Football Season Review

LA Galaxy missed out on the playoffs for a third time in four years following another dismal campaign that saw them end the season with just six wins and finish 10th in the Western Conference. Guillermo Barros Schelotto had led LA to a credible fifth place finish in his first season in charge but they struggled to get going this time around, picking up a solitary point from the three group games in the MLS is Back tournament to add to the point they had managed in their first two games. They did hit a good run of form as the regular season resumed, winning their first four games but a return of just four points from the next 10 ended with Schelotto being sacked and Kinnear being appointed on an interim basis. LA did pick up four points from Kinnear's first two games but it was too little too late for the club who ended the season with a heavy 0-3 defeat against Vancouver Whitecaps to finish well short of the playoffs spots. With regards to performances, Cristian Pavon was their best player as the winger ended the campaign as the top scorer with 10 goals while Lletget also impressed from the midfield. However, their marquee signing Javier Hernandez proved to be a flop, though he was also not helped by an injury-disrupted campaign, while a leaky backline saw them end the season with the second worst defensive record in the MLS. LA are yet to announce a permanent replacement to Schelotto though there has been talk of Robbie Keane taking over but, regardless of who comes in, the next coach will have a major rebuilding job on his hands if LA are to reclaim their place near the top of the Western Conference.

Player of the Season: Cristian Pavon