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1/30/2004
No sooner do we post information about Jovan Kirovski being in talks that could bring him to LA then ESPNSoccernet.com goes and reports that it's a done deal. However, we are hearing that the deal has been agreed to but not signed yet. Remember, Blackburn thought they'd signed Brian McBride earlier this month before he actually signed the deal.
We've heard from a couple of different sources now that LA is also talking to US International Jovan Kirovski. Originally from So Cal, Kirovski has spent the last 12 years in Europe with various teams including Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund Sporting Lisbon, Crystal Palace and his current club, Birmingham City whom he joined as a free agent prior to the start of the 2002-2003 season however, only started 5 league matches all of last season and this season he has yet to get a start.
KWHY will again carry selected Galaxy matches live and air their weekly "Galaxy Deportivo" show this season. Last season two regular season and one playoff game was shown on KWHY.
Press Release
Press Release
1/29/2004
According to USSoccerUK, Sigi Schmid is looking to add Andreas Herzog to the Galaxy roster for the 2004 season. Herzog was a star for German clubs Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen. He also represented Austria in the 1990 (including the match against the USA) and 1998 World Cup earning 103 caps in the process. He currently is not under contract and hasn't played since leaving Rapid Vienna last May.
1/27/2004
The 2004 schedule has been released today. Galaxy fans can preview the upcoming season on MLSnet.com.
There have been a couple of mentions by a couple of recently drafted players that should they make the cut during the training camp which opens later this week, they will be going on the teams preseason tour to Brazil. This may also be part of the report a couple weeks ago about some type of arrangment with Sao Paulo. The information was that there would be some type of match exchange. So, LA preseason tour in Brazil and don't be surprised if Sao Paulo are in LA training some time in the not too distant future.
Today's San Jose Mercury News is reporting that recently released defender, Alexi Lalas, will be the Quakes new General Manager. Lalas will replace Johnny Moore who resigned his position following comments from both MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Club America President Javier Perez Teuffer regarding the possible deal involving the Mexican club acquiring operations of the San Jose team.
1/26/2004
Soccer America has released information on Bruce Arena's preliminary squad to train in Florida before the US match against Holland on Febrary 18. Danny Califf and Chris Albright are on the roster. However, Kevin Hartman, who was in the squad for the match recent against Denmark but didn't play in that match, was left off the squad for the Holland match.
SoccerTimes 2003 NCAA Division I Men's All-American team was announced at LA's first round pick, Joseph Ngwenya, was named Player of the Year. Also recieving honors was 2nd round pick Ned Grabavoy who was named to the First Team. Third round pick, Memo Arzate, was named to the third team.
1/23/2004
According to the New York Daily News MLS will now have transfer windows twice a year which will restrict when MLS teams can purchase foreign players. FIFA have mandated a March 1 deadline for any player being brought in for the start of the new season. This will effect Sigi Schmid's plans to bring in what is thought to be two Central American players by the start of the season. In the past, LA have brought players in as late as 2 or 3 months into the season. Now, any player purchases must be done between January 1 through March 1 and August 15 though September 15.
According to GameSpot, the new "World Tour Soccer 2005" game for PlayStation 2 will have Carlo Ruiz on the cover. The new game is due to be released in April.
1/22/2004
The UCLA Daily Bruin is reporting that former Galaxy assistant coach, Ralph Perez, is in the running head coaching job at UCLA. Earlier this month the Galaxy announced that Perez was moving into a new position with the organization as Director of Youth Player Development. Perez told the Daily Bruin, "UCLA is a dream job for me. I submitted my résumé the last go-round, but I didn't get it. Hopefully I'll be more successful this time.
Another candadate with a Galaxy connection is former defender and current Cal Poly Pomona coach Paul Caligiuri. "I always dreamed of being in this position, but I never expected it to come so quickly," said Caligiuri, a UCLA alumnus.
UCLA hopes to name their new coach by the end of this month.
Another candadate with a Galaxy connection is former defender and current Cal Poly Pomona coach Paul Caligiuri. "I always dreamed of being in this position, but I never expected it to come so quickly," said Caligiuri, a UCLA alumnus.
UCLA hopes to name their new coach by the end of this month.
1/20/2004
A report from Canadian Press to claim there is interest from LA Galaxy in signing Canadian midfielder, Atiba Hutchinson. He recently had trials with Spartak Moscow and Saturn Moscow. Prior to that, he had trained with Serie A side Udinese. Hutchinson has one year left on his contract with Swedish club Osters but are looking to sell him during the January transfer window.
