The Galaxy will look to Dan Kennedy to shore up the keeper spot for them in 2016.
By Ivan Yeo
The Los Angeles Galaxy took a major step towards retooling its roster for the 2016 season, addressing one of its key needs on Tuesday.
The Galaxy today acquired the services of keeper Dan Kennedy from FC Dallas, sending a 2017 MLS Superdraft second and third round pick the other way.
The Galaxy’s need to upgrade the keeper position was evident all throughout the season. The Galaxy’s 2014 starter, Jaime Penedo, who had come into his own during the playoffs that year, missed the first two games of the 2015 season as rumors spread of a contract dispute between him and management. Penedo eventually returned, but ultimately, the contract situation was apparently too much to handle and Penedo asked for, and got his release from the club midway through the season. Penedo recently signed with Costa Rican side Saprissa.
Looking to fill the position at a critical time in the season, the Galaxy reached pack to its past, as they reacquired Donovan Ricketts, who had been with the Galaxy from 2009 until 2011, from Orlando City. The Galaxy had hoped Ricketts could recapture the touch that made him one of the top keepers during his time there. Ricketts however was unable to do just that, as his advancing age clearly showed, and LA ultimately decided to move in a new direction.
Kennedy is certainly no stranger to the grounds of the StubHub Center. Kennedy spent seven seasons with Chivas USA and during that time, established himself as one of the league’s top keeper despite the team’s struggles. Kennedy appeared in 144 games for the Goats, making 142 starts and recording 451 saves, 28 shutouts and and played 12,764 minutes. Kennedy was selected to the MLS All-Star team in 2012.
Following Chivas USA’s demise after the 2014 season, Kennedy was picked first overall by FC Dallas in the dispersal draft and made 16 appearances for the club and made 30 saves and had a 1.19 Goals Against Average. Kennedy however lost his spot to emerging star Jesse Gonzalez midway through the season.
