CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid faces a tough decision this weekend as he looks to replace captain Jelle Van Damme in central defense for the team’s clash with the Portland Timbers
Van Damme will miss the next two matches due to yellow card accumulation as well as a late red card in the Galaxy’s draw with Seattle Sounders FC. The captain’s absence leaves a major hole in the Galaxy’s defense as they prepare for two crucial matches against the Timbers and New York City FC.
As Schmid looks to replace Van Damme, the Galaxy boss is keeping his options open with Dave Romney, Hugo Arellano, and even Jermaine Jones candidates for the position.
We’re experimenting a little bit. We played a couple of different combinations at training. We want to see how guys get through and make sure they’re still healthy.
After Van Damme was red carded in the closing moments of the game, Jones stepped into central defense to help the Galaxy keep their fourth shutout of the season. Although Jones shined at midfield against Seattle, the veteran is not averse to playing on the back four.
“I played it for the national team; I played it at Schalke, I’m OK with that position," Jones said. "It’s nothing something I’m scared of. It’s one of the easiest positions because you have the game in front of you. If it comes to that decision than I’m OK with that."
Added Schmid, “Jermaine has been good. He jumped into the breach [last weekend] and can probably play there. I really liked how he played in midfield though so I’d like to keep him there.”
No matter who fills in for Van Damme, Schmid wants to see a solid showing on both sides of the ball on Sunday.
“The objective for this week is, let’s maintain our defensive security, but let’s translate that into offensive prowess and being able to score goals from the standpoint of a stable defense,” Schmid said.
