CARSON, Calif. The LA Galaxy's Monday session barely qualified as a game.

The Galaxy fielded what was essentially their reserve side in a scrimmage against a squad full of their own academy players. No stats were kept and the excercise was over after 45 minutes.

It was, however, quite significant for one player on the field, as Omar Gonzalez played for the Galaxy in his first competitive setting since tearing ligaments in his left knee this past winter. The 2011 MLS Defender of the Year played the entire session running, sprinting, making runs and sliding into position when necessary.

The match was one of many tests hes had during his rehabilitation process, and Gonzalez gave himself a passing mark after the most recent sign of progress.

Today was just to see how I am and how my fitness was coming along, he told reporters. I got a little bit tired towards the end, and were playing against our Academy, so I didnt have to get up for a lot of headers or do a lot of defending. For the most part, I think I did well, but I wasnt really tested.

Gonzalez returned to full training more than two weeks ago, and while he has made significant progress during that time, a potential return date is not set in stone just yet. He didn't shy away from sharing his own goal, though.

READ: Gonzalez in full training; Seedorf at HDC

It is a moving target. We still dont know yet, Gonzalez said. At the end of this month or early next month is my goal. But you never know, maybe Ill surprise you guys.

Instead of 2012 being a memorable step into the upper echelon of American center backs, Gonzalezs year got off to a gloomy beginning. After moving to FC Nrnberg on a short-term loan with hopes of making an impression on the German club, Gonzalez tore a ligament in his left knee during his first training session with the club in January.

His original prognosis had him set to miss seven to nine months. Should Gonzalez return by the end of July, hell have been out just shy of seven months. Already, the signs are encouraging.

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LA's Gonzalez feeling strong, could make return in late July