Editorial (April 7, 2017) – When Romain Alessandrini signed with the LA Galaxy, there was excitement but also skepticism. He hadn’t been healthy in recent years. The Frenchman also had less than a great relationship with his head coach and front office at Olympique de Marseille. But with injuries and the rest of the team struggling, Alessandrini is putting the LA Galaxy on his back.
Romain Alessandrini Scoring And Putting LA Galaxy On His Back
Alessandrini has come alive in the last two games for the LA Galaxy. He lead a comeback at Real Salt Lake with two assists. Against the Vancouver Whitecaps, he got two assists to give his team a 2-1 lead. It was in a losing effort though, as second half defensive issues doomed the Galaxy.
The Galaxy have been hurt by injuries this season, especially in the attack. Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes just returned to the lineup for the team. Alessandrini’s opposite, Sebastian Lletget got hurt last month while playing with the national team. In the meantime, Alessandrini was creating offense for himself and his teammates.
At Salt Lake:
First against RSL, he helped Dave Romeny get his first goal in MLS off a corner. Alessandrini delivered a good ball on the corner to the front of goal. It was far out enough that Goalkeeper Nick Rimando couldn’t come off his line. The Galaxy haven’t been the best at scoring goals off set pieces. The 28-year-old stepped up big time.
Then he set up RSL-killer, Emmanuel Boateng. Alessandrini fought hard to win a ball back inside the box. He cut through multiple defenders to get the ball at the touch line and fired a perfect cross across goal to find Boateng for the game winner. He showed his relentlessness on that play and his willingness to get a bit physical. The play called for it and he delivered to seal the win.
At Vancouver:
The Designated Player finished playoffs himself. His opening goal in MLS was a bit lucky. He created space against Jordan Harvey and was able to sneak one past Goalkeeper David Ousted. Still, he was able to cut inside and create his own shot. We saw him cut inside to create an assist against RSL. This is a nice trend.
Then he showed his speed and finishing on the go-ahead goal. Boateng got the ball from out wide and delivered it to the top of the box. Alessandrini ran onto it (beating several players to it) and blasted it bottom corner past Ousted.
Not only is creating offense, he’s doing it in several different ways. He’s creating from the wing and on restarts. Alessandrini clearly isn’t a slouch. The Galaxy are going to need these contributions from him to make the playoffs.
Plus he’s doing this.
