The Los Angeles Galaxy will be trying to advance to the next stage of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday when they host the Colorado Rapids in a play-in game at The Home Depot Center. Just who the Galaxy will run out onto the field is anyone's guess.
Typically, MLS teams tend to field reserve teams in the early rounds, preserving their regulars for league matches. However, Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit doesn't really have the luxury of selection options. Three of his reserves just completed playing with the U.S. under-23 national team at the Toulon tournament in France. Add the absence of Landon Donovan and David Beckham, who are gone for international duty, and the Galaxy roster is starting to look a little thin.
"We will try our best to put a team out there that is competitive," said Gullit. "We take (this game) very serious, and I demand also from the players that they give everything to get a good result."
With only 18 senior players and 10 developmental players allowed on each club's roster, it's sometimes difficult to put out experienced lineups in multiple competitions. When a team has enough players that are good enough to represent their national teams, it's that much more difficult.
"It's crazy. We don't have the rosters that European teams have. We have three guys with the youth national team. We've got David (Beckham) and Landon (Donovan) gone," said Chris Klein. "It's crazy, the schedule sometimes, but we're going to have to make do."
If the Galaxy were to look for a silver lining, it's the fact that several of their younger players will get a chance to prove themselves in this match. Later on this summer, the Galaxy will be without several players for World Cup qualifying, and the younger guys will need to step in. It's good for them to get them minutes now, so they're ready later.
"This game is important. It's another game to build on and improve and get better as a unit," said Edson Buddle, whose current goal scoring form will be needed on Tuesday. "Those guys that are missing means an opportunity for other guys to step up and show they belong here."
There is another incentive for Los Angeles to advance deep into this tournament. Like the MLS Cup Final, the U.S. Open Cup Final will be played at The Home Depot Center.
"It's important for the fact that the final is played here," said Gullit. "Therefore, we take it very serious."
The last time The Home Depot Center hosted the U.S. Open Cup Final was in 2005. It was Los Angeles that held up the Dewar Trophy that season, defeating FC Dallas. On Tuesday, the Galaxy will be trying to take the first step towards repeating that feat.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
