(Editorial) – Alan Gordon has scored one third (4/12) the Los Angeles Galaxy‘s goals this season. All four of them have been critical: two were game winners in 1-0 results; the other two tied the game second half. Not only has he been a significant component to the offense, his contributions have been timely and invaluable. The BashTag is carrying the defending champs right now.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend:
Gordon’s narrative has been well documented. He began his professional career with the LA Galaxy back in 2004 and played mostly a bench role in seven season with the team. The Long Beach native had a career renaissance in 2012 as a member of the Supporter’s Shield winning San Jose Earthquakes. He and Steven Lenhart made up the Bash Brothers and contributed to the Goonies lore.
Gordon was traded to the LA Galaxy for allocation money in August of 2014. He had not scored a goal the entire season and was viewed as an expendable part to a San Jose team in flux. The LA Galaxy brought him in as a bench option. Gordon scored five goals in 14 appearances. He has made a name for himself as the best stoppage time goal scorer in MLS history. He’s done so with strength of will and elbow grease despite B- talent at best.
Super Sub For LA Galaxy:
LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena has a good track record with bringing in a veteran he is familiar with and getting value out of him. Gordon is a pure #9 forward with a physical presence. At the age of 33, he might not be an effective MLS starter or 90 minute player. He and Lenhart would regularly sub in for the other in San Jose. Gordon started only five of the 14 matches he appeared in for LA in 2014.
His energy is extremely effective in short spurts. For a back line that has already played 70 minutes, that is a tremendous challenge. Gordon comes into a game and can go all out because he only has to play 20 minutes or so.
He’s more valuable than the soccer equivalent of a 9th inning pinch hitter. He is a vocal veteran voice in the locker room. He’s made such a name for himself that he has his own hashtags: #BashTag and #Gordinho. He engages the fan base and he’s probably the only player on the team who can deck Captain Robbie Keane and not get in trouble for it.
The Future:
The reality is the LA Galaxy cannot continue to rely on Gordon to be the primary source for offense, especially late in games. Even when the team has been able to dominate possession and chance creation, finishing as been a problem this season. This past weekend against the Houston Dynamo was just one example. As good as Gordon has been this season and last, his scoring pace is probably not sustainable.
The good news for the club is that Robbie Keane is back. The Irish International had missed seven consecutive matches due to a groin injury, but returned to the lineup when he made a substitute appearance this past weekend. Indications are that he is near full health and will be able to start again going forward. The LA Galaxy have little offensive bite without their captain and his leadership is invaluable. Furthermore, he provides Gyasi Zardes with direction that Zardes has yet to develop on his own as a professional. Not only is Keane the Galaxy MVP, but he makes the entire offense and his strike partner better.
Other reinforcements are on their way as well. Jose Villarreal, who was having a good season prior to a hamstring injury is coming back to the lineup. He will fill a void either at left midfielder or possibly as an underneath striker.
Designated Player Steven Gerrard is due to arrive in July after calling an end to his time at Liverpool. While midseason DP signings have had mixed results in the past, Gerrard can still make a tremendous impact. All he has to do is be better than Juninho‘s other central midfield partners. That should not be difficult. Gerrard’s leadership presence could provide a boost as well.
While Gordon will still have a role in the offense, the BashTag does not need to be the loan weapon in the Galaxy arsenal. He will be the first forward off the bench, but won’t be relied upon as often as he has the past six weeks. The BashTag has carried the LA Galaxy of late, but help is on the way.
Photo: Shaun Clark/Getty Images
