CARSON, Calif. – Jose Villarreal’s goal in the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over Georgetown University in a scrimmage earlier this week certainly was not a momentous occasion, but it may have been a sign of things to come for the young forward, not to mention a chance to relive a special memory or two.
You may remember the night of July 18, 2012 when the Homegrown signee scored a stunning goal in the 87th minute to give the visiting Galaxy a hard-earned 2-2 tie against the Vancouver Whitecaps and drew raves for his impressive play.
But that was almost three years ago. What followed was a loan to Mexican side Cruz Azul that was cut short and followed by his return to the Galaxy last August. He appeared in five games with the first team in 2014 and spent most of his time with the club’s USL Pro side, Galaxy II.
Villarreal, who turned just 21 last Sept. 10, entered preseason intent on earning a spot on the first team and said he’s a better, more well-rounded player than when he first arrived.
He never got a chance with Cruz Azul’s first team, although he did train with that side every day in Mexico, and he insisted his appearances with Cruz Azul’s second team – which eventually folded – helped him in the long run.
They also helped him maintain his enjoyment of the game and sharpen his approach.
“I’m keeping the same mentality as always,” he said after training Thursday. “Things are going well.
“It seems like they get better every day.”
But will that be enough to impress coach Bruce Arena? The Galaxy boss said he still has high hopes for the Inglewood native and Galaxy Academy product, but he also cautioned there’s plenty of work ahead in his immediate future.
“Jose is a talented guy,” Arena said. “I think he needs to dedicate himself more as a professional and get himself fitter. He does that and I think he has a real upside.
“He’s just got to get himself a little more dedicated to his profession and position himself to get on the field. He gets his focus and concentration right and he could be a good one.”
Villarreal has three goals and two assists in 37 appearances with the first team but the 5-foot-8, 160-pounder remains hopeful those numbers will improve in 2015.
“I just want to help the team in any way I can,” Villarreal said. “You guys will see. My work rate is going up; I’m working hard every day in training to get better.”
