CARSON, Calif. -- It is no stretch of the imagination to say the Los Angeles Galaxy could reach new heights this season.
There are those who might argue the Galaxy have only one direction to go after a 2008 season in which they led MLS in goals scored (55) and allowed (62). A look at their roster, which has undergone a substantial makeover during the offseason, reflects an emphasis on size, something that was sorely lacking a year ago.
The defense could feature, among others, 6-foot-4 Jamaican international Donovan Ricketts in goal -- that's if 6-3 Steve Cronin doesn't start in his place -- 6-5 rookie Omar Gonzalez, 6-3 Leo Bautista (on trial from FC Caracas) and 6-2 Tony Sanneh (trying to make a comeback at age 37) on the back line. The forwards also have size in, among others, 6-3 Alan Gordon, 6-1 Stefani Miglioranzi, 6-1 Jovan Kirovski, 6-1 Chris Klein and 6-1 Edson Buddle to offset the likes of Landon Donovan, who stands just 5-8.
The Galaxy certainly shouldn't be confused with a collection of redwoods in cleats, but they definitely look bigger and stronger this season.
"I think that's one thing Bruce wanted to do," Cronin said of head coach/general manager Bruce Arena's offseason rebuilding strategy, "to bring in more size, especially on defense. An extra couple of inches never hurts."
Klein in particular, is pleased with the new physical makeup of the team.
"It was no secret that Bruce felt that we got not pushed around ... but pushed around," he said with a laugh. "Defensively, we weren't that big in the middle. And in set pieces, we were hurting. We had a guy like David (Beckham) serving the ball, and I don't think we scored a goal off a corner kick all season. More size definitely was one need we addressed in the offseason.
"When you're going through the season, you don't realize that soccer is a very democratic sport where you can be 5-6 and dominate. Size in itself does not carry the game, but in certain aspects it definitely helps."
Arena, who took over the Galaxy last Aug. 18, said he wasn't simply looking for more size on defense. He mostly was looking for improvement, and it just so happened many of the new players he has brought into camp by either trades, the draft or on trial are taller and more athletic.
It was no secret the Galaxy had a major weakness last year in defending set pieces and corner kicks. Their center backs, for example, often consisted of Troy Roberts and Sean Franklin, who are generously listed as 5-11 and 5-10, respectively.
"You'd have to be a complete idiot not to think we had to improve there," Arena said of the makeup of his defense. "When you give up 62 goals, that ain't right. If it's broken, you fix it.
"Getting bigger is part of it, too. The notion that this game is a game of all sizes and shapes is accurate. But if all your sizes and shapes tend to be small, when all things are equal the bigger, stronger athlete wins in every sport. We need to have our share of those as well.
"Even though we could probably live with 11 Landon Donovans."
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