1/19/2004
Contrary to what Ned Grabavoy said to Chicago papers, he says he's excited to come to LA. Grabavoy told Soccer365, "(Agent) Richard Motzkin had said that Sigi (Schmid) was interested and that if I was around they would be interested in selecting me,” revealed the former NCAA champion Hoosier. “I know Sigi's a good coach and they have a great staff and I'm really excited to be going there. I was just out there at the Player Combine and I'm glad I'm going to have nice facilities to use,” he said. “Great soccer stadium and a great location so I'm very excited."
Chris Albright started played 79 minutes for the US in their friendly against Denmark at the HDC yesterday. US coach, Bruce Arena had Albright played at the right back position rather than his usual midfield slot. The match ended 1-1 with each team converting questionable penalties.
Kevin Hartman was the substitute goalkeeper but never made it off the bench.
Kevin Hartman was the substitute goalkeeper but never made it off the bench.
1/17/2004
There are several articles in today's paper on yesteday's draft.
LA Times
LA Daily News
OC Register
Daily Breeze
Most of the local reports just seem to be a bunch of quotes taken from yesterday's Press Release.
There's a nice article in todays Myrtle Beach Sun News with quotes from Ngwenya's former coach at Coastal Carolina.
Also, according to the Chicago Daily Southtown, the trade LA made with Chicago to get the #14 pick (used to select Ned Grabavoy) sent the lowest of LA's three first round picks next season to Chicago.
LA Times
LA Daily News
OC Register
Daily Breeze
Most of the local reports just seem to be a bunch of quotes taken from yesterday's Press Release.
There's a nice article in todays Myrtle Beach Sun News with quotes from Ngwenya's former coach at Coastal Carolina.
Also, according to the Chicago Daily Southtown, the trade LA made with Chicago to get the #14 pick (used to select Ned Grabavoy) sent the lowest of LA's three first round picks next season to Chicago.
1/16/2004
Marc Connolly on ESPNSoccernet.com seems to like the selections Sigi made today.
The Galaxy Press Release has been posted with quotes from the selected players.
The Galaxy Press Release has been posted with quotes from the selected players.
The Associated Press have published some quotes from Doug Hamilton and Sigi Schmid on today's draft.
"I certainly feel good about what we were able to accomplish," general manager Doug Hamilton said. "We thought going into this draft that it was a time for us to be brave, not to overexaggerate, but a time for us to really go after kids that we thought could make a difference in our club, that may be able to be special players at the end, rather than some kids that may be more mature in their development right now."
Coach Sigi Schmid commented on first round pick, Joseph Ngwenya.
"What I was impressed with with Joseph was when you look at his goal-scoring exploits in college, it's not where he's run up goal totals against weak opponents," Schmid said.
"When you looked at Coastal Carolina and the teams that they've played, he's scored goals against quality opponents. In the big games is when you could rest assured that he'd come through with a goal. That was one of the things that we felt was very good about him and made him very, very attractive to us."
"I certainly feel good about what we were able to accomplish," general manager Doug Hamilton said. "We thought going into this draft that it was a time for us to be brave, not to overexaggerate, but a time for us to really go after kids that we thought could make a difference in our club, that may be able to be special players at the end, rather than some kids that may be more mature in their development right now."
Coach Sigi Schmid commented on first round pick, Joseph Ngwenya.
"What I was impressed with with Joseph was when you look at his goal-scoring exploits in college, it's not where he's run up goal totals against weak opponents," Schmid said.
"When you looked at Coastal Carolina and the teams that they've played, he's scored goals against quality opponents. In the big games is when you could rest assured that he'd come through with a goal. That was one of the things that we felt was very good about him and made him very, very attractive to us."
With Sigi's last pick in the draft (6th round #7) he takes Chris Aloisi a Defender from Syracuse University.
Chris Aloisi Bio - THG
Chris Aloisi Bio - THG
LA select another Forward with their first Sixth Round pick, Alan Gordon out of Oregon State.
Alan Gordon Bio - THG
Alan Gordon Bio - THG
With the third pick in the fourth round, LA take another Midfielder from UCSB, David McGill.
David is from Ireland and should take up a Transitional International slot on the roster.
David McGill Bio - THG
David is from Ireland and should take up a Transitional International slot on the roster.
