LA Galaxy Activate Omar Gonzalez

In a move that could continue the Galaxy's upward trend of late, Los Angeles activated 2011 MLS Defender of the Year Omar Gonzalez from the Disabled List. Gonzalez is returning from an ACL tear in his left knee, and is now eligible to make his 2012 debut today at home against Philadelphia.

Gonzalez suffered the injury in January during his first training session while on loan with FC Nurnberg of the German Bundesliga. Following surgery, Gonzalez returned to full training with the club in mid-June, at one point playing 45 minutes in a practice game against the Galaxy’s U-18 squad.

Now in his fourth season with the Galaxy, Gonzalez has been a key force in the LA back line. After receiving MLS Rookie of the Year honors in 2009, the center back was also named the MLS Defender of the Year in 2011.

Last season, Gonzalez was the anchor of the Galaxy D, and without him on the pitch this year, the team has struggled at times.

But his return could also provide an unexpected boost to the team's formidable attack. In set pieces, David Beckham has often looked to Gonzalez, as his size allows him to put his head on the ball in traffic. Gonzalez has scored eight times over the years as a result of set pieces.

With any athlete coming back from major injury, Gonzalez will have a transition period as he adjusts to the rigors of elite competition. What nobody knows however, is once that adjustment period is over, will we see the same Omar Gonzalez that we saw prior to the injury?

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services