CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena was praising his club after Monday’s 2-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps and couldn’t help himself.
He had to pay tribute to one of his most dependable players.
“I thought A.J. DeLaGarza deserves a purple heart for his efforts,” he said. “It’s only appropriate on July 4 maybe. He’s played every minute of every game over the last two and half or three weeks.
“We’ve played a lot of games and he’s played every one. He’s done a heckuva job.”
If anyone is looking for one of the Galaxy’s most consistent performers, look no farther than the 28-year-old. DeLaGarza, originally a second-round draft pick (19th overall) out of the University of Maryland in 2009, has quietly become a fixture for the five-time MLS Cup champions.
The 5-foot-9, 150-pounder has not missed a single minute of the Galaxy’s last seven matches, and that includes two U.S. Open contests. The last time he was not on the field was May 22 in Montreal, a 3-2 loss.
A bone bruise in his left foot has limited him to 11 games (all starts) this season, but DeLaGarza has never complained. Nor has he wanted any time off. Arena, in fact, has ordered him to take an occasional break – against DeLaGarza’s best wishes.
“Bruce has told me take days off and I said no,” he said. “I want to be in here every day trying to get better on the field or getting treatment to get ready for the next game.
“I don’t like to take days off.”
Galaxy associate head coach Dave Sarachan, one of DeLaGarza’s biggest boosters when it came time for the club to draft him in 2009, said the versatile defender is the epitome of a team player.
“There’s a couple ways you look at it,” Sarachan said. “He’s got the resolve and the competitive fight. He never complains and he just shows up each and every day. There’s a real will and resolve. And then it’s his ability to adapt, whether we use him as a center back or a right back. He’s versatile enough to where he can be slotted in.
“He’s just the ultimate team guy. He’s not going to come to us and go, ‘Coach, I’m a little tired.’ We would never expect that. And he won’t, and that tells you a lot about his character.”
Added Arena, “He must have had a reserve in that tank that we haven’t been aware of. He’s gotten a lot of minutes, but he’s taken care of himself and at this point he’s fresh.
“He’s done an amazing job.”
DeLaGarza said there is a clear reason why he has been so effective – and dependable – lately.
“Maybe because I was hurt early in the year and I’m not tired,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t know. Playing consistently is always a good thing … you get your confidence and momentum. I feel pretty healthy. My foot’s been doing really well and there are no muscle injuries.
“That’s allowed me to come out here every day and push myself.”
