Last season was supposed to be the year. After falling in penalties in the 2009 MLS Cup Final, the 2010 Galaxy had the makings of a team that could finish the deal and win the club's first MLS Cup since 2005.
The Galaxy fell short, but after a busy off-season that saw leading scorer Edson Buddle leave and Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel replace him, Los Angeles once again heads into a season as a major MLS Cup favorite. Only, with the team being one of the oldest in the league, and David Beckham playing out the final year of his contract, this could be this Galaxy group's last chance at a title.
Here is my Fox Soccer Season Preview on a Galaxy side that will be favored to repeat as Supporters Shield winners, and who should challenge Real Salt Lake and New York for the MLS Cup title.
Here are some more thoughts on the 2011 Los Angeles Galaxy:
2011 LOS ANGELES GALAXY
They'll win because: Juan Pablo Angel thrives, Landon Donovan does what he does and David Beckham decides he wants to win a championship in a third different country.
They'll lose because: Angel breaks down physically, Beckham starts setting his sights on a return to Europe and no other forward options emerge.
Player who could break out: Michael Stephens
Player who could regress: Sean Franklin
Player who needs to improve on 2010: Mike Magee
Newcomer to watch: Paolo Cardozo
Projected Finish: The Galaxy will need to stay healthy, which may not be easy for an aging side, but LA has too many weapons not to contend for the title. Look for Bruce Arena's side to battle Real Salt Lake for the Supporters Shield, and win an MLS Cup title in its home stadium.
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What do you think about the 2011 Galaxy? See LA being the MLS Cup favorite? Still wondering if Arena's team isn't too old? How many goals do you see Juan Pablo Angel scoring?
Share your thoughts below.
