CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s 2016 was a tumultuous one filled with brilliant goals and frustrating moments for Bruce Arena’s men, ultimately ending in a penalty kick shootout defeat in the Western Conference Semifinals.
As we look back on 2016, LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano will provide a review of each position. The LA Galaxy Insider Year in Review will begin with goalkeepers and then move up the field to defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Several select players will also have their own review, based on the number of appearances made.
ALAN GORDON
GP: 29 (22 in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, four in U.S. Open Cup)
GS: 13 (seven in MLS regular season, three in MLS Cup Playoffs, three in U.S. Open Cup)
G: 4 (three in MLS regular season, one in MLS Cup Playoffs)
A: 3 (one in MLS regular season, two in MLS Cup Playoffs)
HIGHLIGHTS:
You’ve got to hand it to Alan Gordon, he always comes through in the clutch.
After a slow start to the season, Alan Gordon came on strong ending the campaign with four goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
With Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes suffering from injuries, Gordon assumed the forward role alongside Giovani dos Santos and provided a perfect complement for the Mexican striker. The mixture of Gordon’s brawn and Dos Santos’ flash helped the Galaxy end the season on a high note as the 35-year-old scored in three of the Galaxy’s final six regular season goals—including a goal on his birthday on Oct. 16.
The 35-year-old striker also found the back of the net in the Galaxy’s Western Conference Knockout Round victory over Real Salt Lake. On an international front, Gordon made a return to the U.S. National Team at season’s end when he replaced the injured Jordan Morris on the USMNT roster for their September World Cup qualifiers.
LOWLIGHTS:
Alan Gordon started the year with a whimper before eventually finding his form toward the end of the season.
At the outset of the 2016 campaign, Gordon saw limited minutes for Bruce Arena’s squad. Gordon failed to make the game day roster seven of the club’s first 10 appearances and did not make his first start until Sept. 11.
True to his style, Gordon stormed back toward the end of the season, scoring all four of his goals down the stretch.
OVERVIEW:
Alan Gordon ended the 2016 campaign as well as the veteran forward could have, but his next step remains hazy.
Gordon will be a free agent this offseason and is expected to have interest from a variety of clubs given his success this season. One of the most productive No. 9’s in MLS and member of the U.S. National Team, Gordon carries considerable value for the Galaxy or another suitor.
However, it’ll be up to Gordon whether he’ll continue as the 35-year-old stated several times throughout the season that his career was in its twilight.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
