Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, December 13, 2011

It's official...Marcelo joins the Galaxy

This was touched on in the Dec. 7 version of the Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, but it is now official: Bruce Arena's Galaxy have signed 30-year old Marcelo Sarvas to a two-year contract.

Sarvas last played for Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and is familiar with the playing style of the Galaxy.

“He’s played against us twice this year, so we know the player," Arena told Luis Bueno of MLSSoccer.com. "He’s a good player. He’s a good passer and is an experienced two-way midfielder. I think he’s going to be a good addition.”

Sarvas adds some flashed of Brazilian to the lineup alongside Juninho, whom the Galaxy are looking to sign for the long haul. Effectively, the ball is in Sao Paulo Futebol Clube's field.

“Juninho has an offer,” Arena said. “[He] knows where we stand, his club knows that, his agent knows that so they’ve just got to make a decision as to what they want to do.”

A special on Marcelo Sarvas as part of "This is the Los Angeles Galaxy" will be posted on the View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report.

Prepare for Re-Entry

On the home front, other new players with years of veteran leadership were added to the roster as part of Stage 2 of the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft.

Defenders Andrew Boyens and Chris Leitch, forward Pat Noonan and goalkeeper Jon Conway were all selected. Meanwhile, Dasan Robinson and Frankie Hejduk were retained by the club and are open to negotiations to have their services back for next season.

All in all, six players were selected in the Re-Entry Draft by the Galaxy.

“I’m not quite sure why other teams did not really choose to use this Re-Entry Draft, but I thought there was some value in it and hopefully it works out in the end,” Arena told Bueno on Monday.

The addition of players is vital to the Galaxy's chances of succeeding in the CONCACAF Champions League and the 2012 Major League Soccer season as it builds much-needed depth.

“When you look at the schedule next year, it’s going to be pretty full and it will require players with experience, and hopefully we’ve gotten enough of that,” Arena explained. “We’re going to bring back some good young players and pick up some good young players in the SuperDraft as well, so I’m confident that at the end of the day we’re going to have a pretty solid roster.”

Specials on a number of these new players will be published as part of the ongoing "This Is The Los Angeles Galaxy" series on The View from Victoria Street and Bleacher Report.

Off to Sweden for Gregg Berhalter

This just in: Gregg Berhalter returns to Europe!

No, not as a player, but as a manager. Berhalter was named manager of Hammarby IF of the Superettan, taking over for Roger Sandberg.

Hammarby is partially owned by the Anschutz Entertainment Group, the same owners of the Galaxy. Ah, we saw what they did there.

"I am excited for the challenge that lies ahead and could not be more thankful to AEG and everyone at Hammarby for giving me the opportunity,” Berhalter told reporters. “While I am saddened to leave a club that means so much to me, I feel that my experiences with the Galaxy both on and off the field have helped prepare me for the journey that lies ahead."

The 2012 Superettan (Swedish second division) season begins in April.