By ADAM SERRANO
Galaxy rookie Michael Stephens knows he has a lot to live up to.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are well known for developing top level rookie talent. Their past two first-round picks, defenders Sean Franklin and Omar Gonzalez, won the MLS Rookie of the Year award under the tutelage of Bruce Arena. Based on his pre-season performances to date, Stephens could make it a third straight rookie award winner for the Galaxy.
Stephens has looked dynamic during the preseason, providing a creative spark that could help him earn an important role with the defending Western Conference champions.
"The Galaxy are a team with a lot of history, but being around LA during the past few years (with UCLA) helps me adjust to playing on this team," said Stephens. "I've made some good strides, but there are things that I need to work on adjusting to the speed of play and the physicality of MLS, which is very different than the college game. But all the guys here have been a great help in allowing me to feel comfortable in this environment."
Stephens was responsible for setting up Chris Birchall's goal that allowed the Galaxy to defeat Costa Rican club Puntarenas in a recent friendly. He also earned a pair goals in a scrimmage against his Alma mater early in the preseason. The play of the rookie has done enough to allow him to earn the attention of his more established teammates.
"Some young players think that they have it all figured out and then you see the other ones who know will succeed who come in wanting to learn and be around the guys and that's Mike Stephens," said midfielder Chris Klein. " On the field he's technically very good, he's listened and really picked up a lot in a few short months."
The growth of Stephens as well as the development of the Los Angeles Galaxy's youth movement can be attributed to Arena. In just a few short years, the club has gone from a team flush with veterans to a club with a solid youth core. Klein who has seen the Galaxy's transformation has been incredibly impressed as the team's development.
"It's really drafting the young players and who you surround them with. We've had a lot of veteran guys who have been around the league and don't mind helping a young guy out," said Klein. "When you have that and you combine it with the mentality of a youth player then you're going to have a good combination."
Despite the litany of options in the midfield, which includes captain Landon Donovan, the possibilities exist for the midfielder to earn time with the Galaxy. The main reason for this is the versatility of Stephens, who can play a host of positions in the midfield. Throughout the preseason Stephens has played in the center of the field, but has also seen some time on the flanks for the club.
"At one time, Coach Arena and I spoke about putting me on the wings, but in every scrimmage I've been placed in the center of the midfield," said Stephens. "All I want to do is get playing time and I really feel like playing in the center of the field is where I can make the biggest impact."
With only a few weeks left in training camp before the start of the season, the young midfielder is set to do his part to help the Galaxy resume their winning ways.
"Playing time is up to the coach, but I've got to do my part to help us win games. I'm in the mix for time here and I just need to get some good time on the field and everything will work out."
And we’ve still got Omar and AJ. If this guy pans out like we hope, I nominate Bruce Arena for President.
No too loud though k? Trying to enjoy the game.
Thanks
i hope he does turn into something great its been while since UCLA has send a good player to the MLS. this is going to make the galaxy into one strong team for many years to come. with such a good young sold core of players.
Me too Test. Can’t wait for next Saturday night. LARS, screaming and singing, waiting for the rest of the stadium to catch up the passion that is being an LA GALAXY fan.
Making the long drive from Banning 15 times is definately worth it.
War Galaxy. War Donovan. War Star #3
I hope he works out. They won’t have Beckham for creativity anymore.
He said he blossomed under Arena’s tutelage. Franklin was pretty erratic during the period you are talking about. In fact, for a while, he was pretty bad.
We always knew the Galaxy tended to do well in the draft. Over the last decade, LA has probably drafted more future MLS regulars than any other team in the league.
Of course, keeping those players in Galaxy colors is another story entirely.
Stephens was criminally underdrafted. How can anyone justify taking Dike or Estrada over him, even considering positional needs?
I was gonna say this too. Should be interesting to see who Il Bruce chooses between Franklin and de la Garza all season.
Sean Franklin learned under the tutelage of Bruce Arena? You may want to check your hire dates. Sean managed to excel under the vacuum of leadership known at the Ruud Gullit Era.
He’ll end up crocked with all the rest of em…
landon wont give us 20 goals this season. I expect him to be efficient.
hey what up Jamesey, it’s ‘Qamle’ from the RS boards.
“The Galaxy are a team with a lot of history.”
Love it.
Have u heard of Landon donovan
Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, & AJ De La Garza have been great drafts by the Galaxy. If Stephens can match those guys, LA will be setting themselves up to have a dynasty. Now they just need a forward to score 20 goals.
Saw him play last week and he looked great. Just got my season tickets in the mail and I can’t wait for the season to start. Now if both sides can get their act together so we all can get on with our lives
Not a Galaxy man, but it is cool that we’ve gotten to the point where a rookie can say his new team has “a lot of history” with a straight face.
No Beckham increases his chances.
If you listen to the comments that players and coaches make about this kid, its hard as an LA fan to not get excited about his prospects.
Fingers are crossed
ya he could be up for rookie of the year with the way he is playing this preseason