Keane heads to Galaxy; Angel for Chivas

The Los Angeles Galaxy must surely see the 2011 season as a make-or-break campaign. With David Beckham playing the final year of his current contract and the 2011 MLS Cup Final set to be played at Home Depot Center, you can understand why the Galaxy will do everything in their power to win a championship this year.

This would explain why Los Angeles is set to splash the cash to bring in Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane, who is set to be announced as the Galaxy’s newest signing as early as today.

To make room for Keane, the Galaxy have traded struggling striker Juan Pablo Angel to Chivas USA, sources told Fox Soccer on Monday. The Galaxy had to move Angel to free up a Designated Player slot for Keane and had shopped Angel to a number of interested clubs before settling on Chivas USA.

In Keane, the Galaxy land a proven striker who is still currently a key figure for the Irish national team and who recently enjoyed success in Scotland with Celtic.

Keane’s arrival strengthens the Galaxy’s position as the favorite to win the 2011 MLS Cup. Los Angeles already boasts the best record in the league, but have now bolstered what has arguably been the teams weakest, which was in large part because of Angel’s ineffectiveness since joining LA from the New York Red Bulls this winter.

The Galaxy will be looking to win their first MLS Cup title since 2005, and if they reach the final they would become the first team since the 2002 New England Revolution to play in and host an MLS Cup Final.

There are no details available yet on what the Galaxy paid Tottenham to acquire Keane, but sources say the striker is joining the Galaxy on a two-year deal on wages worth $9 million.