The LA Galaxy gain another international star

The Western Conference has been particularly busy this summer with a slew of recent transactions and signings. We have seen some of the best international talent now land in Major League Soccer.

For instance, Real Salt Lake received Dominik Marczuk from the Jagiellonia Bialystok (Poland) on Wednesday. Earlier in the month, they also acquired midfield Diogo Goncalves who played for FC Copenhagen.

In that same week, the Vancouver Whitecaps inked a deal with Edier Ocampo (Columbia). At the end of July, rival LAFC signed Lewis O'Brien, a midfielder for Nottingham Forest. They also acquired French forward Olivier Giroud.

While all of these transactions took place, the Los Angeles Galaxy was able to claw their way atop the Western Conference standings during the early-August break. With 49 points and a record of 14-7-5, the LA Galaxy are in control of locking up a number one seed for the upcoming MLS Playoffs.

While the LA Galaxy seems content with their current roster boasting stars Dejan Joveljic, Joseph Paintsil, Ricard Puig, and more, head coach Greg Vanney decided to add one more weapon to the barracks.

How did the LA Galaxy make a big splash of their own?

On Thursday, August 15th, the Los Angeles Galaxy officially signed Marco Reus. The former Borussia Dortmund and German International talent is now a member of the top team in the Western Conference.

While playing in the UEFA Champions League, Reus has played in eight seasons and nearly 50 games thus far. He recorded his first assist this season as he has accumulated 15 goals.

A disciplined player, he has only been issued three yellow cards during his tenure in the Champions League and has never been given a red card.

"[That] opportunity to come and compete, and then also to play with a different type of team [LA Galaxy]. We have a starting 11 that has guys from five different continents on it in a very international city, and that's something we're really proud of."

- Will Kuntz, LA Galaxy General Manager

Fellow midfielders Ricard Puig, Diego Fagundez, and Marky Delgado will benefit from another star player who will provide experience, leadership, and an additional boost to one of the league's best offenses. The LA Galaxy currently have 50 goals on their season, tied for second-best in the West.

The LA Galaxy received Reus when they agreed to give $400,000 to Charlotte FC. He should make his debut with the team when MLS action continues. The next game for the Galaxy is on August 24th when they host Atlanta United FC

With eight games remaining, Reus should aid the LA Galaxy's efforts in not just returning to the playoffs but in also securing their league-best sixth MLS Championship.