CARSON, Calif. – Two years after bursting onto the American soccer scene as a precocious teenager from Inglewood, Jose Villarreal signaled his return to prominence by scoring the game-winning goal in the LA Galaxy’s 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire.
After starting in the left-sided midfield spot vacated by the retired Landon Donovan, Villarreal showcased his skill during his 69 minutes shift against the Fire. Although more comfortable in a second striker role, Villarreal didn’t look out of place on the left as he was integral in the team’s build-up play while also connecting well with forwards Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes.
He saved his best for last however, when he capitalized on a failed clearance by Chicago’s Jeff Larentowicz and a deflection off Lovel Palmer to rifle a shot into the back of the net.
“It feels good to help out the team in any way, and I got that one in, and Robbie [Keane] got his so I’m really happy,” Villarreal told reporters afterward. “Honestly, I was just hoping [Lovel] Palmer would let that slide, they kind of had a miscommunication with the other center back so luckily it was perfect for me. It was like “a peach” as Dave [Sarachan] always says.”
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena was understandably pleased with the 21-year-old forward’s showing in the victory.
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“Obviously he played well, and obviously got the winning goal for a really big game,” Arena said. “He is a good player; he dedicates himself to being a good professional. He’s got the talent to be a real good player, so I’m really pleased with his game today.”
What made Villarreal’s showing most impressive was his ability to adapt after enduring what Arena described as a “wasted” 2014 season. After returning from a failed loan spell at Cruz Azul, Villarreal hardly looked like the confident player that he was when he left the Galaxy for Mexico City last January, but on Friday in an unfamiliar position, the 21-year-old seemed to rediscover his swagger.
“He is a player with a lot of talent, maybe his best position would be a second forward. Perhaps where Robbie Keane plays, but he’s not going to get on the field because of that,” Arena said. “We have a lot of forwards, and we asked him to make this transition to midfield, and it’s a bit challenging, but he has worked real hard to get fit. I thought tonight he showed that, and he did in his last couple of preseason games. So we’re pretty excited about his development.”
Even Zardes chimed in with his own words of wisdom to his long time teammate.
“One thing that Robbie Keane [once] told me is that once you start, you want to keep that starting position,” Zardse said. “I guess that he’s thinking the same thing”
His goal against the Fire will likely earn him a starting role for yet another week when the Galaxy face off against the Portland Timbers next Sunday, but the Galaxy Homegrown Player has higher aspirations than just another start.
He wants to solidify his place as a regular on Arena’s squad for good.
“I’m just following orders and trying to progress every day,” Villarreal said. “I have just got to sprint longer. I was communicating well with Robbie Rogers out there, and I think we did pretty well. Defensively, I thought I was getting into a good spot, so going forward; it’s just going to get better every time. I was focused, and I had everyone supporting me from the team [today], so I was happy.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
