Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-08-21/pressure-to-win-mounts-on-star-laden-la-galaxy#ixzz1Vh4MVqGk
The L.A. Galaxy have yet to win an MLS Cup since acquiring David Beckham in 2007, and pressure to do so has been ratcheted up with the addition of star Irish striker Robbie Keane.
Keane scored in his MLS debut, a 2-0 win for the Galaxy over San Jose on Saturday.
The addition of Robbie Keane to a star-studded lineup including David Beckham has expectations running high in Los Angeles. (AP photo)
The Galaxy, even before bringing Keane aboard, have been dominant in MLS this season—they’re sporting a 14-3-9 record and sit atop SN soccer expert Brian Straus’ Power Poll. It’s clear, though, that with Beckham, Keane and Landon Donovan— and a payroll of over $10 million—anything short of L.A.’s first MLS championship since 2005 will mark an unsuccessful season for the club.
“It's now championship or bust,” the Los Angeles Times writes.
Coach Bruce Arena, according to The Times, said the Galaxy have three goals: win the Supporters' Shield (given to the team with the best regular-season record), advance out of group play in the CONCACAF Champions League and win the MLS Cup.
"We want to win championships," Arena said. "We're not afraid to say that."
AEC CEO Tim Leiweke, the Galaxy’s ownership representative, said the team doesn't mind "having a target on our back," and added, "everyone dislikes us."
Donovan has a different take, suggesting the addition of Keane actually makes things less arduous for the team.
"We all play to win,” Donovan said, per The Times, “In my opinion, pressure is perceived. When you're a top athlete doing what we do, the reason you do it is to compete and to win. And in my opinion, our job got easier by bringing Robbie here."
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