Usually in U.S. sports, the term "Cinderella" is reserved for March and the NCAA basketball tournament. But when the Los Angeles Galaxy take on amateur side Roma FC on Tuesday at The Home Depot Center's Track & Field Stadium, the phrase will have a very real meaning for the defending U.S. Open Cup champion.
The Galaxy begin defense of their title against the team that survived qualifying out of the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). Along the road to Tuesday's match, Roma has knocked off Miami FC of the USL First Division -- and then shocked Chivas USA in Santa Barbara, Calif., in the last round. Those results have definitely gotten the attention of the Galaxy.
"It's a great story, it's good for them," said Galaxy captain Pete Vagenas. "Personally, I'd be over the moon if I was in their shoes. We have to make sure we come out and take them seriously."
Some MLS clubs have treated the U.S. Open Cup as a secondary tournament, often fielding teams comprised mainly of reserves. In Los Angeles, the attitude has been different. During last season's championship run, former general manager Doug Hamilton, who passed away in March, stressed the importance of winning championships. The U.S. Open Cup was very valuable to Hamilton, and it seems as though that attitude has carried on with this year's team.
"As strong a side as I can put out, I'm going to put out," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "We need to have clean feet on the field and people who are comfortable on the ball."
Three players who will miss Tuesday's game are defenders Ugo Ihemelu and Tyrone Marshall and striker Landon Donovan, who are all nursing injuries. Aside from those three, every other Galaxy regular will start the match -- a clear sign of just how seriously the Galaxy are taking this match.
"It's an opportunity to win a championship. Most MLS teams that say they don't care are at a stage in the tournament where they've been knocked out," said Vagenas. "Regardless of who we put out there, we want to win the trophy."
David and Goliath only begins to describe the differences between the two sides. Roma FC plays at least four full divisions below the Galaxy and MLS. Still, it isn't a team comprised of players who drink a few beers at the pub, throw on a jersey and hit the field. A handful of players on the squad played professionally for the Dallas Sidekicks, an indoor team in the MISL, and a couple, Juan Sastoque and Dominic Schell, have seen time in MLS.
As is the case in any Cinderella story, any soccer fan that's not directly linked in some way, shape or form to the Galaxy is probably rooting for Roma's run to continue. It's only fair according to Yallop, who was on both ends of upsets in England's FA Cup when he was a player with Ipswich Town.
"I think it's natural for any fan to want the underdog to win," he said.
Underdog is an understatement. The Galaxy are the defending champions, while win or lose the players of Roma FC will head home to their day jobs once the game is over. Still, the Galaxy are determined to put an end to their tournament and won't be pulling any punches once the opening whistle blows.
"We have to get our minds right. This is a game of soccer and anything can happen," said Vagenas. "But if we play anywhere near our potential we should be able to handle them."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
