Angel finally makes the move to Los Angeles By Steven Sandor Posted on January 19, 2011 Comments Off on Angel finally makes the move to Los Angeles 0 646 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The Los Angeles Galaxy’s draft-day acquisition of former Toronto FC striker Chad Barrett turned out to be nothing more than a back-up plan. The team inked Juan Pablo Angel, who has scored more goals than any other MLS player over the last four seasons, on Wednesday. He will be the Galaxy’s third Designated Player, joining Landon Donovan and David Beckham. “I’m very happy to join a team like the Galaxy, a tremendous organization with great players and a coach that knows me and I know as well,” Angel was quoted through the Galaxy’s official Twitter feed. Angel has been the most successful player in the history of the Designated Player program. But, when the Red Bulls inked Rafa Marquez and Thierry Henry last season, Angel was deemed surplus to requirements. He went into the Re-Entry Draft, passed through the first round, then was selected in the second draft — where teams didn’t have to guarantee raises to the selected players. There had been rumours that Angel wasn’t going to sign with the Galaxy, and that he might explore options with another MLS club after the Galaxy’s window to sign him has expired. The New England Revolution was a rumoured destination. But Angel is now signed, sealed and delivered to be on the end of Donovan’s through balls and Beckham’s crosses. The Galaxy’s desperation to sign strikers was evident after Edson Buddle, who scored 17 times last season, left for FC Ingolstadt in the German second division.
