico, crowns two champions a year, holding two separate competitions. </p>
<p>Sarvas is pegged as a holding midfielder, much like Juninho, which is a spot the Galaxy need more support at. <span>Michael Stephens</span>, the recent draft pick from UCLA, and <span>Chris Birchall</span> play more of a defensive midfielder role, while <span>Mike Magee</span> is a wing runner. When Juninho wasn't available due to a red card in the MLS playoffs, his absence showed in that transition from midfield play to attacking third. </p>
<p><i>For more on the LA Galaxy, this signing, and why the Galaxy should never go back to Teal, check out <a href="http://www.lagconfidential.com" target="_blank">www.lagconfidential.com</a>.</i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2011/12/13/2634185/la-galaxy-sign-midfielder-marcelo-sarvas-from-ld-alajuelenseJosie Becker