The Los Angeles Galaxy haven't played a league game since July 22. This Wednesday, the Galaxy travel to Houston to take on Dynamo at Reliant Stadium, the lead-in to a friendly between FC Barcelona and Club America of Mexico.
The only competition in the 18 days between regular season games came last week when the Galaxy began defense of their U.S. Open Cup title against amateur side Dallas Roma FC. While the final score was only 2-0, the Dallas-based group hardly gave the Galaxy much of a run.
Last weekend was the All-Star Game, and as Chris Albright was the only member of the Green-and-Gold who played in that game, Los Angeles will be well rested and close to full strength heading into the stretch run.
"Once we have our full unit, once we get away from the injuries and suspensions," said head coach Frank Yallop, "then we have a chance at building a good building block for the rest of the season."
The Galaxy has used their time off wisely. Forward Landon Donovan and defenders Ugo Ihemelu and Tyrone Marshall are all close to fully recovered from recent injuries. Donovan and Ihemelu are probable for Wednesday night's game while Marshall is listed as questionable, but has resumed light training.
The timing of the break is something that has the Galaxy very pleased as well. The summer months of the MLS season are grueling to say the least. The heat and humidity that plague the United States from coast to coast takes a toll on players throughout the league.
"(The break) is a chance for guys to get fresh again and get their legs back. Summer in MLS is a tough grind and it's good to get a break," said Albright. "For us it's huge. Maybe this break is just what we needed."
After nearly 2-1/2 weeks off the Galaxy are set to try and make a playoff run with what remains of their season. Questions as to whether or not the Galaxy will be game sharp following such an extended break away from MLS action will be raised, but Donovan says that he and his teammates are all set to make the final push.
"We're going to be very ready. We've had two weekends in a row where we've had three or four days off," said Donovan. "In the middle of the season, you can't ask for more than that."
With just 12 games left to go in their regular season schedule, and seven points separating them from a playoff spot, the Galaxy will have to find their form quickly if they are to have any hope of repeating as MLS champions. With a squad that's as close to full strength as they've been since the beginning of the season, they have as good of a foundation as they've had the entire year.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.