Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, Dec. 28, 2010

Inside the Private Lives of Landon and David...

Oh, how relationships can be strained among the best in the business.

Just a few days ago, Landon Donovan filed for divorce from actress Bianca Kajlich. According to the Associated Press, the files of divorce stated that they both had cited some ‘irreconcilable differences’ which led to their split up earlier, after only a period of three years in marriage.

Interestingly, in October of 2009, they issued a statement saying, “We remain the closest of friends and will always be important parts of each other’s lives.”

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, boo hoo hoo.

Meanwhile, David and Victoria Beckham (who actually are faring much better as a couple; take that, Landon), have decided to move to the Big Apple—New York City, and with good reason.

“My work is so important to me and L.A. just isn’t a real fashion city,” Victoria was quoted as saying.

”Her friendship group in L.A. has disbanded," sources said, "and David was traveling a lot more than she’d anticipated and so was she. It just seemed to make sense for her to be based in fashion capital New York. It’s closer to London and Europe for her business meetings.”

Logistics, logistics, logistics. And thus, this is what it all boils down to. Of course, the last thing Galaxy fans want is Beckham playing for the New York Red Bulls, especially after they took Juan Pablo Angel away from Harrison.



What's Needed for the G's

Even though Christmas is already history, there are some tasks that need to be done in order for the Los Angeles Galaxy to be a legit contender in 2011.

First, they need a second forward. Edson Buddle's 17 goals gave him the team's Golden Boot and was the second-most in the league. But he is the only legit forward of the bunch. While the addition of Juan Pablo Angel may address this issue, looking towards a talented youth in the SuperDraft might prove beneficial.

Next, Juninho has to come back. If São Paulo FC can extend the loan or rather allow the G's to buy his right and sign him to a long-term deal, this Brazillian has the potential to do bigger and better things for Los Angeles in 2011.

Hopefully, David Beckham will not be available for a loan via the transfer window, in spite of Real Madrid, Chelsea, and a bevy of other clubs asking for some short-term services.

“I won’t be trying to sign David, but certainly I tried 18 months ago,” said Steve Bruce, manager at Premier League side Sunderland AFC. “But I did try when he agreed to go to Milan.”

“I didn’t get any encouragement at all—he just said ‘thanks Brucey, but I’m going to Milan I can understand that. To be honest, I can’t see him coming back to England for a swansong.”

More talent on the defensive side of things is also a must. With Gregg Berhalter nearing the end of his career, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. De La Garza, and Sean Franklin will need help from another strong central defender. If they can't acquire anyone during the transfer window, this should be a key priority in the upcoming MLS SuperDraft.

And speaking of SuperDraft, the Galaxy get the 16th (Round 1), 34th (Round 2), 50th (Round 3) and 70th (Round 4) picks.

Los Angeles will look to attain all the depth they can get from the SuperDraft and the Youth Academy to once again contend for and defend some MLS hardware. If they can get fresh new support, look for the G's to also be in good stead heading into the upcoming 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League.