ALBRIGHT ADDRESSES RUMORS Galaxy defender said rumors are pure talk
By Luis Bueno LASoccerNews.com Editor
Galaxy right back Chris Albright has been the sujbect of recent trade rumors. Photo by Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
CARSON, Calif. – Four games into the 2007 season, the Los Angeles Galaxy have sputtered out of the gate.
The club has gained just four points on the heels of a 1-2-1 start and has allowed six goals in three home games.
According to the Los Angeles Times, it might be time to make a move.
The Times reported Sunday that the Galaxy is considering a trade of Chris Albright and Nate Jaqua to FC Dallas in exchange for former Galaxy star Carlos Ruiz.
Though the Galaxy could likely stand to absorb Jaqua’s loss – the forward has struggled thus far this season – trading Albright could create a hole on the right side of the field.
However, the Galaxy acquired Abel Xavier from English side Middlesbrough on Monday, and the former Portuguese international is adept at both right back and central defense.
For his part, though, Albright said the rumors were nothing more than unwarranted speculation.
“I think at this point that’s all they are,” Albright said. “I don’t know who dreamt that up.”
In Tuesday’s training, Albright was his usual vocal self. As the Galaxy played a short-sided game, Albright barked orders at his teammates. During a stoppage in play, he commanded players to be more vocal.
It’s that kind of heart and attitude that has helped him win over Galaxy fans. And it’s his talents and abilities that helped him earn a spot on the United States’ 2006 World Cup squad and gain respect as one of the league’s top right backs.
But all of those qualities likely have caught the eye of other clubs around the league which eventually has led to the most recent trade rumor.
Still, Albrights said he wouldn’t think too much of the rumors.
“Rumors are always going to be prevalent,” Albright said. “It’s interesting they were printed without much validity unless there is something I don’t know. As far as I know, I’m here for now.”
Galaxy General Manager Alexi Lalas said the club was not actively seeking out a trade.
“We don’t anticipate making any changes,” Lalas said on Monday. “Having said that, it’s part of my job to constantly be looking at opportunities to upgrade. There are options out there and there are possibilities out there but they are very, very preliminary.”
Albright has been a member of the Galaxy since 2002 when he joined the club as a forward from D.C. United. In 2004, he moved to right back and instantly found success. With his physical presence on the right side and his penchant for making overlapping runs and deft crosses from the flank, Albright became a fixture at his new position.
He was a key part of the 2005 double-winning Galaxy side.
Albright, though, said he understood the risk and instability soccer players face.
“We get to play soccer for a living and there are a lot of benefits that come with that,” Albright said. “There are some issues that we have to deal with that aren’t so pleasant but we’re lucky enough to be professional soccer players and it just comes along with the territory.”
