By ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, Calif. -- The champagne has dried up, the parties are over and now one question remains.
Just what will the Los Angeles Galaxy do for an encore in 2012?
After winning the MLS Cup, the Supporters Shield and qualifying for the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2011, the Galaxy have their work cut out for them if they are going to repeat their feat next season.
To return to the dizzying heights of 2011, the Galaxy will have a host of roster decisions to make, which includes but is not limited to the status of David Beckham. While the status of the English midfielder has been a much-ballyhooed topic as of late, the status of key role players like Sean Franklin and Juninho remains a question ahead of the 2012 season.
“We’re in a league that’s designed to knock you down when you’re good. You get the last pick in the draft, a lot of guys probably had bonuses this year that will kick in next year and make their salary cap numbers higher," said Galaxy captain Landon Donovan. "The league is designed for the bad teams to get better and the good teams to get worse, but I think we’re a little bit greedy…My thought as early as Monday morning was how we could improve."
Juninho's return may be particularly tricky as the Brazilian midfielder has been on loan from Sao Paulo since 2010 and remains under contract with Sao Paulo for another six months. The Brazilian has emerged as a key component of the Galaxy's midfield during his two seasons in MLS with a penchant for scoring key goals. This season, Juninho formed a solid partnership with Beckham, with his steely defensive presence freeing the Englishman to further contribute to the Galaxy attack.
"Right now, I have a situation where I don’t have a contract with the Galaxy so I’m going to go back to Brazil and weigh my options," said Juninho on Wednesday. "[The Galaxy] started talks with the Sao Paolo and my representatives so I’m going to let it play out and hopefully wait for the best.
"The club in Brazil definitely wants something in return," Juninho added. "They have other offers and options, it’s not as easy as you expect."
In Franklin's case, there is no transfer fee required, but after three impressive years as one of the linchpins of the Galaxy's defense, he is entitled to a raise. Although the defender is without a contract, Franklin is confident that a deal can be reached.
"I'm looking forward to being here next year; I’ve been talking to Bruce and my agent," said Franklin. "Hopefully we’re going to get something done and I’m just going to worry about enjoying time with my friends and family this offseason."
While the status of some is in doubt, others with their futures assured will focus on resting before the Galaxy return to the training ground in mid-January ahead of their CONCACAF Champions League match up in March. Irish forward Robbie Keane admits that he is “getting a few calls from various clubs” about a January loan but that it “would be stupid to go anywhere to play for a couple months [on loan] when I can have a few weeks off.”
Prior to getting their much needed rest, the Galaxy will embark on a two week, three nation tour throughout Southeast Asia and Australia. The tour includes stops in the Philippines and Indonesia, but it may be the last time that the MLS Cup Champions share the field together.
Serious questions may remain about who will stay and who will go, but the Galaxy understand that keeping their core together will help the club in their quest to even greater heights next season.
"When you have a team that’s been playing together for so many games and so many years then it only brings success," said Franklin. "Bruce has changed this team since ’08 since I’ve been here and we have a great group of guys and even the new guys that have come in this year have stepped up. I’m looking forward to having the same group for next season."
