It was nearly five weeks ago to the day that the Los Angeles Galaxy opened up their SuperLiga campaign against CF Pachuca of the Mexican Primera Division, a game the Galaxy won 2-1. On Wednesday night, the same two sides square off in the championship game at The Home Depot Center with $1 million on the line.
Since that July 24 meeting, also in Carson, there have been some changes on both sides. Pachuca played that first game without some of their Mexican national team players, while the Galaxy were without the services of David Beckham. Pachuca is near full strength for the final, missing only Andres Chivita, who was sent off in the semifinals against Houston. The Galaxy have a laundry list of players missing due to injury, but David Beckham is expected to play some part in the match.
"I was here and watched the last game we played against (Pachuca), we beat them 2-1," said Beckham. "It could have gone either way. Pachuca is a very talented team. They've got some good players."
For the Galaxy, the game marks a step away from the struggles they've had in league play. The success they've enjoyed in SuperLiga has not translated into their league fixtures and Wednesday's final provides the club with a chance to accomplish at least one of their preseason goals.
"It's a final and we're at home. We're glad we're in it," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "We set our different goals at the start of the season. In this one, we wanted to win the tournament. Here we are. We have a chance to win a trophy."
Even Yallop concedes that this Pachuca team is a much improved side over the one they defeated in July. Not only is Pachuca going to field a stronger team, but the club was in their preseason a month ago. Now with the Mexican Apertura in full swing, Pachuca should be more game fit.
"They're further along in their season and further along in their play, so we expect a team to be a little bit sharper," said Yallop. "They've got some good players so we're expecting a tough game."
It would be a major coup, not just for the Galaxy but all of MLS, should Los Angeles manage to win the inaugural SuperLiga title. Pachuca has been one of the top sides in the Americas over the course of the last year and a half. With the Copa Sudamerica and the CONCACAF Champions' Cup trophies under their belt, Pachuca has proven that they are one of the most balanced sides in the region.
"They've got players who can defend and also win the game by scoring goals," said Beckham. "We know how tough Pachuca is going to be."
With any chance of making the playoffs seemingly slipping away with each league match, the Galaxy have a chance in Wednesday's final to put a feather in their cap in what has otherwise been a disappointing season. Standing in their way, however, is arguably the best team in the Americas.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
