Galaxy Regain Rhythm in Training Ahead of Trip to Colorado
Following four matches in 10 days, the Galaxy regroup on the training field before heading to altitude
It was the first time in over a month that the LA Galaxy had a full team training session.
The G’s endured a stretch of four games in the span of 10 days to start the campaign, but now had a full week to prepare for its next game in Colorado.
“It’s been a long preseason, a tough preseason... it’s hard to get, like, a rhythm in the trainings. So this has been a good week, and we also know it’s an important week, because we have a lot of games coming up now in front of us,” said defender Jakob Glesnes.
The Galaxy’s 3-0 win over Charlotte FC on the weekend lifted the mood for the squad after an underwhelming start to the season. Glesnes told reporters that the win over Charlotte was a massive morale boost for the team.
“You could just feel it after a game, like how important it was to just get it over the line and also feel like the atmosphere in the locker room after a win like that,” he said. “That’s what’s driving us as soccer players. We want to have those moments every weekend.”
The former MLS Defender of the Year told the media his transition from Philadelphia to Los Angeles has been easier than expected. Glesnes told a story about how his son doesn’t want to move back to Philly and is enjoying his first few months in the Golden State.
This week was important for recovery and getting ready for another stretch of multiple games. LA will face Mount Pleasant of Jamaica in the next round of the Concacaf Champions Cup – meaning this is the club’s upcoming schedule:
Mar. 7 at Colorado
Mar. 11 v. Mount Pleasant (CCC)
Mar. 14 v. SKC
March 19 at Mount Pleasant (CCC)
Mar. 22nd at Portland
It’s going to be another test of LA’s fitness early in the season. Head Coach Greg Vanney says he’s happy with the energy levels and approach from the group after the first set of games.
“Credit to the players, because they came in with a great foundation and fitness level to start. We pushed them harder from a physical perspective, because they had a real offseason,” said Vanney.
“It was the fourth game in 10 days, and we put down a really good shift. Physically guys looked, looked really strong. Our numbers were very strong, in the GPS side of things,” added Vanney.
The Galaxy players didn’t show signs of fatigue, nor did the energy levels fall off a cliff in the victory of Charlotte. A surprising but delightful sight for Vanney.
“The fourth games are tricky. I’ve been around this league a long time, and the fourth game in a short time period can be really difficult. And our guys came out with wonderful energy right at the start and put the game into a really good position within 15 minutes,” he told reporters.
This new stretch kicks off in the state of Colorado. Dicks Sporting Goods Park is 5,280 feet above sea level, which is the highest elevation of any stadium regularly used by MLS teams.
“Played it with Philly once and always a tough place to go to,’ said Glesnes. “The altitude can play a role. But again, the most important is how we prefer ourselves now into this game.”
Vanney recounted his first experience playing in Colorado, saying it felt like his “brain and feet were on two totally different pages”.
For Vanney, the key to coming away with three points on the road is keeping that defensive mentality and taking advantage of the moments that come in the attack
“We’ve got to stay compact as a group. We’ve got to travel the field together... move the ball fast and build speed into our attacks, get our attacking guys on the run.”
Despite the challenges that come with playing at altitude, the Galaxy will head into Colorado with confidence after finally finding a rhythm together on the training ground. With a demanding stretch of league and continental matches ahead, maintaining that energy and momentum will be key for the G’s to build on its first win of the season.