David McGill Bio - THG
LA get another Memo. LA take Guillermo Arzate a Midfielder out of UCSB with the second pick of the third round.
Guillermo Arzate Bio - THG
Guillermo Arzate Bio - THG
LA trade a 2005 draft pick to Chicago to get the 4th pick of the second round (#14 overall) and draft P-40 Midfield player, Ned Grabavoy out of Indiana University.
Ned Grabavoy Bio - THG
LA wasn't his first choice though. According to today's Chicago Sun Times the former Fire Reserve player wanted to play in Chicago.
Ned Grabavoy Bio - THG
LA wasn't his first choice though. According to today's Chicago Sun Times the former Fire Reserve player wanted to play in Chicago.
With their second round (#13 overall) LA pick Midfielder Josh Gardner out of the University of Cincinnati. Josh is a P-40 player so he won't count against the salary cap.
Josh Gardner's Bio - THG
Univ of Cinncinnati article with quotes from Josh's former coach.
Josh Gardner's Bio - THG
Univ of Cinncinnati article with quotes from Josh's former coach.
Today's OC Register has comments from both Sigi Schmid and Doug Hamilton saying LA would be looking to add attacking minded players to the squd. However, there was no mention of Joseph Ngwenya.
According to the Myrtle Beach Sun News, Ngwenya should not have been surprised by Sigi picking him with the #3 pick in the draft this morning.
According to the Myrtle Beach Sun News, Ngwenya should not have been surprised by Sigi picking him with the #3 pick in the draft this morning.
1/15/2004
According to the Premier Development League (PDL) Schedule released today, Orange County Blue Star will play their home matches at the Home Depot Center.
Their first home match at the HDC will be Friday May 7 at 7:30 PM against BYU Cougars.
2004 PDL Schedule (Microsoft Word format)
Their first home match at the HDC will be Friday May 7 at 7:30 PM against BYU Cougars.
2004 PDL Schedule (Microsoft Word format)
1/14/2004
The Galaxy announced today that Spanish Talk radio station KMXE 830 AM will be the new Spanish language radio home for the team.
KMXE will broadcast all matches live for the next two seasons. In addition to the matches, KMXE WIll also have a weekly show featuring live interviews and calls from fans on Wednesday nights from 8-9 PM.
KMXE will broadcast all matches live for the next two seasons. In addition to the matches, KMXE WIll also have a weekly show featuring live interviews and calls from fans on Wednesday nights from 8-9 PM.
The IE Press-Enterprise has a brief breakdown on the team changes taking place so far this offseason in today's paper.
1/13/2004
Llew Llewellyn has a review of the HDC's inaugural season on CyberSoccerNews.com. He discusses the achievements and the teething problems the facility had over the last 12 months.
1/12/2004
The Offical Columbus Crew website has announced that Simon Elliott has been traded to the Crew in return for the Crews First round 2005 SuperDraft pick.
"Simon brings a wealth of experience and grit to our midfield," said Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis. "He has shown he can produce at this level and we are looking forward to his contributions both on and off the field. This is another piece of the puzzle as we build our team for 2004. Simon has been a very good player in this league for many years and we are thrilled to add him to our roster."
Galaxy GM, Doug Hamilton, said, "On behalf of the Galaxy organization, we would like to thank Simon for his dedication over the past five seasons. He was an important piece in the Galaxy's successes and championship titles. We wish him well. This move provides us flexibility as we shape our team for the 2004 MLS season."
Elliott joined the Galaxy in May of 1999 as a Discovery player.
"Simon brings a wealth of experience and grit to our midfield," said Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis. "He has shown he can produce at this level and we are looking forward to his contributions both on and off the field. This is another piece of the puzzle as we build our team for 2004. Simon has been a very good player in this league for many years and we are thrilled to add him to our roster."
Galaxy GM, Doug Hamilton, said, "On behalf of the Galaxy organization, we would like to thank Simon for his dedication over the past five seasons. He was an important piece in the Galaxy's successes and championship titles. We wish him well. This move provides us flexibility as we shape our team for the 2004 MLS season."
Elliott joined the Galaxy in May of 1999 as a Discovery player.
According to Spanish site, Marca.com, Antonio Martinez has signed with second division side El Córdoba and won't be returning to LA Galaxy for the 2004 season. Due to restrictions of foreign players, he will be loaned to Swiss side Servette in Geneva for the remainder of the current season.
