Salcedo Only Wants Chance to Dance
Jorge Salcedo has it all wrong. When you score a goal, as he did for the Galaxy on Sunday afternoon, the idea is to behave in a way that encourages fans to look at you. A post-goal celebratory run in soccer is a highly personal thing, a trademark. Salcedo may want to rethink his.
The outcome of the game didn’t hinge on Salcedo’s goal in the 71st minute against hapless D.C. United. It gave the Galaxy a 3-1 lead, but more to the point for Salcedo, it provided the 23-year-old a personal platform to show off.
Salcedo’s sharply struck shot on the volley bounced off the hands of Washington’s goalkeeper, Jeff Causey, then caromed into the net. That sent Salcedo racing to the corner flag. Along the way he pulled his jersey over his head . . . and left it there. His head covered and his belly exposed, Salcedo staggered around in a kind of ragged semi-circle, flapping his arms for stability, then collapsed under the weight of his celebrating teammates.
He could only laugh about it later.
“I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “I saw [Roberto] Baggio of Milan do something. I was going to run to the sideline and put my jersey on the flag. I felt like an idiot, then I did something even more idiotic.”
The former UCLA All-American is fighting for playing time and vying for the attention of Coach Lothar Osiander. While his goal was impressive, his dance was not likely to help the cause.
UCLA Coach Sigi Schmid, watching the game from the press box, called it the Hide The Head Run, and quickly noted he did not teach Salcedo that move at UCLA.
Salcedo had just come into the game in the second half when he pushed the ball to Eduardo Hurtado, who scored the game-winning goal. Osiander calls the young reserve defender a “go-to guy” for his vision and his ability to get the ball to teammates.
That praise has not translated into playing time: Going into Sunday’s game, Salcedo had played a total of 28 minutes. He didn’t play in the opening game, then came in late in the second half of the second game. Salcedo also entered the game in the second half the last time the Galaxy played D.C. United, and he scored the game-winning goal.
“For some reason I play well against them,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate. I would love to play all 32 games against them. I’d look like the best player in the league.”
He’d love for Osiander to take that view.
Osiander was circumspect when discussing Salcedo, who made an impression Sunday, vaguely hinting that he’s too slow. Osiander would not be drawn into a discussion of when or if Salcedo would gain a starting role. After reporters probed from every possible angle, Osiander was finally asked point blank: What will it take for Salcedo to start?
Osiander grinned conspiratorially and replied, “Bribe the coach.”
And learn a better dance.
