Last weekend, the Los Angeles Galaxy moved into first place in the Western Conference, thanks to their win against the Colorado Rapids last weekend. The Galaxy found the back of the net three times, managing to do so without Landon Donovan in the lineup.
It had been well noted that the Galaxy had failed to score a goal in their two games without Donovan and David Beckham. Questions started to be raised as to whether the Galaxy could get on the scoreboard without the benefit of having both of their superstars in the lineup.
"Landon and David are great players. I mean, what are you going to say? I don't think anyone hides the fact of how good they are and what they mean," said Chris Klein. "Our national team hasn't scored a goal without Landon. (Donovan) is the main point of any team. With David, his passing is something we sorely missed. It's nice to have David back in the team and we have to shoulder the burden while Landon is gone."
Beckham did return to the lineup on Saturday and is expected to play this weekend against San Jose. Donovan, however, will remain with the U.S. national team as they begin World Cup qualifying against Barbados on Sunday. For Gullit, it's another opportunity for the rest of his squad to step up.
"It's important that we play with all of our players. Landon Donovan is not here. He's scored, I think, nine goals for us. He's now with America," said Gullit. "It's a little bit odd for me to be still playing while your players have international duties. Normally you have a break."
Gullit is referring to the so-called "international calendar," where leagues halt play on FIFA international dates. To date, MLS hasn't been afforded that luxury with their schedule, which is why the Galaxy will continue to have to cope with the absence of some of their star players.
The return of Beckham from international duty certainly helped Los Angeles against Colorado. The Englishman didn't show up in the boxscore, but his stabilizing influence and ability to control the game from midfield can sometimes be immeasurable. The Galaxy would certainly prefer to have Donovan in the lineup, but after last weekend, there is at least confidence that the other players can succeed.
"It's not that we can score without Landon, but I think (the Colorado game) was good for our confidence. When you don't play with players like Landon, who's our top scorer, players kind of get it into their heads that we're not going to win games, we're not going to score goals," said Beckham. "It was important for confidence that we believed in ourselves to score goals, especially when we have big players out."
Los Angeles will need to figure things out up top ahead of their match against San Jose. In addition to Donovan's absence, Alan Gordon will serve a one-game suspension after being sent off against Colorado, and Carlos Ruiz has been called into Guatemala's side for their World Cup qualifier against St. Lucia.
It will be a tall order for whomever steps in -- especially considering how tight San Jose's defense can be -- but the Galaxy now can build off the confidence of knowing they can win without all their superstars on the field.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
