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When the Los Angeles Galaxy revealed its pre-season roster on Tuesday there weren't very many surprises. There were newly-acquired veterans Dema Kovalenko and Mike Magee, as well as rookie draft picks Omar Gonzalez and A.J. De La Garza. There was one surprising, yet familiar name that Bruce Arena did include.
That player is former U.S. World Cup standout defender Tony Sanneh, who will join the Galaxy for pre-season on trial, with the hope of helping bolster a defense in need of reinforcements. Sanneh was one of 33 players named to a roster that must be cut down to 24 players before the start of the season.
Sanneh, who turns 38 in June, last played in MLS in 2007 with the Colorado Rapids, a move that came only after a deal to move to the New York Red Bulls (coached then by Arena) was scrapped by Chicago, which then dealt him to the Rapids. Sanneh played nine games for Colorado before taking a year off in 2008.
Sanneh will be re-united with Arena, who was his coach on the 2002 U.S. World Cup team, and LA assistant Dave Sarachan, who coached Sanneh on the 2005-2006 Chicago Fire.
Sanneh isn't the only new defensive face on the Galaxy pre-season roster. Venezuelan defender Henry "Leo" Bautista and American defender Vardan Adzemian are also on the roster. Bautista is also on a trial. Adzemian spent 2008 on loan to the USL Portland Timbers after signing a developmental contract with the Galaxy.
What do you think of this move? Think Sanneh still has something left in the tank? Is Bautista the answer to the Galaxy's defensive woes? Will either of them keep rookie Omar Gonzalez on the bench? Will either of them make the team?
Share your thoughts below.