The Los Angeles Galaxy have a few numbers ahead of them as they travel to Dick's Sporting Goods Park to play the Colorado Rapids this Saturday:
• 5,280. As in the altitude of Denver, where Commerce City -- the site of Dick's Sporting Goods Park -- is a suburb.
• 80. As in the width of the field (in yards) in the Rapids' new home stadium, the widest in Major League Soccer.
• 3. As in the number of days since the Galaxy's last game, a 1-0 loss to Scottish giants Rangers FC.
The Galaxy played things smart on Wednesday night, starting a team comprised mainly of reserves against Rangers, but still giving starters some second half minutes to keep them sharp. Colorado has one of the most distinct home field advantages in MLS, and with their new, more intimate home, that advantage is amplified.
"It's altitude, it's a big pitch," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "You've got to make sure the guys are ready to start the game correctly. We've got plenty of rest. We'll be ready to go Saturday."
Staring the game correctly will be the key on Saturday. The Galaxy will need to get the first goal if they want a positive result. Colorado has been more dynamic this year in the attack than in previous years, but still has a tendency to look to drop back and defend a lead rather than pursue more goals. The first goal will be the key to Saturday.
"We'll be smart. We're not going to go flying out and pressing them on that big field," said Landon Donovan, who's either scored or assisted every Galaxy goal this season. "I think we need to get a goal first. We need to get a goal and feel comfortable. If we can get that goal I think it will help us a lot."
It will be a delicate balance in the first 30 minutes for the Galaxy. They need to press for the first goal, but coming off their midweek game, coupled with travel and the thin air as well as increased ground to cover, they need to make sure that they leave something in the tank for the full 90 minutes.
"It's a big game for us in the league. I think Frank (Yallop) understood that too," said Santino Quaranta, who played nearly a full 90 minutes on Wednesday and is expecting to start on Saturday. "We need the right mixture of players. We've got to regenerate and get back for Saturday."
Fitness is the key for Los Angeles. They have played fewer regular season games than any other team in MLS and are still trying to get everyone match-fit. Ironically, having an overloaded schedule this week might work in their favor, according to Donovan.
"Some guys played a few more minutes than Frank would have liked (against Rangers), but it's good for your fitness," said Donovan. "Obviously you're not going to gain that fitness in the next couple of days, but after Saturday a lot of guys will have played three games in one week and that helps your fitness."
Any team that plays in Denver needs to be fit in order to compete. It usually take a player some time to acclimate to the conditions, but the Galaxy will need to come out ready to play from the opening whistle if they are to have the best chance of getting the positive result they are looking for.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
