After being eliminated from contention for the MLS Cup Playoffs last weekend, the Los Angeles Galaxy will wrap their 2006 season at home against FC Dallas on Saturday night. With FC Dallas also having ensured home-field advantage throughout the postseason with the win, the season finale at The Home Depot Center would seem to be a game simply to round out the schedule.
But both results came in an FC Dallas 2-1 victory against the Galaxy last weekend at Pizza Hut Park, and last week's game is still fresh in the minds of the Galaxy.
"A little payback," said Galaxy center back Tyrone Marshall about the motivation heading into the weekend tilt. "The effort we put out (last) Saturday wasn't the best effort. We want to come out and show that we can give a better effort, hopefully get some goals, and win the game on Saturday."
One thing working in the favor of the Green-and-Gold is the fact that Dallas has never beaten the Galaxy in Carson. While a good result on Saturday night will be of little consolation to the Galaxy, it will provide a lift for the faithful who have come out to support their home team all season long.
"It's a big game. It's fan appreciation night," said head coach Frank Yallop. "We want to finish on a high. Everyone is available. We have to play well."
Most everyone is available in the FC Dallas camp as well. Yet that doesn't necessarily mean coach Colin Clarke will be trotting all of his weapons out onto the field come kickoff time. With the Western Conference Semifinal Series beginning next weekend, it is most likely that Clarke will rest some of his key players.
"My guess is (Dallas) is not going to be throwing guys out there to get hurt," said Landon Donovan. "They'll have guys in there who want to play and want to win."
Still, in some ways, that could be a more dangerous opponent for the Galaxy. Young players are hungry players, desperate to show their coach that they deserve some minutes in the postseason, as well as a place in the team next season.
"They'll probably have some new faces in there," said Donovan. "If we don't match that we're going to get embarrassed."
The Galaxy will be looking to avoid just that scenario. In a season that has had more disappointments than achievements, Los Angeles needs something to try and build on for next season. While a win on Saturday will mean very little in the final scheme of 2006, it will serve as the first step towards returning to standards set by previous Galaxy teams.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