Because Martinez won't be signing a new MLS contract, LA get Dallas' second round pick (#11 overall) in the SuperDraft on Friday as part of the trade deal to bring him to LA.
Because Martinez won't be signing a new MLS contract, LA get Dallas' second round pick (#11 overall) in the SuperDraft on Friday as part of the trade deal to bring him to LA.
The LA Times decided to ask Sigi Schmid if he would be interested in going back to coaching UCLA. He of course said he wouldn't.
According to comments reported on USATODAY.com Sigi Schmid wasn't too impressed with the talent available from yesterdays MLS Combine at the HDC. Schmid discribed the talent as, "OK". He went on to say, "I wouldn't say this is the strongest year ever in the combine. But there are some talented players there, and there are some players that are going to be playing in the MLS."
1/11/2004
The LA Times confirms our report yesterday that Defender, Alexi Lalas, has been given his unconditional release by the team. Speaking the the Times, Lalas that he is exploring his options. "I certainly am not afraid of a life without soccer," he said. Lalas spend a year after retiring working in broadcasting. We wishes Lalas the best and thanks him for his great contributions to the Galaxy the last 3 seasons. Lalas was voted the LARS player of the year in 2002.
We have learned that Doug Hamilton has been talking to Brazilian side, Sao Paulo about a some type of partnership between the two sides. A youth training partnership seems to be a main point. Also, a pair of matches between the two sides in LA and Brazil is expected as part of the negotiations. LA were due to play Sao Paulo last summer at the Peace Cup in Korea but had to pull out because of a decision by the Brazilan FA.
We have learned that Doug Hamilton has been talking to Brazilian side, Sao Paulo about a some type of partnership between the two sides. A youth training partnership seems to be a main point. Also, a pair of matches between the two sides in LA and Brazil is expected as part of the negotiations. LA were due to play Sao Paulo last summer at the Peace Cup in Korea but had to pull out because of a decision by the Brazilan FA.
1/10/2004
The status of Antonio "Chiva" Martinez very soon. Martinez has been in discussions with Mexican club Atlas as well as MLS. LA hold his MLS rights after a trade with Dallas earlier this season. Part of the trade deal was that LA would recieve the Burns second round pick if MLS is unable to resign Martinez. That would be the 11th overall pick of the draft. Talking to 3rdDegree.net, Dallas GM Greg Elliott said, "LA is negotiating with Antonio Martinez and want to re-sign him. If they don't re-sign him prior to draft day the 11th pick goes to LA."
The draft takes place next Friday.
The draft takes place next Friday.
Cobi Jones and Alexi Lalas are currently not under contract with MLS for the 2004 season. Doug Hamilton told the LA Daily News that MLS has decided not to pick up the options on both. "We're in discussions with both players about playing in L.A., next season," Hamilton said.
When asked about the list of player salaries released this week, Hamilton wouldn't comment. However, he did add, "Don't believe everything you read.'
When asked about the list of player salaries released this week, Hamilton wouldn't comment. However, he did add, "Don't believe everything you read.'
1/09/2004
Danny Califf has injured his knee and won't be available for the US Friendly against Denmark at the HDC on Janurary 18. No word on if he'll be ready for the match in Holland in February.
Llew Llewellyn gets some great comments from Alexi Lalas on CyberSoccerNews.com regarding the release of MLS player salaries earlier this week. He also has a hint on what Alexi's status with LA when he referred to him as the "likely-to-be ex-Galaxy defender." Lalas is one of the five executive members of the MLS Players Union (MLSPU) board.
1/08/2004
Cobi Jones was recently interviewed by Sporting Kids. Read if you must but don't expect much.
Here is an article from a Guatemalan site about Gonzalo Romero. It seems that MLS are indeed talking to Municipal about bring him to LA as a replacement for the retired Mauricio Cienfuegos. It seems that Sigi Schmid is pursuing Romero based on the recommendation of Carlos Ruiz. The Galaxy has refused to comment on this report and the league has not responded to inquiries.
"Chalo" ya tiene la propuesta de la MLS - Red Deportiva
Muni's Gonzalo Romero LA's Newest Sparkplug? from The Hitchhikers Guide.
"Chalo" ya tiene la propuesta de la MLS - Red Deportiva
Muni's Gonzalo Romero LA's Newest Sparkplug? from The Hitchhikers Guide.
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Unconfirmed rumors out of Guatemala say that LA made an offer for Municipal midfielder, Gonzalo Romero. No further information is available.
