CARSON, Calif. – There was a sense of anticipation among Galaxy coaches and players following Wednesday’s announcement that the defending MLS Cup champions would be participating in this summer’s International Champions Cup North America.
The Galaxy will join a 10-team field that includes the likes of Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Games will be held from July 11 to Aug. 5, with the schedule/venues announced on April 28.
“I think it’s great,” said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena, who added his side likely will play its competitions locally. “And it’s going to fit into our schedule, which is not always the case.
“We can put forth a good effort in this competition.”
The Galaxy finished fourth in the 2013 edition of the tournament that also included Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Valencia and Everton. The Galaxy even defeated Juventus 3-1 at Dodger Stadium.
Arena said there are a couple of ways to look at the competition. One is the tournament offers a welcome break from the rigors of a lengthy MLS season – “That’s one way of putting it,” he agreed -- but the games also can be unnecessary distractions.
“Sometimes they’re a nuisance, other times they’re productive,” he said. “I think this time around it will be good for us.”
Asked how productive, Arena replied, “We’ll likely have a new player coming in July, and it gives him an opportunity to get on the field with us. I think that in itself is a positive.”
Arena, of course, was referring to the much-anticipated arrival of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who is expected to join the Galaxy sometime in July.
Galaxy players sounded genuinely eager for the games against some of the world’s top teams.
“I think it’s exciting for MLS clubs to be playing against such great clubs and some of the world’s best teams,” said Alan Gordon, who scored the winning goal in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Seattle. “In that regard it’s pretty exciting for us to be playing against some of the best teams and best players.
“It’s a great opportunity to match yourself up with the best in the world.”
Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, named MLS Player of the Week in recognition of his superb, 10-save performance in last Saturday’s victory, echoed those sentiments.
“It’s truly something special,” he said of the upcoming event. “It’s an honor to play in tournaments like this with the Galaxy. It’s also a little nostalgic because when I got to the Galaxy it was around when we were playing in that tournament as well.
“This tournament will be a welcome break (from the season). The MLS season is very long and last year there was the World Cup break and that really helped us get back into our winning ways.
“It’s always nice to have a change in mindset, a change in rhythm. That way we can come back fresher.”
