Galaxy Wins USL-MLS Challenge

The Los Angeles Galaxy have won their first trophy of 2007 - they were crowned champions of the inaugural 2007 USL-MLS Challenge in Puerto Rico with wins over the Rochester Rhinos (3-2) and the Puerto Rico Islanders (2-1). Going 2-0 in the tournament, the Galaxy now boast a pre-season record of 8-1-2 with one match left before the season begins. The L.A. goalscorers in the tournament were Chris Albright, Nate Jaqua and Kyle Martino. Albright boasts four goals in this pre-season, two more than any other Galaxy player.

Galaxy Update

- The Los Angeles Galaxy have sold over 12,000 season tickets for the upcoming season. Though well ahead of last year, they are still behind expansion team Toronto FC who have reportedly sold 14,000 season seats for their first season. The Galaxy recently announced a July 21st game against Chelsea that is expected to futher increase the number of season tickets sold.

- The G's & star midfielder Cobi Jones have called a press conference for Monday, March 19th. The reason for the gathering was not announced, but it is widely expected that Cobi will be announcing 2007 to be his final season as a player.

- Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop announced recently that the squad will be switching from a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3, with Alan Gordon, Landon Donovan and Nate Jaqua up top. When David Beckham arrives this summer, he is expected to be slotted into the center of midfield. "For me it's a good system for players to express themselves and not be static and have to stay in certain areas," said Yallop.

2007 Schedule Release Imminent

After weeks of speculation and several tentative dates having come and gone, the MLS appears to be putting the final touches on the 2007 schedule. According to several posters on bigsoccer.com, ticket reps have been spreading the word that a new schedule should be available around February 7th.

It is presumed that MLS bigwigs have re-worked the schedule several times to make sure as many cities as possible get the chance to catch Beckham fever. This likely means that L.A. will be playing many home games in the front half of their schedule, and will spend most of the summer/fall traveling from city to city. It will also mean many Thursday games for the Galaxy as ESPN will want to take full advantage of the circus, as well.

So, L.A. season-ticket-holders, be prepared for a long spring as you will likely be without Landon Donovan, Chris Albright, Nathan Sturgis, Quavas Kirk, Joe Cannon and Nate Jaqua for parts of the season, all being called up for national team/U20 national team duties. Is it August yet?