The last time the Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls faced off, they battled to a 5-4 contest at Giants Stadium in what was arguably one of the best games in MLS history. In that game, David Beckham picked up two assists, while Juan Pablo Angel and Jozy Altidore each scored a pair for New York en route to a dramatic victory.
On Saturday, the Galaxy welcome New York to The Home Depot Center, and slowing down the Red Bulls offense is going to be a point of focus this time around.
"We need to eliminate space and don't let Altidore get running at us," said defender Greg Vanney. "You always have to know where Angel is in the box, because he can get on the end of things and is a great finisher."
As always, it will be interesting to see how New York will line up. Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio is a noted tactician, choosing each lineup and formation specifically to suit the upcoming opponent -- a task not helped by the fact that his team is banged up, with both Angel and Altidore limited in training this week.
Depending on who's healthy will go a long way towards determining the formation the Galaxy will be facing. That uncertainty has Los Angeles preparing for anything.
"Last week (New York) played three up front and they played Altidore more as a winger, and Angel up front. If they do that, we're going to essentially match up with our four in the back and have some cover in the middle," said Vanney. "If they play two up front, our center backs will have to match up and the outside guys will have to give cover."
While New York is short of a few healthy bodies, one thing the Galaxy team isn't short on is confidence. The club is riding a three-game unbeaten streak and is only one point out of first place in the Western Conference.
"They've got some really big names. It's going to be a really, really tight game. We're not too worried about them though," said Mike Randolph. "We're more focused on ourselves. If we play our game, I don't think there are too many teams that can beat us right now. That's the way our team is feeling right now."
The Galaxy's game lately can be summarized in one word; offense. The strategy seems to be score early, and score often. The defensive side of the ball has been shaky all season long, and the offense has been carrying the load. With the weapons that New York has at their disposal, the game could turn into another shootout.
With Landon Donovan and David Beckham both playing as well as anyone in the league right now, there are very few teams that can keep up with the Galaxy offensively. Still, one of those teams that can is New York, so the defense is likely going to have to step it up Saturday night if the Galaxy are to bring home the full complement of points.
"Every team has their fair share of good players. On any given day anybody can beat anybody," said Randloph. "We're watching out for key players, but in reality, we're really just trying to focus on our defense."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
