To the surprise of many, the LA Galaxy and goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, have agreed to a mutual parting of the ways. Even Penedo’s own teammate Omar Gonzalez (2015 MLS All-Star) didn’t see this coming.
“Well first off, sad to see Jaime Penedo go,” Gonzalez said. “He’s done a lot of great things for us. Can’t wait till the team gets here so I can hear what the reasoning was and what happened, but definitely sad to see him go and I wish him the best wherever he ends up. But if we get Donovan Ricketts back we’ve done great things with him as well and it should be good whatever happens. Brian Rowe’s been playing well, it’ll be nice to get him games and give him confidence.”
It is strange timing considering LA is one of the favorites to win the MLS cup due in part to recent accusations
It’s not known where the Panamanian nation team goalkeeper will end up.
There is speculation he is interested being closer to home, another possibility could be Europe, as Penedo holds a Spanish Passport and has played for European teams in the past (Italian Club Cagliari, Spanish Club Osasuna). Only time will tell where he will pop up!
Donovan Ricketts
On the brightside, it has been confirmed Orlando will send goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts back in LA. Ricketts previously spent three seasons, 2009 through 2011, with the Galaxy, helping them win the MLS Cup in 2011, while picking up a goalkeeper of the year award in 2010.
Replacing Penedo with Ricketts is definitely a step-back, but the 38-year-old Ricketts is serviceable and will add even more experience to the L.A. team.
Galaxy head-coach Bruce Arena hopes Ricketts will be ready to play as early as this weekend.
LA Galaxy will give Orlando a second round pick in the 2016 MLS Super-Draft, in exchange for Ricketts.
Can the Galaxy rally behind Ricketts to bring home their sixth MLS title?
