For the Los Angeles Galaxy, the next several days they will spend in Chicago will define their season.
On Saturday, they take on the Fire at Toyota Park with their playoff lives on the line. Then on Wednesday, the same two teams will battle it out in the U.S. Open Cup Final, with the Galaxy having the opportunity to secure at least one trophy already on the season and defend their title won last year.
In their last two games the Galaxy offense has struggled, in large part to the defensive tactics of their opponents. But in the league match on Saturday, Los Angeles expects Chicago to play attacking soccer in order to build momentum heading into Wednesday night.
"I expect them to come out and play. They're at home and want to go into Wednesday with confidence," said Pete Vagenas. "I expect an up-and-down match which would play into our hands."
While a wide-open game definitely will cure the frustrations the Galaxy has had recently, it's a catch-22. Chicago has been one of the hottest teams in MLS since the All-Star break, so while chances could be in more abundance for the Green-and-Gold, they will also have to endure a lot more pressure than they've faced over the last couple weeks.
"(Chicago) is very good right now. They're probably the best team over the last couple of weeks in the league," said captain Landon Donovan. "We can watch the tape, but we really don't know that much about them."
The reason that the Galaxy really aren't that acquainted with Saturday's opponent is that the last time these two teams squared off was the second week of the season. Both teams have undergone significant changes since then, making this weekend's game almost like a first-time meeting.
"I can name maybe three guys on their team, and that's not to disrespect them," said Vagenas. "We haven't seen them in a while and they haven't really been a concern of ours. But here they are."
The Galaxy's situation is dire and Saturday's opposition is currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference. A win on the road against one of the hottest teams in MLS is what is required of Los Angeles, but they still have confidence they can get it done.
"It's not like we're going to roll over and not play," said Donovan. "We're going to Chicago to win the game -- that's the attitude we have. We're got nothing to lose now. There's no pressure, we're away from home. There's not the pressure of having to win at home and maybe that will help us relax."
Due to the way the teams in the West match up this weekend, the Galaxy can't be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention regardless of the results. Still, a win on Saturday is the only realistic result they can walk away with if there is to be any real hope of making the playoffs for the 11th consecutive year.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
