MLS IDEA: CAMPOS WITH L.A.

Byline: Fred J. Robledo

Major League Soccer is not without its gimmicks or quick fixes, but its latest offer has the Galaxy thinking carefully before deciding its next move.

It could be just what the Galaxy needs. On the other hand, it could be just like the disruptive headache of the past.

Mexican scoring champion Carlos Hermosillo arrived Tuesday from Mexico and should help the Galaxy's scoring and sagging attendance in time for Saturday's showdown with Chicago at the Rose Bowl. But how much more exciting would it be if Jorge Campos were here, as well? Not with Chicago, mind you, but back with the Galaxy.

Believe it or not, that's what MLS officials proposed to the Galaxy this week.

``It's a situation where, obviously, the league feels Jorge would make an impact on the attendance in Los Angeles,'' said Galaxy general manager Sergio Del Prado. ``We believe that to be true also, but we wouldn't want to give up a foreign slot to get him.''

Campos hasn't had the best reputation in MLS but always has been a crowd-pleaser. He was dealt by Los Angeles to Chicago before the 1998 season but left the Fire during the MLS playoffs to join his Mexican team (Pumas). Because Zach Thornton proved more valuable than Campos in the nets for the Fire, Campos decided to leave rather than sit on the bench during the MLS playoffs.

So what would happen if he returned to L.A? Do you start Campos in goal and tell current keeper Kevin Hartman, who leads the MLS with six shutouts, to sit on the bench? Do you start Campos on the front line with Hermosillo? Or, does he simply come off the bench and please the fans?

``If it happened, I don't see him replacing Kevin,'' Del Prado said. ``He (Campos) scored seven goals in his last eight games with Pumas. I'm sure he would be someone who played up front for us.

``Again, it's a long shot at this point, but it is certainly something we need to consider.''

MLS executive vice president Ivan Gazidis said Campos will meet with MLS officials today in Chicago to discuss his future. Gazidis said Campos' return to L.A. is certainly possible.

``The Galaxy has benefited significantly from Jorge's presence and personality in the past,'' Gazidis said. ``I think it is an attractive and interesting place for him to be. But having said that, no decision has been made on where he will play this year.''

Although Del Prado doesn't want to give up a foreigner like Simon Elliott or Roy Myers to obtain Campos, Gazidis is hoping the Galaxy will explore the possibility.

The Galaxy is averaging only 13,105 fans per game this season, a big drop from the 23,776 it averaged in its first three seasons combined.

When Hermosillo arrived last season, 38,383 attended his MLS debut. So what would a team of Hermosillo and Campos draw together?

``It would be quite a combination, wouldn't it?'' Gazidis said. ``Imagine scenarios where the two of them are strike partners. It would be interesting to see and I'm sure people would want to pay money to see that. But whether L.A.'s interested in that are questions for them.''

Hermosillo, greeted by a few hundred fans and the sounds of mariachi music at LAX on Tuesday, said Campos would be a welcome addition.

``I hope he does come,'' Hermosillo said. ``Those are the types of players that bring a lot to any team. You're always looking to improve your product.''