Galaxy Lands Another Big Name

Abel Xavier who was a regular for the Portugal National Team before being banned by FIFA for drug abuse was signed today by a desperate LA Galaxy squad. Xavier was released last week by Middlesborough after rejecting a new contract from the club, in spite of playing regularly during much of this past Premiership campaign. Xavier has played previously for Everton, Liverpool, Benfica, Galatasaray, and Hannover 96. He played in 2002 World Cup for Portugal and would have likely made the 2006 squad if not for his suspension.

The Galaxy are desperate to sure up a leaky defense and must hope they don’t continue to lose matches until Xavier arrives in the next transfer window which begins June 15th. I am very anxious to hear an explanation from the league as to how LA can afford to sign a player of Xavier’s international stature under the salary cap since they have already used their “Designated Player” on David Beckham. I suspect that MLS continues to break its own rules to aid the Los Angeles franchise owned by Phil Anschutz.