BY ADAM SERRANO
Many MLS teams are looking to make a deal before the end of the transfer period on August 14th and the Los Angeles Galaxy is one of them.
The MLS league leading Galaxy are on the cusp of starting play in the CONCACAF Champions League and may be looking to add depth at a number of positions. On Thursday, head coach Bruce Arena stated that the Galaxy are looking to make additions before the MLS transfer window closes on Sunday.
"We've been looking and trying to see if we can add another player to our roster, it's not easy and it'll go right to the deadline if we can make an addition and that's all I can say," said Arena. "We've been through 40 or 50 names of players that you'd recognize around the world to players that you don't. At this point, we've not come up with anything."
More news from around the Western Conference after the jump:
CHIVAS USA
Chivas USA are looking to do something that they have failed to do all season–win two matches in a row.
Unfortunately, to complete this feat, they will need to defeat the Seattle Sounders in the boisterous environment of CenturyLink Field. When the Rojiblancos take on the Sounders, they are expecting a battle on the field.
"It's going to be a tough game, it'll be a great atmosphere and rightfully so because they have a big fan base and a great team," said Chivas USA midfielder Nick LaBrocca. "It'll be a battle for sure."
COLORADO RAPIDS
The defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids are preparing for their roughest stretch in their season.
Starting with this weekend's match against the San Jose Earthquakes, the Rapids will face a two week stretch that see Colorado travel to Central America twice while playing two MLS matches. Looking ahead to their difficult schedule, head coach Gary Smith told MLSsoccer.com, that his team will be competitive in the CONCACAF tournament.
“Our attentions will obviously be turned to a different competition but one which should be exciting for everyone,” Smith said of the CCL. “I see no reason now that our squad isn’t strong enough to absorb both domestic and cup competitions.
FC DALLAS
Daniel Cruz is fitting in just fine with FC Dallas.
Just a week after being signed, the Colombian midfielder feels at home with FCD. Cruz participated in 18 minutes of the club's defeat to LA Galaxy on the weekend, but his travel with the club allowed him to get to know his fellow teammates. After the long trip, Cruz admits that he has begun to feel like a valuable member of the team.
“I talk with everyone, not just the Colombians,” the 30-year-old veteran told MLSsoccer.com. “[I talk] with the American people — they treat me very well. The truth is, I am very happy to be here. I think it’s a great decision to come here.”
Cruz, who is not fully fit, believes that he will be at full fitness in three to four weeks.
PORTLAND TIMBERS
The season hasn't always been easy for the Portland Timbers.
There have been good moments, like last week's victory over the LA Galaxy or disappointing moments like a long streak of failing to win at home. One of the negative points was a controversial call in the Timbers 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. A potential Steve Beitashour handball in the box during the match was not awarded and well into the week, head coach Jon Spencer admitted that he was still upset about the result.
“To be honest with you I couldn’t understand why we never got penalty kick right in the dying moments of the game,” Spencer told MLSsoccer.com.
REAL SALT LAKE
Luis Gil is beginning to draw a lot of attention at Rio Tinto Stadium.
After the 17-year-old midfielder scored his first goal in Real Salt Lake's victory against the New York Red Bulls, all members of RSL have been experiencing a bit of Gil overload. Defender Nate Borchers' even christened the week "Luis Gil week" in a recent interview with MLSsoccer.com. Jason Kreis said that although Gil is doing well, he's only one of many promising young players at RSL.
“It’s one step in the right direction,” Kreis said. ”Luis, or Collen Warner, or Chris Schuler or Raushawn McKenzie or Donny Toia — they’re all products in the making, but I do feel like we’re headed in the right direction with all of those players.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
The San Jose Earthquakes need an attacking punch and are getting it from an unexpected source.
Second-year right back Steve Beitashour has been impressive in his second year with the team scoring a team high four assists this season. Beitashour has been able to add to the attack after failing to register an assist in any matches last season. In a recent interview with MLSsoccer.com, head coach Frank Yallop told reporters just how important the defender has been this season.
“I want my fullbacks to get forward and get crosses in, and Steve’s done that,” Yallop told MLSsoccer.com. “[Ramiro Corrales] whips good balls in, so does [Bobby] Convey at times. The timing in [Beitashour’s] have been perfect. Our big boys have gotten on the end of them.”
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
The Seattle Sounders are looking for depth ahead of the CONCACAF Champions League stretch and that will cause some players to change positions.
One such player is former first-round draft pick David Estrada. The former attacking midfielder has seen time at right back for the Sounders in a number of matches including the friendly against Manchester United and a recent reserve match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. In an interview with the Seattle Times, head coach Sigi Schmid stated that Estrada fits very well along the backline.
"He's a good enough header," said Schmid. "He's got enough speed. His crossing from deep is also good. It's just a matter of learning the nuances of the position and probably improving himself on his one-on-one defending."
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
The young members of the Vancouver Whitecaps are giving their head coach Tom Soehn something to think about.
The play of forward Long Tan and wing player Canadian youth international Ben Fisk in reserve matches is forcing Soehn to consider giving the pair minutes with the first team. Both players have been performing well in reserve team matches and a number of injuries to the first team have forced Sohen to consider their inclusion. Tan in particular, is one who has lit up the reserve league,recently scoring a game winning goal against the Sounders, but a member of the 'Caps coaching staff told MLSsoccer.com that Tan's play has been a bit maddening.
“One of the frustrating things about Long Tan is that he’s capable of scoring goals, but he’s also capable of some very frustrating play,” assistant coach Colin Miller said. “He’s capable of causing most defences in the league problems, but he’s just so inconsistent. It’s certainly some inexperience at this level of the game, as it is with all the young players, but he has some very good qualities.”