For the second time in less than a week, the Los Angeles Galaxy will play D.C. United when the two meet Wednesday night at The Home Depot Center in the semifinals of SuperLiga.
Last Thursday, the Galaxy fell 1-0 to United in a league match at RFK Stadium, but when the two meet this time, it will be hopes of moving one step closer to a million-dollar payday. The winner of Wednesday's game will play host to Mexico's CF Pachuca in the final on Aug. 29, a team the Galaxy already defeated 2-1 in group play.
The Galaxy will be boosted by the expected presence of David Beckham, who will probably play a much more significant role Wednesday night than he did last Thursday, when he made his MLS debut, coming in on the 72nd minute.
"I think I can play at least a half a game [Wednesday], which is important for me," said Beckham. "It's important for the team that I at least get on the pitch because it's been awhile since I arrived."
Head coach Frank Yallop confirmed his superstar's statement. He wouldn't let on exactly how many minutes Beckham would play, again saying his progress was day-to-day. He did however hint that Beckham might start the match.
"He wants to start and that's a good sign," said Yallop. "I think it will be a half at least, if he can go more than that, great. If he starts the game, knowing David, he'll want to stay on and keep playing."
The status of the game is having a slight influence on Beckham's desire as well. With a win, the Galaxy will advance to a cup final and have a chance to play for some silverware. It will also be a chance for the Galaxy to get things back on a positive swing after a poor road swing.
"Obviously it's important for the club, especially at the moment because we're going through a tough time with the league status," said Beckham. "It's a big game. It's a semifinal."
It's because of the magnitude of the game that leaves Yallop believing that D.C. will come into The Home Depot Center will all their weapons armed and ready.
"I think the team (D.C.) are going to put out is going to be exciting and attacking," said Yallop. "I'm excited to see them play."
To overcome that, the Galaxy will have to show more of what they did in the three SuperLiga group games, than in their last three league games. LA scored nine goals to lead Group A, but since, hasn't scored in its last MLS games, and were outplayed for long stretches of each of those matches. The poor form has been attributed to some bad play coupled with some bad bounces according to Beckham.
"You need a certain amount of confidence. You need a certain amount of luck in games. In the last few games we haven't had the luck," said Beckham. "Then again, you create your luck by playing well. I don't think we've played to our full potential."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
