Jul 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes (11) celebrates with forward Giovani dos Santos (right) after a goal by midfielder Sebastian Lletget (left) against the Seattle Sounders FC during the second half at StubHub Center. The LA Galaxy won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Even with a playoff appearance, 2016 was a disappointing year for the five time champions LA Galaxy. A look at their offseason of change and year ahead.

For most clubs, an appearance in the conference semi-finals would be considered a successful year. The LA Galaxy is not most clubs. The five-time MLS champions now view each season as a title run or bust. 2017 will be more of the same.

The club enter the season having both a changing of the era, as well as stability. Bruce Arena’s departure to the USMNT will surely seem like the biggest difference, but striker Robbie Keane’s absence will be felt more often on a weekly basis. Landon Donovan and Steven Gerrard are gone, making way for Jermaine Jones and Romain Alessandrini.

However, the Galaxy bring back the majority of starters from 2016, even with Zardes and Rogers out injured at the start of the year. LA is now Gio’s team to run with and the star man could make a run for the league MVP honors in 2017.

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Recap of 2016

Record: 12(W) – 6(L) – 16 (D)

Finishing Position: 3rd Place in the Western Conference

Post-season: Lost in the Western Conference Semi-finals 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Heading into 2016 the LA Galaxy reloaded for another run at the MLS Cup, in what would have been a historic sixth title. Known for a home for big names, last season saw the failed attempt to acclimate Nigel De Jong to MLS, but Ashley Cole proved to be a quality addition and was able to maintain through the MLS season.

Jelle Van Damme and Emmanuel Boateng were the surprise additions, with the former now moving on to DP status and taking on the captain’s armband. When injuries began to slow the Galaxy down late in the season, club legend Landon Donovan returned and helped steer the into the playoffs.

However, it would be the club’s inability to win matches that ultimately cost them the Supporters’ Shield. LA led the league in draws with 16. If they had been able to drop that number by a third, the club would have topped the MLS in 2016.

Transfers Out:

A. J. DeLaGarza (Houston Dynamo)

Landon Donovan

Steven Gerrard (Retired)

Alan Gordon (Colorado Rapids)

Robbie Keane

Jeff Larentowicz (Atlanta United)

Leonardo (Houston Dynamo)

Mike Magee (Retired)

Oscar Sorto (Orange County SC)

Romain Alessandrini Calls LA Galaxy ‘Best Club In United States’ https://t.co/OA0b35XAxg #LAGalaxy pic.twitter.com/IjaVOnXqeD — LA Galaxy News (@News_LAGalaxy) February 14, 2017

Transfers In:

Miguel Aguilar (Rights from DC United)

Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy II)

Jermaine Jones (Colorado Rapids)

Joao Pedro (Vitoria de Guimaraes)

Romain Alessandrini (Marseille)

Predicted Starting XI for Opening Weekend

For the most part this starting lineup is fairly set. Gio, Lletget, Jones, Cole (Dave Romney), Van Damme, Steres and Rowe are all locks for opening day. While Robbie Rogers is out injured Garcia likely assumes the right back spot. Ashley Cole was set for a starting spot on opening weekend, but looks to be out for a few weeks according to ESPNFC.

Up top a similar situation, with Gyasi Zardes still recovering from his knee injury, the second striker spot could see a rotation. Given his experience with the squad, Villareal gets the nod, with Ariel Lassiter and Bradford Jamieson IV likely to see time early on as well.

If match fit, the new DP Romain should see an opening day start, and could switch the wings with Lletget. Both Boateng and Husidic will via for the defensive midfielder position next to Jones.

2017 Predictions

With Curt Onalfo now the head man on the sidelines, the tactics won’t appear dramatically different for the LA Galaxy. Jermaine Jones should help protect the backline and provide cover for more offensive minded midfielders Lleget and Alessandrini to join in the attack.

While the loss of Keane is massive, having Dos Santos to take up the mantel is a wonderful place for the club to be. Once Zardes returns to full fitness, the attacking four should match any set across the league. Hopefully one of the young strikers from the academy can continue to progress and lead the club through the Open Cup. Playoffs should be almost guaranteed, with another MLS Cup not out of the question.

Finishing Position: 2nd in the West. Conference Finals.

2017 MLS Team Previews