New Boss in Charge—At the Front Office

Last Friday was a day of changes ahead of the Los Angeles Galaxy's preseason trip to Arizona. The major change: 38-year-old Chris McGowan is now the club's Chief Operating Officer (COO), and will take over all day-to-day operations of the Galaxy.

"Chris has been a part of our organization for 16 years and has done an outstanding job with the business side of the Kings to where there is now a lot of enthusiasm and expectations, and he will do the same with the Galaxy,” said AEG CEO Tim Leiweke. “With our recent MLS Cup Championship, the return of David Beckham and our outstanding roster heading into this season, the Galaxy will continue their rapid growth in this marketplace under Chris’ leadership.”

"I am looking forward to working in Major League Soccer and I am honored to be joining a championship organization that has a rich history of success both on and off the field,” said McGowan on Friday.  “I am very passionate about the sport of soccer and am excited to work alongside the rest of the front office staff to provide our fans with an organization they can be proud to represent.”

McGowan brings five years of experience running the Los Angeles Kings, another AEG-owned club. In addition, McGowan managed the Premium Seating (Luxury Suite and Club Seat) sales efforts for all of AEG’s venues in Southern California including STAPLES Center, Home Depot Center and NOKIA Theater as well as sales and marketing efforts for AEG’s other Southern Californian properties.

McGowan replaces Galaxy President of Business Operations Tom Payne, who leaves the club after nine seasons.

Meanwhile, Bruce Almighty Looks on with Keen Interest

Manager Bruce Arena was quietly preparing the first team for the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, the finale to the Galaxy's preseason junket. Central defender Tommy Meyer has been groomed to take over for Omar Gonzalez in the back line.

“I think everything is going as expected,” Arena told Larry Morgan of LAGalaxy.com. “I think we’re getting close to understanding our group. Getting the soccer a little sharper will be the challenge for the last half of the preseason, for sure.”

Indeed, Los Angeles have been anything but sharp, recording two victories and three consecutive defeats at the Home Depot Center.

An inspired, improved performance at the Desert Diamond Cup is what LA should strive for ahead of the first serious test on March 7 against Toronto FC. Team captain Landon Donovan is expected to play after a second successful stint at Everton FC.

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