A little late in coming...I think all Galaxy fans can honestly state that AJ was the smartest Galaxy defender in recent memory. We have seen him time and time again correctly read plays and break them up as they happened, read developing plays and be in the right position to stuff out any potential trouble, or be able to sense danger and cover his teammates. I am still dumbfounded as to why he lost his starting spot and why Bruce broke apart the Gonzo/AJ duo in the back. I know he's known for his defense and it's what I've appreciated, but this is still by far my favorite AJ moment. Some highlights
AJ will be sorely missed. He's 5th in the all time list of minutes played in a Galaxy uniform (regular season minutes) with 17249, behind only Cobi Jones, Kevin Hartman, Landon Donovan and Mauricio Cienfuegos. That's some damn good company. Rounding out the top ten are: 1. Cobi Jones (25145) 2. Kevin Hartman (21735) 3. Landon Donovan (21418) 4. Mauricio Cienfuegos (17708) 5. A.J. DeLaGarza (17249) 6. Todd Dunivant (1664) 7. Greg Vanney (16273) 8. Omar Gonzalez (15785) 9. Juninho (15613) 10. Pete Vagenas (14508) I'm hopeful that Cabrera will take care of AJ. I wish him all the luck in the world.
AJ has had historic moments for us: Gave Landon Donovan the all-time assist record with the primary assist on this excellent Keane volley. Helped cap off the longest passing sequence leading to a goal in MLS history. Scores the opening goal against Monterrey in the CCL semis in 2012
Riot Squadcast tribute to AJ https://soundcloud.com/user-236009715/ep-19-tribute-to-aj AJ calling in to Riot Squadcast https://soundcloud.com/user-236009715/ep-20-aj-delagarza AJ calling in to Corner of the Galaxy podcast http://cornerofthegalaxy.com/2017/01/17/podcast-live-aj-delagarza-calls/ ^this host is... something
If AJ had been blessed with a body that matched his soccer mind, he would have been a USMNT player and a rock of that team. On the other hand, as things worked out, he didn't get subjected to playing for s German maniac. Good example of the old saying, the Lord giveth and the Lord takes away. Perhaps the best example in LAG soccer history of a guy who was soccer smart enough to overcome physical deficits. That's one of the things that endeared him to fans. I will always think of him showing up out of nowhere to cover for errors of others or rescue an out-of-position keeper. How many opposing forwards never saw him coming and afterwards looked like, "Where did that come from?" On top of all that, a family man and an example of courage in the face of personal tragedy that would have floored many, myself included. How can you not love and respect that guy?
I think the best tribute to A's defensive excellence is this simple one: when Bruce chose not to or could not have him as CB, the Galaxy allowed goals in numbers that simply did not happen when AJ was there. Bruce certainly kept trying to find someone other than AJ [distrust of a player his height?], but never came close. He was underrated. He was also underrated as a player for Guam. To be able to go as ridiculously far as they did in WC qualifying, to slog directly againt Iran, for example, had everything to do with AJ's extraordinary drive, leadership, and talent. Houston is lucky to have him.
Why does the LA Galaxy social media team spend months celebrating Steven Gerrards aweful 18 months at the club (seriously, they must have posted 50 times about him) yet they do next to nothing for AJ who was here for 7-8 years and is a 3 time champion?
Some fool responded to one of their AJ tweets with a complaint that it was too much already and that "he's gone." Maybe they listened to "fan?"
I know sports is a business but still no way to treat AJ. Classiest player to ever play for LA. Others might be tied but no one surpassed him for heart and giving his all for the Galaxy. Never took a play off. Not many players you could say that about.
I'm going to really miss AJ. It feels like the end of an era, even more than Bruce leaving. Other than that, @The Cadaver said it all oh so eloquently. AJ is a man that we could always be proud to have on our team. And we always will be.
So AJ and Leo be Houston's starting CBs? I bet a dollar that they both score against the Gs when they play each other.
Leo and AJ together. Just feels beyond weird. Best of luck to him. I can't hate because he is such a wonderful class act. You rock, AJ.