BY ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, Calif. – A little more than a week before they are set to host the 2011 MLS Cup Final, the Los Angeles Galaxy's hopes of lifting the trophy at home took a tough hit.
Forward Chad Barrett will miss the MLS Cup Final after suffering a dislocated right ankle during the club's training session on Thursday. During a light scrimmage on Thursday morning, Barrett was tracking back for a ball before suffering the injury, which Galaxy trainers later confirmed as a dislocated ankle.
The Galaxy forward immediately fell to the ground in pain and remained there receiving treatment from the club's medical staff for nearly 30 minutes before being taken away to a local hospital via ambulance.
"We are disappointed for Chad," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "He has been a great addition to our team in 2011 and we hope for a speedy recovery."
Barrett has enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career for the Galaxy since moving to Los Angeles from Toronto FC during the off season. The forward registered seven goals and five assists this season along with one goal in the CONCACAF Champions League. Barrett's contributions have rocketed the forward up the depth chart, earning him the coveted spot alongside Robbie Keane in the starting lineup.
With Barrett unlikely to feature in MLS Cup, the task of partnering alongside Keane will likely fall to Adam Cristman or Miguel Lopez, each who have seen time at forward for the Galaxy this season.
Another potential option could see Los Angeles' captain Landon Donovan sliding up top alongside the Irishman, with Paolo Cardozo lining up on the right side of midfield.
Say what you want about Chad, but that goal vs RSL in the regular season game was sick.
For me, he has exceeded expectations.
Let’s face it… the Galaxy only had a viable attack with Donovan up front with Keane. Landon disappeared during most of the game, but came alive when moved up front against RSL. For some reason Bruce still thinks that Donovan has speed to burn (which he does not) and keeps him outside. So with Barrett’s injury, his hand may be forced. Galaxy’s lucky to take the decision out of Bruce’s hands.
Sorry Chad, but it’s definitely a “Victory” moment to help the team.
JPA, where are you???
No, Stephen is all about defensive enrgy and passing back
No, Cardozo to Midfield and Magee to FWD
I would much rather see the brilliant playmaking of Cardozo in there than the clunkiness of Barrett or Cristman….Magee can move to forward.
This just in–Tally Hall fears more shots will be on target during cup final as a consequence of the injury to Chad Barrett.
FCD fans will be watching that one from home too.
2005 was six years ago. Let it go!
Besides, Alexis Lalas is the one who gave away Donovan to LA. Blame him for facilitating things!
+1
Folks railed on Barrett’s acquisition from Day 1, but like you, I was in the small minority who appreciated his hustle, tenacity and off-the-ball movements – which are much sharper than his on-the-ball movements. And at times, he’s converted when it counts!
I’m not looking forward to seeing Cristman start – I like him, but think he’s a clunkier version of Connor Casey. Also, Barrett and Keane were building a connection that isn’t matched with Cristman. That said, Cristman does handle crosses pretty well. A second option with Gonzalez on set pieces could win the game single-handedly.
But not all is lost. The Galaxy have options outside of an automatic Cristman start. A healthy Donovan can lie in wait behind a lone-striker Keane, pairing up with him when needed. A rested Magee and Beckham can provide energy on the flank and turn a 5-1 attack into a 2-4 attack in a second.
Or Arena can turn the keys over to one of the imaginative youngsters. Lopez or Cardozo could get the nod to pair with Keane.
It will be interesting to say the least.
That’s a fair criticism
7 goals, 5 assists, and oh yeah you’re an insensitive jerk
That’s just dumb
Hmmmmmm
No Barrett
Gassed and unfocused Keane
Judas Donovan at 75%
Scum are gonna choke again
Cristman would be an all-league caliber player if he had come through in say…1998. The problem is that it’s 2011 and he’s a clear step down from “Everywhere but goal” Barrett. Still confident of a Galaxy victory though.
Jason Kendall of the Pirates dislocated an ankle running to first base. It was gruesome looking stuff.
Get me the tank!
This sucks for Chad. Has worked extremely hard for the Galaxy and yes i will agree he’s inconsistent in terms of scoring but has good positional sense and has good chemistry with the team. Smart player who deserves to be on the field for the final.
However, I think Bruce will go with Cristman seeing that he prefers veterans over younger players, especially in a high-pressure game like the final. Cristman works hard but has low stamina so I imagine Cardozo coming in at forward in the second half. Or they could sub Cristman for the highly-esteemed Michael Stephens at RM and Donovan up top.
As a Fire fan watching Oduro score 12 this season I now have a different view on Barrett…
I’ve definitely seen him miss lots of great opportunities, but you have to respect that he gets into good places and generates/receives quality chances. While he hasn’t stepped his finishing up to the next level, there is evidence it can be done.
Looks like LA had movie night and watched Victory and had a good idea
No I’m a FCD fan screw the dynamo
+1
Why can’t Robbie Rogers twist an ankle getting fresh towels for kilnsmans side? Now that would be news worthy of a post.
When Barrett dreams, he’s Robbie Keane.
In no way does this hurt the Galaxy.
Maybe if this were the 2013 MLS Cup final.
You think Cardozo at mid and LD at forward is a better plan than vice versa?
+1
Keane and Cardozo. Simple as that.
michael stephens on the right if donovan moves up??
Actually, the Cardozo plan doesn’t sound to bad.
On the plus side, the club will, once again, be able to seat fans in row 20 behind the goal for the final.
…says a Dynamo fan.
Bring in McBean
hey bruce, i bet he could still miss just as many shots with and lose just as many balls with a dislocated ankle. start him anyway!
I guess I’ll be the first to say it’s a blow for the Galaxy.
Barrett might be a clunky player, but he works hard on the field and puts himself in position for chances (yes, though he is prone to blowing some of them. Having to start Adam Cristman and a gassed Robbie Keane makes me a little worried. Hopefully Magee can pull another rabbit of out the hat.
I didn’t even know dislocated ankles happened. Just thinking about that makes me wince.
God. That’s one of those injuries you need an oxygen tank for. Must have been a pretty nasty slip..
I feel bad saying this as a Galaxy fan, but thank you! haha
“A little more than a week until MLS Cup, the Houston Dynamo’s hopes of an MLS Cup took a devastating blow.”
Did someone slide tackle him? Jesus, he was just tracking back and slipped and dislocated an ankle???
I guess this means the Galaxy’s odds of winning just went up.