The funny about the L.A. Galaxy’s resurgence is that it reads exactly like a David Beckham script, except that the only part Beckham’s played in the team’s resurrection is the role of cheerleader on the sidelines. Indeed, with Beckham on the field, the Galaxy won just won game out of six in all competitions, including three losses in the league. All the work that’s lead to L.A.’s five-game winning streak (tied for an MLS season high) has come from the rest of the team, particularly a quintet of former no-names, says the L.A. Daily News’ Billy Witz.
Mike Randolph, Josh Tudela, Ty Harden, Troy Roberts and Gavin Glinton have as much — if not more — to do with the Galaxy’s turnaround than big names like Landon Donovan or Cobi Jones. Randolph, Tudela and Harden are all first-year MLS players, Roberts, 24, is in his third year with MLS, and Glinton, 28, retired for two years before being spotted last year in the A-League.
Crucially, Randolph, Roberts and Harden have tightened up a backline which for most of the season looked porous and prone to lapses in concentration. The insertion of Tudela at center midfield has added composure on offense and tenacity on defense. Glinton, meanwhile, has bagged three of the most important goals for the Galaxy this season all coming after the 77th minute and as a substitute. The combined cost of these lifesavers: $145,400.