LA Galaxy Draft Pick Review

Lets review the choices the LA Galaxy made in the recent MLS Draft.

Robbie Findley
Forward from Oregon State
LA Galaxy Fan Soccer Blog Ranking: "Kick Ass choice!"

"Findley is the first Oregon State player to be named to the Pac-10 first team three times, an impressive feat in such a talented conference. Findley has dual U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago citizenship, and has been in some U-23 camps for T&T. After starting out in 2003 being named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, Findley put up some nice, balanced career numbers with 28 goals and 15 assists. Not real big at 5-foot-9, Findley gets it done with athleticism and pace as well as some good soccer savvy." ESPNSoccernet, December 22, 2006

"A four-time All-Pac-10 and a three-time NSCAA All-Far West selection ... One of only two players in OSU history to earn All-Pac-10 honors four times, and the first one to be named to the first team three times ... On OSU’s career charts, he finished first in shots attempted (198), tied for first in game-winning goals (10), third in goals (28), third in points (71) and tied for fourth in assists (15)..." Oregon State University web site


Josh Tudela
Midfielder from Indiana
LA Galaxy Fan Soccer Blog Ranking: "Ok choice!"

"The redshirt senior was a four-year starter at Indiana, a noteworthy feat at such an illustrious program. The 2006 Big Ten Player of the Year and a third-team All-American with three goals and two assists in his senior campaign, Tudela boasts a solid career set of numbers with 11 goals and 17 assists. Although perhaps not the most talented member of the team that won two national championships, Tedula was still a key part of those squads. A solid, well-rounded, two-way player and good leader, Tedula should prove capable of the transition to the MLS level." ESPNSoccernet, December 22, 2006

"A second team All-Big Ten honoree ... finished the season with a career-best 17 points on seven goals and five assists ... ranked ninth in the Big Ten in points, eighth in goals and 10th in assists ... named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 10 after scoring in victories over Louisville and Michigan ..." Indiana University web site


Ty Harden
Defender from Washington
LA Galaxy Fan Soccer Blog Ranking: "Great choice!"

"Another four-year starter in the Pac-10, Harden, although he has more accolades than Purdy, isn't blessed with the size of the Cal standout. Team captain the past two seasons, Harden has been named to the Pac-10 first or second team every year. Harden led the Huskies' back line to eight shutouts in 2006 and to an NCAA postseason appearance in three of his four years (including the team's second-ever trip to the Sweet Sixteen in 2003)." ESPNSoccernet, December 22, 2006

"Co-captain and leader of the UW defense...All-Pac-10 first-team selection after two straight second-team nods...also selected to the Pac-10 All-Academic second-team for the second-straight season...played in 16 matches, starting 15...early season hamstring injury caused him to miss three of the first five games...had started every match for the Huskies his first two seasons until that point...led the UW backline to eight shutouts, including a 1-0 upset over No. 13 Cal..." Washington State University web site


Tally Hall
Goal Keeper from San Diego State
LA Galaxy Fan Soccer Blog Ranking: "Good choice!"

"The only keeper on the Herman semifinalist list and a second team All-American, Hall has returned from a trial with Hammerby in Sweden and is on the MLS Combine roster. A third team All-American in '05, the 6-4 Hall has the size and game for the next level. Hall had 80 saves and a 1.04 GAA his senior year, earning him his second straight Pac 10 first team award and serves to underline the obvious talent." ESPNSoccernet, December 22, 2006

"2005: A Hermann Award and All-America candidate ... Garnered a bevy of postseason accolades last year after setting an SDSU single-season record with 12 shutouts ... Became first Aztec to receive All-America honors since 1989 (Marcelo Balboa) ... Earned first-team All-America accolades from College Soccer News and was named third-team and honorable mention All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Soccer Times, respectively ..." San Diego State University web site


Bobby Burling
Forward from Loyola Marymount
LA Galaxy Fan Soccer Blog Ranking: "Fair choice!"

"Bobby Burling begins his fourth season at LMU...a team captain... 2004 NSCAA Far West Region third team selection... 2005 and 2003 All-WCC honorable mention...a strong, aggressive, versatile player...has an eye for the goal...is incredibly quick for his size...slated to switch to central defender in his final season at LMU..." LMU web site

Technorati Tags: LA Galaxy, MLS Draft