CARSON, Calif – Ashley Cole has won a pair of English Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown, but the 36-year-old defender has one more trophy he’s chasing before he hangs up his boots: MLS Cup.
The road hasn’t exactly been smooth for the LA Galaxy left back so far in 2017, but it’s one he’s still trying to enjoy heading into Saturday’s marquee matchup at Orlando City SC (2:30 pm ET; FOX in the US | MLS LIVE in Canada).
The Englishman battled through an injury in training camp that kept him out of LA’s first three games of the season. He made his first 90-minute performance of the year in the Galaxy’s 2-0 win against Montreal last Friday, but his calf strain still isn’t completely behind him.
“I don’t think it’s completely past me because I’m 36 years of age,” said Cole. “I don’t quite heal as quick as before.
“I feel good now. I had a good preseason under me. I wasn’t probably as fit as I normally am, but again that’s age. I’ve been training hard, been back a month and a half now, looking forward to the next game.”
Cole is now at an age where he has the dual responsibilities of working toward a title while simultaneously helping to bring along the next generation of Galaxy defenders. He and LA captain and center back Jelle Van Damme have been at it since Day 1 of preseason, mentoring several young players – including rookie fullback Nathan Smith, a standout in the win against Montreal – who have filled in along the backline this year.
“Nate [Smith]’s come in, done a great job. [Rafael Garcia]’s done a great job, but of course Nate’s come in now and he’s working hard. He’s the youngest one.
“Me and Jelle Van Damme, we kind of know how we work together, but I think it’s important that we integrated Nate together slowly to get him up to speed on the way we play, how we want to play, and he’s done very well.”
Of course, Cole also has a weightier matter on his mind: What’s next?
Father time waits for no one, not even three-time World Cup vets, and Cole knows that his second act is approaching.
“This season is a new season and the ambition is still there to win something here,” he said. “Still have got a long way to go, but that’s still in my mind. Whether I stay next year or this is my last year, who knows?
“It’s in the back of my mind. Obviously it’s getting closer and closer. I just want to enjoy it. Whether it’s my last year, I just want to enjoy my last year of playing in a long, hard career. Still winning, but enjoying it.”
