Galaxy find 'perfect combination' on backline
Veteran Berhalter, rookie Gonzalez give LA formidable defense
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His new-look defense, completely revamped from a year ago when it allowed a league-high 62 goals, was going to hinge on an unusual partnership in central defense Arena later called the "the perfect combination." It initially might have raised eyebrows around MLS, but it spurred the Galaxy all the way to Sunday's MLS Cup Final in Seattle against Real Salt Lake.
At one center back position was Gregg Berhalter, a 36-year-old fresh off a 14-year career in Europe and a former veteran of the U.S. national team who was new to MLS. The other position was manned by 21-year-old Omar Gonzalez, the club's first-round draft choice out of the University of Maryland and another newcomer to the league.
Suffice it to say the combination worked wonders. Gonzalez was the only member of the Galaxy to have played in every game this season and recently was named MLS Rookie of the Year. Berhalter's steady play was climaxed by his game-winning goal during Friday's 2-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference final.
Arena said Berhalter was the key to it all, not only for the defense but the Galaxy's fortunes in general.
"Gregg wanted to come back (to the U.S.)," Arena recalled. "He'd spent a lot of years in Europe and it was time to come home. He's never been a West Coast guy" -- Berhalter hails from Tenafly, N.J. -- "but it seemed it was something he'd be interested in.
"I warned him the quality of this league was a lot higher than people give it credit for and it was not going to be easy. He had to be mentally ready for that."
Arena also had a long discussion with Berhalter about his role on the club, specifically tutoring Gonzalez, who was thrust into the starting lineup from the outset.
"The kid next to him was going to play whether he liked it or not," Arena said. "It was going to be a growing process with him, and I expected Gregg to support him and help in his development. Gregg bought into everything ... he's the real deal, a real pro."
Gonzalez quickly became aware of Berhalter's no-nonsense approach. Berhalter is one of the Galaxy's toughest competitors -- he almost got into a fight with Tristan Bowen after they lost a small-sided game during a recent practice -- and demands nothing less than maximum effort. Hardly a workout or game went by without Berhalter screaming at Gonzalez, but the rookie took it well.
"I just turn it into constructive criticism," Gonzalez said. "I just take it and block out some of the bad stuff he says. I think it's helped me a lot."
Berhalter said his tough methods were for Gonzalez's benefit, as mean-spirited as they might seem to an outsider.
"There were times where you have to look at your approach and wonder if it's the right way," he said. "And there are times when you can go a little hard. It's all part of demanding excellence. You want to demand that out of your players and he responded to that.
"In general, I demanded a lot out of him because he can handle it."
Berhalter said the duo was a work in progress.
"Early on, maybe it wasn't the easiest thing, but it was part of the process," he said. "I always talk to you about that ... part of the learning process. We've both grown together this season, and he's been great. He's an easy person to work with, and to his credit he kept working hard and improving."
Gonzalez said he never had any question the partnership would work, despite the difference in age and experience.
"I really had no doubts," Gonzalez said. "I knew that he could step and be great right away. I've learned so much from him."
Larry Morgan is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
