CARSON, Calif. – Only one word is needed to describe Giovani dos Santos’ debut for the LA Galaxy.
Perfect.
The 26-year-old Mexican international scored and went 33 minutes in the Galaxy’s 5-1 victory over Trinidadian side Central FC in CONCACAF Champions League play. Dos Santos didn’t stop there as he nearly added to his tally multiple times in an active second-half cameo.
As clinical as LA were against the Caribbean minnows, the night belonged to Dos Santos as StubHub Center erupted when the El Tri star checked in for Alan Gordon in the 57th minute, and less than 20 minutes later when the forward opened his Galaxy account.
After an impressive victory and a warm reception from the home crowd, Dos Santos couldn’t have scripted his debut any better.
“Well I feel good. I think we had a great win. I am happy to score my first goal for the club and I’m looking forward to keep that going,” Dos Santos said. “I think everything was perfect for my first game. My team won and I scored a goal so everything is going good.”
Despite only having two days of training under his belt and still recovering from an adductor injury suffered in the Gold Cup, Dos Santos offered a preview of what’s to come in LA. Whether it was combining repeatedly with Sebastian Lletget or stretching the Central FC defense, the Galaxy’s newest arrival showcased the quality that could make him one of the league’s most dangerous offense weapons.
"It was good to get him 35 minutes; he did a good job,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said afterward. “He obviously has got to get better, he has only been in training a couple days and he missed the last couple weeks. It is good to get him back on the field and I am sure in a short period of time he will get back to his full fitness."
Added Gordon, who now owns the distinction of subbing off for both David Beckham and Dos Santos in their Galaxy debuts, “He’s going to be big for us, you can just tell his quality. When he gets the ball, he wants to take people on, he wants to combine. He’s exciting to watch and exciting to have [on the Galaxy]. He’s going to be great.
With his competitive debut in the books, Dos Santos could be in line to make his MLS debut on Sunday when the Galaxy host rivals Seattle Sounders FC. After a strong showing in the CONCACAF Champions League, the Mexican international says that he’s ready for significant minutes but whether or not he receives them will be up to Arena.
“I’m fit,” Dos Santos said. “It depends on the manager. I know it’s a difficult game against a great team. I’m looking forward to that game. It’s going to be my first MLS game, and I think it’s important for the team to get that win.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com