The Los Angeles Galaxy have traded second year center back Kofi Opare and a 2015 MLS SuperDraft second round pick to DC United in exchange for swapping allocation rankings. The Galaxy are now third in allocation.
Wait, what? Ok. That was quick, quiet, and without much rumor or fanfare. Most Galaxy transactions of late have been pretty explicit. They sigh a veteran player for depth at a certain position, they loan a young player to LA Galaxy II to get some experience.
This move surprised and puzzled me at first. Let’s break down this move and make sense of the Galaxy tea leaves. If you’re interested in the DC United perspective, check out fellow LWOS writer Alec Rivera’s article.
1. I’m sad to see Kofi Opare go. The kid has played well when he has gotten playing time and benefited from LA Galaxy II’s formation this year. LA was lucky that the Michigan Wolverine fell to the second round of the draft in 2013. With the inevitable transfer of Omar Gonzalez next month/January/eventually, it was thought he could learn from Gonzalez and take his place when he left. Opare had good potential (not an Gonzalez or Besler), but I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s at the level of a George John or a Chris Tierney in a few years. A reliable center back, locker room glue player, but not quit a star.
I don’t like letting a valuable prospect go, but the Galaxy still have Tommy Meyer, who is more experienced and did play through the entire MLS 2012 playoffs en route to starting in MLS Cup. He doesn’t appear to have the same potential as Opare. Kyle Venter is making progress with ‘Los Dos’ but it’s too early in his career to make big projections. There’s still the issue of Leonardo; many fans and bloggers (myself included) hope he is not back next season, but that means getting another center back for depth. Draft a nearly MLS ready player and let him play for ‘Los Dos’ or pick up a cheap veteran who can play in a pinch. Bruce Arena will make it work.
2. The second round draft pick isn’t a big deal. The Galaxy will most probably make the playoffs and then some, so this is going to be a late round pick. It’s mostly projects and unlikelies at that point in the draft. This was some icing on the Opare cake. Nothing more.
3. The Galaxy could be doing a few things with their higher allocation spot. Heck if I know what. It all depends on if they have a transfer deal for Omar in the place and if they then have a new DP in line to take Omar’s DP slot.
They could just be signing a significant but not DP level American. There aren’t that many of them out there, at least none who’ve been rumored about. Sacha Kljestan is supposedly on the outs with Anderlecht. He is originally from Huntington Beach. I doubt he would sign for less than DP money though.
As we just found out, less expensive DP players go through allocation (DaMarcus Beasley signing with Houston) while a big name DP forgoes (Clint Dempsey to Seattle). I don’t see a ‘lesser DP’ being signed through allocation. There aren’t many player in the pool who alone would make it worth transferring Omar. I also don’t see any DP quality American defenders available. If Omar is leaving, a quality CB is on the way.
I think the more likely plan in the works that the Galaxy transfer Omar, sign a non-DP replacement for him through allocation, then sign a big DP. Ronaldinho has been in the tabloids. Jozy Altidore has said his least favorite thing about England is the weather. I think a midfielder would be a better option right now. Jermaine Jones has a house in LA and has said he would consider a move to MLS. Oguchi Onyewu would be a non-DP defender who would have to return to MLS through allocation. I don’t have any sources on the names mentioned, just throwing ideas out.
With Sports KC resigning Zusi and Besler, Toronto FC breaking the bank in the off season, and Seattle signing Dempsey, lord knows the Galaxy are tired of not being the center of attention in MLS. This trade was a bit bizarre. Something is definitely afoot in Carson.
What player(s) do you think could sign LA? Comment below or get at me on twitter.
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