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.
JEFF LARENTOWICZ
GP: 29 (23 in MLS regular season, four in U.S. Open Cup, three in MLS Cup Playoffs)
GS: 23 (17 in MLS regular season, three in U.S. Open Cup, three in MLS Cup Playoffs)
G: 1
A: 1
HIGHLIGHTS:
The LA Galaxy needed a steady hand in central midfield and that’s exactly what Jeff Larentowicz provided in 2016.
After the departure of Brazilian central midfielder Juninho to Club Tijuana, the Galaxy acquired Larentowicz to be a steadying presence in the center of the park. Throughout the season, Larentowicz was the model of consistency as he made 29 appearances in all competitions including all three MLS Cup Playoff matches.
There was nothing flashy about what Larentowicz offered, but his simple play was critically important to the Galaxy’s midfield success.
The veteran midfielder found the back of the net in the Galaxy’s July 4 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC when he nodded a Steven Gerrard cross into the back of the net. Larentowicz also notched his first assist since 2014 when he provided a helper on Robbie Keane’s goal against the Portland Timbers in July.
LOWLIGHTS:
Jeff Larentowicz ended the season on a high but endured a slow start to his first campaign with the LA Galaxy.
Signed to replace Juninho, Larentowicz found himself on the bench after the Galaxy added Dutch international Nigel de Jong just prior to the start of the season. De Jong soon found himself in the starting role in defensive midfield, sending Larentowicz into a reserve role. Although Larentowicz became a starter down the stretch run, his 23 regular season appearances were the lowest since his rookie campaign when he played in just a single game.
The 33-year-old enjoyed a very consistent season, but at times, he—and midfielder Steven Gerrard—
struggled to deal with some of the league’s faster central midfielders.
OVERVIEW:
At 33-years-old, Jeff Larentowicz still has plenty left to give if he returns to the LA Galaxy in 2016.
Larentowicz provided a stabilizing presence in the midfield throughout the 2016 season, but his place on the squad remains up in the air. With the emergence of players like Rafael Garcia and the arrival of a new head coach, the veteran midfielder’s role could change heading into next year.
No matter where Larentowicz ends up next year, the 33-year-old showed in 2016 that he will remain a regular contributor.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
