(Editorial) – In the post game media sessions after an emphatic 4-0 win over Toronto FC, Head Coach Bruce Arena announced that midfielder Stefan Ishizaki would be leaving the club. The Swedish midfielder requests a release from his contract citing a desire to move his family back home. His wife is expecting twins this October.
The 33-year-old will look to move back home and play for a team in Allsvenskan.
Ishizaki finished with six goals and 12 assists in 54 appearances. Beyond the stats, what then is his legacy with the LA Galaxy and MLS? With Ishizaki’s departure, what then do the LA Galaxy do about their vacated right midfield position?
Ishizaki’s Legacy:
While he had his ups and downs, he was a regular starter for Arena and contributed significantly to the team’s success. He was a quality veteran addition to a squad. For an international, he came in and adjusted very well to the league. Sweden does have slightly more travel than other European leagues. The travel and the style of play never seemed to bother him. Most importantly, he helped his team win a championship.
Off the field, Ishizaki genuinely seemed happy. He said in a post game interview that this was “one of the hardest decisions” he’d ever made. On the move to LA, he commented “I didn’t hesitate. [LA Galaxy] are one of those clubs that when you get the offer, you don’t even have to think twice.” He was a class act and he seems genuinely torn and sad about leaving. He showed it in an open letter to the fans.
At the end of the day, Ishizaki will be remembered for being a quality off season acquisition. He was a good soldier and core part in the wide play of Tiki Taco. He was consistent, reliable, and he contributed to an MLS Cup. While his time with the club was brief, he will be missed.
Ishizaki’s Vacancy:
This leaves an immediate hole in the starting lineup. Ishizaki played in 20 of 21 matches this season, starting 19 of them. He played almost exclusively at right midfield. Several players have rotated in and out of the starting left midfielder role. Jose Villarreal started there early in the season and played very well. Sebastian Lletget has been an excellent midseason acquisition. Ignacio Maganto has been very impressive as a rookie.
When healthy, Villarreal has been the preferred starter at LM. Lletget is higher in the pecking order with his recent form, including four goals in five games. As the roster stands right now, Lletget should get the chance to win the position. If he cannot, Maganto will get an opportunity.
However, there are rumors that Mexican international Giovani Dos Santos is close to signing with the LA Galaxy. A recently publicized rule change in the MLS CBA certainly appears to help that potential signing. He has played on the right for Mexico and if he does sign, there’s no doubt he’s the most talented of potential RM players on the roster. Dos Santos would be given the immediate opportunity to win the starting spot out right. At the very least, he would be given the chance to compete with Lletget for the position.
What will you remember about Ishizaki the most? Who do you think is going to replace him in the starting lineup? Let us know in the comments section below.
