No matter who comes out on top in Thursday's CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal match between the United States and Canada, the Los Angeles Galaxy will come out winners. Los Angeles has three players participating in the game, as Landon Donovan is with the USA while Ante Jazic and Kevin Harmse will represent Canada. No matter what, the Galaxy will be getting some much needed reinforcement to a lineup that his been very thin as of late.
The real question is just which side the Galaxy camp is going to be rooting for. In the case of Frank Yallop, the Galaxy head coach and former head coach of the Canadian national team, the answer seems to be obvious. However, Yallop is taking a more diplomatic approach to the game.
"I'm not saying anything. I don't mind who wins. I'll be smiling no matter what. I'll stick with that," said Yallop with a grin, obviously trying to stay out of trouble. "It's a funny one because I've got three guys involved. This is going to sound funny, but I'm a real neutral for this one."
The neutrality ends there. As far as the guys on the team are concerned, most of whom are from the U.S., there is a clear favorite. So where does the allegiance lie?
"Of course with the U.S.," said Santino Quaranta, who has represented the USA 11 times. "It's going to be a tough game for the U.S., though. I have friends on Canada with Ante (Jazic) and Harmsey."
While Yallop is more on the fence about the game, he's excited about the idea of getting some players back in his side. Again, he was tight-lipped about who might be needed more this Saturday against Columbus, but admitted any help will be welcome.
"I guess two is better than one, but Landon (Donovan) is one hell of a good player," said Yallop. "I'm really excited to see the game unfold. The most important thing is that everyone comes through this healthy and ready to go for the Galaxy."
Even Quaranta agrees that it doesn't matter who comes back when, so long as all the pieces to the Galaxy puzzle get back to Los Angeles fit and ready to go. One thing he is certain of is that the game will be a dogfight between two very good teams.
"They're all vital parts of this team. We'll see how things go," said Quaranta. "I'm interested to see what happens. I think that Canada is going to do well. I talked to Ante and they're confident."
With Nathan Sturgis leaving the Galaxy this week to report for duty with the U.S. under-20 national team, Los Angeles could use Harmse in the midfield and Jazic will help solidify a back four that gave up a pair of goals to struggling Real Salt Lake.
On the other hand, Donovan is one of the most dangerous attacking players in MLS, and he will go a long way towards helping L.A. crack the Columbus defense. Either way, the Galaxy will come out ahead after the semifinal in Chicago.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