Former LA Galaxy goalkeeper, Jorge Campos, retires.
Remember the name, Joseph Ngwenya. He could be Sigi's first round pick in the draft next week. Ngwenya, a Hermann Trophy finalist and NSCAA/adidas first team All-American, told TheMyrtle Beach Sun News that he is expecting to be the LA Galaxy's first round pick.
In his senior seaon at Coastal Carolina, Ngwenya led the NCAA with 2.55 points and 0.95 goals per game. He will be playing for adidas F50 at the MLS Combine at the HDC this weekend.
More information on Ngwenya can be found on the Coastal Carolina Athletics Site.
In his senior seaon at Coastal Carolina, Ngwenya led the NCAA with 2.55 points and 0.95 goals per game. He will be playing for adidas F50 at the MLS Combine at the HDC this weekend.
More information on Ngwenya can be found on the Coastal Carolina Athletics Site.
1/07/2004
More information on Ruiz' travels have been reported on The Hitchhikers Guide
Also, Doug Hamilton announced that MLS pioneer, Martin Vasquez has been named Sigi Schmid's new assistant coach at the HDC. The former Tampa Bay Mutany and SJ Smurf player, Vasquez, who grew up in LA said, "As a player, I had goals and objectives, and one of my ambitions was always to come and play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, but I never realized that opportunity. However, this game gives you a lot of opportunities and now I have my chance to coach with the Galaxy," said Vasquez. "I believe that I can help this team with my experience and knowledge of the game. I'm excited to begin working with all of the players and being able to impart those little things about the game that I learned during my 18 years of playing and coaching professional soccer. I'm also looking forward to helping the team win another championship."
Vasquez also played for several teams in Mexico including Puebla, Veracruz and Atlas from 1987 to 1996 when he joined MLS. He also spent time with Indoor and amature teams in LA before moving to coaching. He was most recently an assistant with the WUSA's San Diego Spirit and before that Cal Poly Pomona who are now coached by former G, Paul Caliguri.
Also, Doug Hamilton announced that MLS pioneer, Martin Vasquez has been named Sigi Schmid's new assistant coach at the HDC. The former Tampa Bay Mutany and SJ Smurf player, Vasquez, who grew up in LA said, "As a player, I had goals and objectives, and one of my ambitions was always to come and play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, but I never realized that opportunity. However, this game gives you a lot of opportunities and now I have my chance to coach with the Galaxy," said Vasquez. "I believe that I can help this team with my experience and knowledge of the game. I'm excited to begin working with all of the players and being able to impart those little things about the game that I learned during my 18 years of playing and coaching professional soccer. I'm also looking forward to helping the team win another championship."
Vasquez also played for several teams in Mexico including Puebla, Veracruz and Atlas from 1987 to 1996 when he joined MLS. He also spent time with Indoor and amature teams in LA before moving to coaching. He was most recently an assistant with the WUSA's San Diego Spirit and before that Cal Poly Pomona who are now coached by former G, Paul Caliguri.
Here is the Ralph Perez news Press Release on the LA Galaxy Official Website.
According to the Wolverhampton Wanderers Official Site, Carlos Ruiz has not been offered a loan deal to play with Wolves until the start of the MLS season.
1/06/2004
SoccerAmerica have published MLS: 2004 Player Salaries they obtained from the Players Union. Some interesting numbers there.
Also, contrary to what was reported earlier. Ralph Perez is only assisting with the US Olympic Team camp, however, he'll be working to organize and facilitate clinics and camps to identify promising youth players. He will report directly to Doug Hamilton in his new position.
Also, contrary to what was reported earlier. Ralph Perez is only assisting with the US Olympic Team camp, however, he'll be working to organize and facilitate clinics and camps to identify promising youth players. He will report directly to Doug Hamilton in his new position.
The Ralph Perez story is confirmed by Sky Sports.
Also, Perez gets a mention at the bottom of the LA Times soccer article today.
Also, Perez gets a mention at the bottom of the LA Times soccer article today.
1/05/2004
Released, probably as a scapegoat for LA's poor 2003 season, Assistant Coach, Ralph Perez has landed a job with the US U-23 team. He will be working as an Assistant Coach under Glenn “Mooch” Myernick.
It sounds like Carlos Ruiz will be getting the loan deal with Wolves after all. However, there is still no offical announcement.
It sounds like Carlos Ruiz will be getting the loan deal with Wolves after all. However, there is still no offical announcement.
