It’s been a wildly successful first year for LA Galaxy II as the USL PRO affiliate reached the Playoffs in their inaugural season.
Following the club’s maiden season in the North American third division, LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano has decided to hand out some silverware and honor the best and brightest of Galaxy II.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: ANDRE AURAS
Billed as the most “MLS-ready” player in all of USL PRO, midfielder Andre Auras put forth a stellar showing in his first season with LA Galaxy II.
Andre Auras has been the engine for Galaxy II’s high-octane attack. The Frenchman has showcased a wide-range of passing while also notching five goals during his 22 appearances. Auras’ most dangerous weapon, however, is his service on set pieces. Perhaps the finest dead ball taker in the entire Galaxy organization, the Frenchman’s service was a valuable asset for Galaxy II throughout their inaugural campaign.
As he looks to transition to the next level, Auras will need to clean up his play on the defensive side of the ball, but the Frenchman has shown the necessary skills to take the field in MLS.
Honorable Mention: Rafael Garcia and Chandler Hoffman
GOLDEN BOOT: CHANDLER HOFFMAN
One of the most prolific goal scorers in USL PRO, Chandler Hoffman enjoyed an incredibly strong season with Los Dos.
Notching 13 goals in just 17 games for Galaxy II, Hoffman had the best goal per game ratio during the 2014 USL PRO regular season while finishing fourth in the league’s overall goal scoring list. A threat each time that he stepped on the field, Hoffman’s movement on and off the ball as well as his clinical final touch translated to plenty of goals for Curt Onalfo’s side.
Hoffman’s ability to find the back of the net with Galaxy II translated to minutes with the first team as the second-year LA player set a career-high in MLS appearances during the 2014 campaign.
Honorable Mention: Charlie Rugg
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: BRADFORD JAMIESON IV
The fleet-footed Bradford Jamieson IV stole the show more than a few times in LA Galaxy II's first season.
A speedy option along the flanks, Jamieson has great success combining with attackers out wide and then using his pace to blow past defenders. Jamieson's quick feet led to goals for Los Dos as the teenager formerly of Santa Monica High School finished the season with five goals for the Galaxy USL PRO affiliate.
Not only did Jamieson’s success lead to minutes with the Galaxy first team, but it also helped him lock down a spot in the U.S. Under-20 setup as they prepare for qualifying for the U-20 World Cup next year.
Honorable Mention: Raul Mendiola
BEST NEWCOMER: DANIEL STERES
One of the pleasant surprises of the Galaxy II’s inaugural season was the play of San Diego State alum Daniel Steres.
The 23-year-old central defender from Burbank was a steady presence along the back line across the 2014 season as he made 24 appearances for Los Dos. A former member of MLS clubs Seattle Sounders FC and Chivas USA, Steres provided leadership for a Galaxy II back line that was among the top half of defenses in goals allowed.
Steres also showcased an attacking element to his game as the defender was a dangerous target on set pieces as he ended the club’s inaugural campaign with three goals.
Honorable Mentions: Dragan Stojkov and Alejandro Covarrubias
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
