The LA Galaxy season may be over, but LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano will spend the next few weeks offering an evaluation of each member of the squad.VIEW CALENDAR
The LA Galaxy Player Ratings will begin with players who appeared in the least number of games this season starting with goalkeeper Brian Rowe and concluding with Sean Franklin who played in all 34 of the club’s regular season games. There will also be an evaluation of head coach and general manager Bruce Arena and his moves at the conclusion of the list.
We will have two to three evaluations per day and focus on what each player did well, what they need to improve on ahead of next season as well as a select thought from the player on their performance and a rating from myself.
LEONARDO
AGE: 24
POSITION: Defender
APPEARANCES IN ALL OFFICIAL COMPETITIONS: GP: 1 (U.S. Open Cup); MIN: 90; G: 0; A: 0
RESERVE LEAGUE APPEARANCES: GP: 2; MIN: 55; G: 1; A: 0
Reserve Highlights: LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers
HIGHLIGHTS: Still on the mend from tearing multiple ligaments in his right knee during an April 2011 match in Chicago, Leonardo missed the first two months of the season, returning to the field in early May. The finest moment for the Brazilian came during his 90 minute appearance for the Galaxy in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup against the Carolina Railhawks. That match was his first official appearance for the club in 14 months. Leonardo was solid in the performance, but the Galaxy ultimately fell 2-1 to the NASL side.
LOWLIGHTS: Where to begin, each time it appeared that the Brazilian would return to the lineup, injury would rear its ugly head. During a Reserve League match in Portland on June 2, the Brazilian defender scored just three minutes into the match, but was forced to leave due to a recurrence of his right knee injury. The injury ultimately caused the defender to be placed on the disabled list 13 days later effectively ending his season after he was not activated by the Sept. 14 roster freeze deadline.
HIS THOUGHTS: “I know it was a good year for the team, but for me, it was very difficult with my injury. I know that I’m still working to get better and I’m hoping that I can be ready for the next year. I’m speaking with the training staff and I’m hoping to work hard to be fit by the time January comes around.”
RATING: INCOMPLETE.
For a third year, injuries ravaged the burly Brazilian center back, who was once again limited due to a severe knee injury. Currently, the Galaxy are in negotiations with Leonardo and his representatives to decide if he should be brought back for a fourth season at The Home Depot Center. While Leonardo’s ball skills and size make him an intriguing prospect, his injury history represents a significant red flag for the Galaxy.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
