Fullbacks are always at a premium, especially in MLS. It’s so hard to find a consistent contributor to play on the outside of the defense, as many teams continuously rotate options in and out before finding something that sticks.
News broke Tuesday that a top American fullback is looking to move to MLS, and several teams should be on notice.
Greg Garza told Goal USA that he is hoping to revive his career in MLS after several injury-plagued seasons with Tijuana. Just 25-years-old, Garza is entering the prime of his career, if he can stay healthy, and offers teams the experience that comes with having earned nine U.S. Men’s National Team caps.
If a move to MLS comes to fruition, Garza would instantly become one of the top defensive left backs in the league. While his pace and attacking ability leave plenty to be desired, Garza is defensively sound and could certainly serve as an anchor for several MLS backlines.
With that in mind, here’s a look at several teams that should certainly be interested in signing Garza:
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
The San Jose Earthquakes have a lot of needs, and fullback is certainly one of them. While former Quakes Steven Beitashour and Justin Morrow shined en route to an MLS Cup final appearance, the club shifted a variety of players across the backline.
Down the home stretch, 34-year-old Jordan Stewart joined Shaun Francis in holding down the left back spot, while up-and-comer Kip Colvey made just four appearances throughout the 2016 season. If Colvey isn’t ready, and it appears that the club feels the he isn’t, a move for Garza would make sense. The club has already reportedly pursued Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre to plug the gap. Why not opt for a cheaper domestic option in Garza, especially considering his ability to play on the right if needed?
HOUSTON DYNAMO
Given the fact that Garza is Texas born and bred, it would come as little surprise that he’d be linked to the two Texas clubs. While FC Dallas has several reliable left back options, the Houston Dynamo are suddenly in the market for fullback help.
Following the departure of DaMarcus Beasley, the Dynamo could certainly use an experienced fullback, and Garza certainly fits the bill. While he doesn’t match Beasley’s pace or attacking ability, Garza would be rock solid in defense and could be a major building block for the impending Dynamo rebuild.
ATLANTA UNITED
Given how much they’ve already invested, Atlanta United is the new “it” team. For the foreseeable future, any player linked to MLS will likely also be linked to Atlanta United, especially when it comes to big-name additions on the defensive end.
Garza is no different, and Atlanta United could certianly use a left back. Given the variety of roster building mechanisms and assets at their disposal, Atlanta United could certainly find a way to squeeze Garza into the club’s budget. If so, a backline core of Garza, Michael Parkhurst and Zach Loyd could join with one more international signing to form a backline that would certainly be more than solid for an expansion side.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
The Seattle Sounders have a left back in Joevin Jones, who was more than serviceable en route to an MLS Cup title. However, the thought of pushing Jones up the field is an enticing one, especially if the club can add a committed defensive presence behind him.
Internationally, Jones has starred on the left side of the Trinidad & Tobago midfield, and the thought of making the save move with the Sounders is a fun one. With Jones on one side, Nicolas Lodeiro on the other and Clint Dempsey in the middle, the Sounders would have a vicious midfield three that could wreak havoc on nearly every MLS backline. The acquisition of Garza would make that possible while giving the Sounders a legitimate international left back to help anchor what is already a very strong backline.
LA GALAXY
It’s a bit of an outside shot, considering the club’s assets at fullback, but there are several reasons the Galaxy should be interested.
Ashley Cole certainly exceeded expectations in 2016, but the former England star isn’t getting any younger. Given his recent injury issues, Garza will likely need time to rediscover his game, and having him split time with a player like Cole could help ease him back into game speed. In a pinch, Garza could even fill in for Robbie Rogers straight up or by pushing him into his former wing role. For a team in the midst of a rebuild, there are worse placed to start than Garza.