CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy are riding an eight-game unbeaten streak (4-0-4) and haven’t lost since a 1-0 defeat to the Colorado Rapids way back on March 12. That is their lone setback this season after 10 games.
Robbie Keane is back from knee surgery. Steven Gerrard and Giovani dos Santos have returned as well from groin and leg injuries, respectively, and midfielder Nigel de Jong likely will be back this weekend after missing three games because of a suspension and then suffering a minor leg injury during training.
Dos Santos has been on a tear with five goals and five assists in his last six games. Keane has two goals and an assist in his last two starts after missing the previous five games because of knee surgery. Gerrard has two goals and two assists in his last four matches.
There are plenty of plaudits to go around on the five-time MLS Cup champions, with perhaps no one deserving more of them than forward Gyasi Zardes.
The 24-year-old native of Hawthorne is playing arguably the best soccer of his professional career, especially during the last month. Zardes, originally signed as a Homegrown Player on Dec. 20, 2012, has four goals and four assists this season.
“He’s doing very well,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said as his team prepared for Sunday’s California Clásico against the San Jose Earthquakes at StubHub Center (4 p.m., Fox Sports 1). “He’s made good progress and he continues to help our team in any way possible. He’s a great team player and individually he’s getting better.
“Technically his first touch has improved. You can see all the experience he’s gotten to date has started to make sense.”
Zardes said his comfort level is at all-time high. He credited much of that to his high-profile teammates.
“I really think it’s training every single day with these high-quality players,” he said. “I’m practicing with Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Nigel de Jong, Ashley (Cole) … these guys have played at the highest level. Giovani dos Santos as well.
“These guys are amazing players. Me training with them allows me to become better myself, and I see it each day.”
Mike Magee was a member of the Galaxy in 2013 when Zardes first arrived on the scene – Magee later was traded in May of that year for the rights to Robbie Rogers – but saw enough to realize the Galaxy had a special prospect in their midst. He continues to be impressed at his development.
“It’s especially fun for me to see that evolution in him,” he said. “When I left he was still great but he was a young kid who was willing to learn and put in the work. To see how far he’s grown … I’m glad he’s been rewarded for the work he’s putting in. It’s kind of completing us up front.
“You see so many times, these kids that have all these tools with strength and speed and they claim to be hungry and claim they want to be great. Then it all kind of goes to waste. They rest on what they’re good at and don’t complete their game.
“What Gyasi’s done is continue to grow every single day,” he went on. “He’s one of those guys that didn’t rest on the things he was good at and coasted by.”
Galaxy associate head coach Dave Sarachan said Zardes’ consistency has improved by leaps and bounds. He also said he doesn’t get enough credit for his defense.
“The outsiders will always look at Gyasi as an attacking guy and what he brings going forward,” Sarachan said. “But the dirty running, as I call it, and the extra work, everything. And the willingness in the 80th minute, the 90th minute, killing the game out, to put it in another gear has been spectacular.
“He’s really had a great stretch.”
The soft-spoken Zardes said he is having the time of his life.
“I feel like I’ve gotten better every day and every season,” he said. “I’m really enjoying it.”
