MLS Update: Los Angeles Galaxy

Last Season Finish: Champions

Points: 67

Record: 19-5-10

Top Scorer: Landon Donovan (15)

In: Edson Buddle, Andrew Boyens, Pat Noonan, Jose Villarreal, Kyle Nakazawa

Out: Gregg Berhalter, Donovan Ricketts, Jon Conway, Frank Hejduk

They finally did it.  Beckham and Donovan finally took the best team through the MLS Playoffs and brought home a Championship.  The Galaxy looks even better this season than they did this year.  With a fully healthy David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and the re-signing of Edson Buddle after his small stint in Germany, the Galaxy’s options for forwards are all strong.  The long term injury to center back Omar Gonzalez opens up a little bit of concern for LA boss Bruce arena.  I still fully expect LA to finish top of the table again.  Keeper Josh Saunders has proved that he is more then worthy to be a starter for any team in the MLS.  Lets see how many more pinpoint passes Becks still has in his magical feet at 36 years of age.
RM 

MLS Update: Philadelphia Union

Last Season Finish: 8th 

Points: 48

Record: 11-8-15

Top Scorer: Sebastien Le Toux (12)

In: Chandler Hoffman, Chris Albright

Out: Stefani Miglioranzi, Justin Mapp, Faryd Mondragon, Sebastien Le Toux, Kyle Nakazawa

Looking to build on their less than exciting first season in the MLS, the Union “dooped” their way 6 spots up the table in 2011.  The Union’s depth in attacking power is nothing to doubt.  Even with the losses of winger Justin Mapp and leading scorer Sebastien Le Toux their attack still will be one of the more exciting teams in the final third this season.  Freddy Adu, Danny Mwanga, Roger Torres, Jack McInerney, and first round draft pick Chandler Hoffman will have to step up and cover for the goals department which I think they will have no problem doing, it just depends on who it is.  I think this is a great year for Mwanga to step his goal total up and become a top 5 goal scorer in the league.  Jack McInerney should also be set for a break-out year.  Scoring 6 goals in 35 regular season appearances, he could prove to be a real threat for Philly.  He is an all around striker that scores goals in every way.  Hes quick, has great tactical awareness, and fantastic finishing abilities, but do not be surprised if he uncorks one from range too.  I do not believe that the loss of Mondragon will be a problem.  He was a great keeper and a great leader, but Zak MacMath is another quality keeper and will be great building for the future of the club.  Overall i expect them to be the Sporting Kansas City of this year, the surprise first place finisher and advance much further in the playoffs and possibly make a finals appearance.

RM