In a sequence of events that would have made Michael Corleone in Godfather II proud, the Los Angeles Galaxy waived five players from its roster, parting ways with several players who saw considerable playing time in 2008.
The Galaxy bid farewell to goalkeeper Steve Cronin, defenders Brandon McDonald, Mike Randolph and Troy Roberts, as well as forward Ely Allen.
The quintet combined for 87 appearances for the Galaxy in 2008, but none did much to stand out from the crowd, at least not in a good way.
The roster cleansing was necessary considering the influx of new faces to the club as head coach Bruce Arena puts his own stamp on the awful roster he inherited. Arena has added veterans Donovan Ricketts, Mike Magee, Dema Kovalenko and Todd Dunivant, as well as promising rookies Omar Gonzalez, A.J. De La Garza and Yohance Marshall. With Landon Donovan a safe bet to return, and some other signings in the works for LA, the Galaxy should be a strong candidate to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
What do you think of the moves? Did any of them surprise you? For non-Galaxy fans, would you like to see your team take a chance on one of the LA outcasts?
Share your thoughts below.