The Los Angeles Galaxy will be leaving the comforts of home and will take to the road this weekend, playing a game away from The Home Depot Center in more than a month when they face Real Salt Lake at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday night.
In the Galaxy's only other road game so far this season, on March 29, they suffered a 4-0 loss in Colorado. But a lot has changed since then, as the Galaxy used a four-game homestand to move into second place in the Western Conference. Riding a two-match unbeaten streak following last weekend's sound 5-2 thrashing of fellow Home Depot Center residents Chivas USA, confidence is high in Los Angeles.
"I think if we play the way we're capable of playing, nobody can beat us. It doesn't really matter where we play," said goalkeeper Steve Cronin. "We know Salt Lake is going to put up a great fight, but we just need to focus on ourselves and what we're trying to do. If we do that then we'll be OK."
While the Galaxy performed well in the month of April, RSL was inconsistent at best. Last weekend, D.C. United blasted them 4-1 at RFK Stadium. However, RSL turned things around in a midweek U.S. Open Cup match, defeating San Jose 4-0 on Wednesday. That was the second time that RSL exploded for four goals this season (the first coming at home against D.C. United), so the Galaxy know anything is possible.
"Historically, they've been up and down this season, but we know that they are a good team," said Joe Franchino. "They've brought in some new guys, and they are a better team than last season, so we're expecting a tough game."
Unlike last season, the Galaxy's schedule this year has been consistent. Instead of a number of early bye weeks, to compensate for a heavily backloaded schedule, the Galaxy have played one game a week since the season opener. It's allowed the team to gain some consistency and establish a rhythm from week to week.
"The preparations are really the same," said head coach Ruud Gullit. "The only difference (this week) is you have to practice on turf."
This will be the Galaxy's first game on turf this season. The team traveled on Friday and will hold one practice session on the artificial turf at Rice-Eccles Stadium to get themselves better acquainted with the playing surface.
That's not the only change the Galaxy will be faced with either. Salt Lake City sits at an elevation of 4,350 feet above sea level. While that's not quite as high as Denver, it should be noted that the Galaxy certainly noticed the factor that altitude played in their season-opening loss to the Rapids. The Galaxy have already dismissed the altitude as an excuse, however.
"I think a lot has changed since then. We have played more games since then, and are now well into our season. Already our guys have more experience," said Gullit. "I don't think (the altitude) will be a problem."
One thing that shouldn't change too much this week is the Galaxy's starting 11. Only one player who started in the 5-2 rout of Chivas USA will be unavailable, as Abel Xavier won't travel with the team to Salt Lake due to issues with the artificial surface. Other than that, LA is looking pretty healthy, including the red-hot Landon Donovan, who scored eight goals in April en route to being named the league's player of the month.
With the combination of the recent results for Salt Lake and the attacking form of Donovan and the Galaxy, all signs point to a high-scoring affair on Saturday. Los Angeles is hoping they have a little more in the tank than Salt Lake does, so the Galaxy can continue their early season momentum.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
