ST. LOUIS -- After a mediocre season where Los Angeles just couldn't seem to get into a good rhythm, the Galaxy were looking for a bit of an overhaul on draft day. Defense was a top priority. And in order to secure two top defenders, the Galaxy traded the No. 35 and 49 picks overall to Chivas USA, along with fullback Ante Jazic, for the No. 19 overall selection.
The Galaxy selected University of Maryland defenders Omar Gonzalez (No. 3 overall) and A.J. Delagarza (No. 19), both of whom helped the Terrapins to the Division I national championship in 2008 while holding opponents scoreless in 15 matches.
"It was a busy day for us," Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. "We entered the draft with some specific needs. Center back definitely needed to be addressed. We potentially got two good ones in the Maryland products."
The Galaxy also added forwards Josh Boateng, with the No. 33 selection, and Kyle Patterson (No. 48).
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Standing at 6-foot-5, Gonzalez will give the defense some height. But at the same time, he can score a goal here or there. In his Maryland career he tallied seven goals and five assists.
"I'm ready," Gonzalez said. "I'm very happy to go to LA. Playing in front of a great crowd and alongside David Beckham, I'm sure I'll learn a lot from him. I hope to contribute to the team and help them win games. I'm going to give it all I have."
When asked who his favorite MLS team was, Gonzalez, a Dallas native, just smiled. "Dallas was one of my favorite teams growing up. But the Galaxy is my team now," he said.
In the second round, the Galaxy selected Delagarza. The four-year regular played in 88 games during his career with 81 starts. He was a two-time All-American, helping Maryland to championships in 2005 and 2008.
"I'm really excited to be in LA and on the West Coast," the Bryans Road, Md. native said. "I will be playing with some of the top players in the league, including David Beckham. I've been staying in shape since our season ended. I'm ready to play."
Originally from Accra, Ghana, Boateng spent one season at Virginia Tech before transferring to Liberty University in 2006. In his collegiate career, the midfielder/forward played in 64 games with 26 goals and 16 assists. Boateng has represented Ghana on the under-17 national team.
"It's a dream come true," Boateng said. "Joining the Galaxy and playing alongside players like Beckham is going to be an important step in my career. Bruce Arena is a good coach. I've been watching him for a long time. He's good at developing young players."
With their fourth and final pick, the Galaxy selected Patterson from Saint Louis University. In his tenure with SLU, Patterson played in 72 matches, with 29 goals and 15 assists. The Birmingham, England native ended his career with a personal best in goals (12) and assists (five).
"We feel we addressed quite a few needs today," Arena said. "We're pleased."
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