The Los Angeles Galaxy entered the 2008 campaign with high hopes and while they are third in the west, general manager Alexi Lalas admits their have been some ‘missed opportunities.’  Lalas took a moment to speak with Soccer 365 about the start to the season, the Galaxy brand, and predicts the score for the U.S. vs England match.

By Andrew Rogers

Thoughts on start to the season?

Obviously we want to win every game so I think we have dropped some points at home, which is not good and when you look back, they are the kind of games that could end up hurting us because they are missed opportunities, especially considering some of the results around the league. It’s a successful month that could have been better.

What’s your reasoning behind the missed opportunity?

We have gone through another transition over the off season and even bigger one over the last year and we are still working through. It affects every part of the organization, there is also the added learning curve of the MLS because we have such a unique league.

A new coach and assistant coach and we understand it is going to take some time for them to find there bearing and learn the in and outs of MLS, and we have a new core of players so we like to have some success while we work things out.

…but its not just on the field where the club is developing, is the business plan taking the club to a new financial level?

As a business the Galaxy is very healthy and expanding at an incredible rate, we are now an international brand and the reality is when people wake up around the world and think about American soccer they think about the Galaxy.

That is something that brands try to achieve whether they are selling soap or soccer. With that comes responsibility and part of my responsibility is that we maximize the opportunities of this team, so touring has always been part of the business plan and will continue to be so.

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We will select games throughout the year both domestically and internationally are players understand this is part of what being with the Galaxy is all about. And is part of what enables your business to not just survive but thrive and the business of the Galaxy is very good right now.

How has it shown itself in the numbers?

In the touring of the team accomplishes two things, first there is the economic benefit we have to generate revenue to pay for the thing s we are doing, we are now able to command fees to tour the world in line with many of the biggest teams in the world. And that is the power of David Beckham and we recognize that.

Secondly it enable us to take the brand around the world and introduce it to people which will last and continue long after David Beckham has gone, and to be thought of in an international light, we are starting do to this and the arrival of David Beckham has given us this platform, with which we can show the Galaxy brand both internationally and domestically.

Does David Beckham give you a greater sense of confidence when you are trying to establish deals with corporate sponsors?

People want to be associated with something that attracts attention and the Galaxy right now is as relevant a brand as it has ever been, and not just within soccer it transcends the sport. So we have sponsors that have come back at higher numbers, because of the arrival of David or have new sponsors that have come on at higher numbers than we could have previously expected. Because we have one of the most famous people in the world not just sports so the attention, interest and focus that generates.

Will MLS improve his England Ambitions?

I think MLS period will improve David Beckham’s ability to compete for a World Cup place period.  The hypocrites make me laugh when they say because he is in MLS he will not compete, a few weeks ago when he was playing in France, one if not the best player on the pitch was David Beckham. He plays he trade in the MLS for the L.A Galaxy, when he plays well its because he is David Beckham, when he plays poorly its because of the MLS, you can’t have it both ways.

So when it comes to the World Cup first off we support which ever player it is playing for the national team, and it would be an incredible honour and a smart choice to have him, his experience in terms of the competition and the challenges of our league whether it be the altitude or the heat will serve him well in terms of the preparation so regardless I think they will get a well prepared player who can help them succeed.

England v U.S.A you have been there done it and got the T-Shirt, what are your thoughts?

It’s a wonderful moment for both sides, if David is called in to play I think he deserves, to be in the team, it would be wonderful to see him pick up his 101 cap in England, for an MLS club against the U.S. Also his partner in crime Landon Donovan, it will be great to see those to go at it from a competitive stand point.

So will you be coming over to see your old pal Alan Shearer?

Ha, I don’t think so he torn me a new one last time I was over there, and I got booed every single time I touched the ball, so I looked at that as an incredible form of respect, from the English fans, thankfully the likes of myself playing for the U.S anymore.

So what will the score be?

I am predicting a 2-0 score, but I’m not telling you whose going to win.

What!!! You can’t do that, spills the beans the fans have the right to know!!!!!

Put it this way, if my children are playing there it is all wonderful (Galaxy players), but as an American through and through, I predict 2-1, where Landon scores two and David scores one.