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Galaxy bring in Eskandarian to bolster offense
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The Los Angeles Galaxy moved to add depth to their selection of strikers on Wednesday by acquiring Alecko Eskandarian from their Home Depot Center roommates Chivas USA in exchange for allocation money and a conditional pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. Eskandarian was the 2004 MLS Cup MVP after scoring twice in D.C. United’s 3-2 win over Kansas City.
Eskandarian joined Chivas USA from Real Salt Lake, but had been a marked disappointment for the club. Since coming to Chivas USA before the start of the 2008 season, Eskandarian had scored just six goals in 18 games. He had struggled with injuries this season, scoring just one goal in seven games this season.
To make room on the roster for Eskandarian, the Galaxy waived midfielder Josh Tudela, who had seen his minutes reduced in recent weeks. Tudela had been a selection of the Galaxy in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
The reason for signing Eskandarian is clear. The Galaxy's offense has veered from mediocre to anemic at various points this season. They are currently 14th out of 15 MLS teams in goals scored per game, with just 17 goals in 15 games. Eskandarian should provide depth at the forward position, with Landon Donovan returning from international duty to pair with a healthy Edson Buddle to start. Alan Gordon will return to the bench, where he will join Eskandarian and Bryan Jordan.
The Galaxy might have dodged a bullet in relation to the services of goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and the Gold Cup. The Jamaican National Team has called Ricketts for inclusion on their roster for CONCACAF's annual tournament, which begins July 3.
Which normally would mean that Ricketts would be in danger of the next two games. However, Jamaica's opening game is being played at the Home Depot Center, and the National Team has not only cleared him to play in the Galaxy's home game against New England the next day. Plus, he can fly back from the team's last group stage game in Miami on July 10 and make the Galaxy's rematch against Chivas USA the next day.
Meanwhile, Rickett's grass roots efforts to be voted on the MLS All-Star Game roster continues:
