Fansided

Los Angeles Galaxy sign Fluminense’s Samuel on loan

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

Sep 7, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; A galaxy fan waves a foam hand prior to the game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Colorado Rapids at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; A galaxy fan waves a foam hand prior to the game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Colorado Rapids at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; A galaxy fan waves a foam hand prior to the game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Colorado Rapids at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; A galaxy fan waves a foam hand prior to the game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Colorado Rapids at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

You know how Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy hit the jackpot when they signed Brazilian midfielder Juninho to a deal? Well, they are looking to get even more Brazilliance to their lineup in the hopes of delivering some hardware for their fans this season.

This week, the Galaxy signed 22-year Brazilian forward Samuel on loan from Fluminense, according to reports from MLSSoccer.com. He joins after spending the past two seasons with the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit, tallying 15 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions, including one in his last game for the club early last month.

We are pleased to add Samuel to our roster,” said Arena to reporters. “Samuel is a young, talented forward with both size and skill. We are confident his addition will help boost our attack in 2014.”

Samuel debuted for Fluminense during the 2012 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A season, scoring five goals in 23 league appearances for the club, which won its fourth championship in club history that year. He also made five appearances in the 2012 Campeonato Carioca. In 2013, Samuel had nine goals in 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times in Serie A play, four times in the Campeonato Carioca and once in the Copa do Brazil.

Sounds like a play. Meanwhile, Bruce Arena’s son, Kenny, is joining the first team as an assistant. That could only mean one thing, a possible handing of the torch could be in place. Not often does a managerial position get handed down from father to son, but that seems to be a massive possibility.

“We are pleased to add Kenny to our coaching staff,” Arena said of his son. “Kenny’s familiarity with the Galaxy, experience in player development and his knowledge of the college game make him a good fit for our club.”

Kenny Arena began his coaching career as an assistant at the University of Virginia in 2006 before joining the coaching staff at George Mason University in 2007. He first came to California in 2008, joining Jorge Salcedo’s staff at UCLA. In four seasons with the Bruins, Kenny helped lead his team to the NCAA Tournament four times, including a berth in the College Cup in 2011. His last coaching stint came with the Florida International Golden Panthers, where he went 14-18-3 in two seasons.

Kenny Arena played college soccer at Virginia and was selected by the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) in the fourth round of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft. He would spend three years in MLS as a player, scoring once in 20 games over two seasons with the club before being traded to D.C. United, where he spent the 2005 season.

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