CARSON, Calif. – The 2009 MLS season was quite an eventful one for the LA Galaxy’s A.J. DeLaGarza.
The former University of Maryland standout had been taken in the second round of the SuperDraft and soon found himself in the spotlight. First there was a match with Brazilian standout Ronaldinho, then with AC Milan, in a friendly at StubHub Center. But what followed was beyond his wildest dreams.
It was July 8, 2009 at the Rose Bowl, a crowd of more than 93,000 was in attendance to watch the Galaxy take on Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona. And for DeLaGarza that meant a matchup against Thierry Henry, who had transferred to FC Barcelona from England’s Arsenal for a fee of more than $30 million.
“That’s a pretty vivid memory,” DeLaGarza said as the Galaxy prepared to take on Henry’s current club, New York Red Bulls, on Sunday at StubHub Center (5:30 p.m., ESPN2, ESPN Deportes). “Going up against Pedro and Lionel Messi, and I think Henry came on in the second half.”
Sunday could mark the last time – barring a potential playoff meeting -- DeLaGarza faces the talented forward who just turned 37 and has been rumored to be considering retirement. Henry joined the Red Bulls in 2010, helped lead them to last year’s Supporters’ Shield for best overall record and is the franchise’s all-time leader in assists (41). He’s also second all time in goals scored (50) and trails only Juan Pablo Angel, who had 58.
DeLaGarza still says Ronaldinho is the strongest opponent he’s ever faced – “His legs were ridiculous; you couldn’t move him,” DeLaGarza said – but Henry isn’t far behind.
DeLaGarza also revealed he has a picture of the French footballer on his computer at home in which he is at least two feet above him on a header.
“Obviously he’s getting up there in age,” DeLaGarza said, “but he’s still a special player. Not even in this league but around the world. He gets a lot of recognition for what he does and what he’s still doing. He’s scoring some pretty unbelievable goals and dropping dimes, as you would say, to his teammates.
“He’s everything you could think of in ka world-class player. Obviously one of the best in the world.”
Count Galaxy head coach Bruce as a member of the Henry fan club.
“We’ve only seen him a couple times in the year’s he’s been here and I’m thankful for that,” Arena said. “But he’s arguably the best player in the league. He’s extremely talented, and I think he’s been magnificent in the way he’s helped grow (MLS goal-scoring leader) Bradley Wright-Phillips. You see over the last six weeks or so he’s been outstanding.“Whatever he decides to do in the future I’m sure it’s going to be his call. Clearly he’s a guy that has plenty left in the tank.”
