Carlo Cudicini and Michael Stephens will not return to Los Angeles Galaxy
Jul 20, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (1) reacts to a goal in the first half of the game against Vancouver FC at the StubHub Center. Galaxy won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
A couple of dead-weight players have been given the old heave-ho by Los Angeles Galaxy manager Bruce Arena. Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (21 league starts in 2013) and midfielder Michael Stephens (21 matches played in 2013) did not report to camp on the first day of the Galaxy’s preseason camp, according to MLSSoccer.com’s Simon Borg.
Cudicini’s absence is no surprise, given his poor play and shaky performances during his one season with Los Angeles. The signing of Panamanian goalkeeper Jaime Penedo on Aug. 5 of last year saved face somewhat for the Galaxy, but the damage had already been done. At the end of the season, the club did not pick up Cudicini’s option.
As for Stephens, he filled a number of holes a stop-gap starting midfielder and substitue off the bench, but he never was able to crack into the starting XI on a regular basis.
Other players not reporting for Galaxy preseason camp include Sean Franklin (taken by D.C. United in Re-Entry Draft), Hector Jimenez (traded to Columbus), Pablo Mastroeni (retired), Jose Villarreal (loaned to Cruz Azul), Laurent Courtois and Colin Clark (options declined). In their place will be Fluminense loanee Samuel, Canadian forward Rob Friend, attacking midfielder Baggio Husidic and 2014 MLS SuperDraft pick Kyle Venter.
| Galaxy Training Schedule (All times Pacific) | ||
| Date | Start Time | Location |
| Tuesday, Jan. 28 | 10 a.m. | StubHub Center – University Field #1 |
| Wednesday, Jan. 29 | *** DAY OFF *** | StubHub Center – University Field #1 |
| Thursday, Jan. 30 | 10 a.m. | StubHub Center – University Field #1 |
| Friday, Jan. 31 | 10 a.m. | StubHub Center – University Field #1 |
| Saturday, Feb. 1 | *** DAY OFF *** | StubHub Center – University Field #1 |
| Sunday, Feb. 2 | 10 a.m. | StubHub Center – University Field #1 |
LA GALAXY PRESEASON SCHEDULE
The LA Galaxy will play a series of preseason friendlies in addition to a number of closed-door scrimmages in the build-up to the 2014 campaign. Additional preseason fixtures will be announced at a later date.
Friday, Jan. 24: LA Galaxy report to StubHub Center
Tuesday, Jan. 28: First LA Galaxy Open Training Session
Saturday, Feb. 8: LA Galaxy vs. Shirak FC – 6:00 p.m. – StubHub Center
Tuesday, Feb. 11: LA Galaxy at Pumas UNAM (closed-door scrimmage) – 11:00 a.m. – Mexico City, Mexico
Saturday, Feb. 15: LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes – 7:00 p.m – Chukchansi Park (Fresno, Calif.)
Saturday, March 8: Home Opener – LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake – 7:30 p.m. – StubHub Center