The Los Angeles Galaxy start their U.S. Open Cup campaign Tuesday night when they take on the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium in a "play-in" game. There are some teams that treat the tournament as a second-tier competition, oftentimes fielding reserve teams and resting their starters for the regular season. L.A. isn't one of those clubs.
The past two seasons, the Galaxy have advanced to the Open Cup Final. Two years ago Los Angeles lifted the Dewar Trophy on their home ground after defeating FC Dallas. Last season, the Green and Gold lost in the title game to the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park. The organization's commitment to winning is personified by their recent performance in the tournament.
"I think it's a reflection on how serious this organization takes winning. Some teams do not think being knocked out of the tournament early is a big deal, but we do," said Galaxy veteran Pete Vagenas. "We look to win each and every year, and this year will be no different."
The Galaxy will start at the first hurdle this year because of their MLS regular season finish a year ago, when they were one of four teams to fail to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs (along with the Crew). The winner of Tuesday's game will take on the New York Red Bulls in the next qualifying round, with the winner of that game joining seven other clubs that will enter the knockout round of the competition proper in the round-of-16.
The Galaxy fully expect to be there, and that attitude permeates throughout the club. Tyrone Marshall has been with the Galaxy since the 2002 season and has the Galaxy winning tradition engrained in him.
"(The Open Cup) is very important. We take all the competitions that we play in very seriously," said Marshall. "Whatever competition we are in, we're looking to win it."
Columbus is the first obstacle for the Galaxy. Even though the Crew finished with the worst overall record in MLS last season, the Galaxy aren't taking them lightly. According to newcomer Joe Cannon, Los Angeles will have its hands full.
"They are a mystery team, I think. They are a team that is much stronger than they were last year," said Cannon about the Crew. "Just watching them play you can tell they are very good. They are very good on the attack, and thus a very dangerous team. You can't give them tons of space. So to be successful [Tuesday] night we are going to have to do a good job of defending."
Leading the Columbus attack is a pair of former Galaxy players. Ned Grabavoy has locked down a place in the center of the Columbus midfield and Joseph Ngwenya has earned a starting place at forward. Both players were with the Galaxy last season and will be looking to get one over on their former teammates.
Add midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi, defender Ezra Hendrickson and head coach Sigi Schmid to the list of people who have ties to the Galaxy organization. You can even throw Kei Kamara into the mix, as he played his college ball at Cal State Dominguez Hills in the shadow of The Home Depot Center. There's a lot to play for -- on both sides of the ball.
"I think it's extra motivation for both teams. There are obviously some players that played with the Galaxy, and a coach who coached here," said Vagenas. "So it is something that I want to make sure that we beat them. It is mostly bragging rights. I'm sure there are players that still keep in touch with this team, so there is more at stake than just Galaxy playing Columbus."
Both teams have started their league seasons winless -- the Crew have drawn all three of their MLS games, while the Galaxy have a tie and a loss. While Tuesday's game makes no difference in the league standings, it does provide a foundation to build on for both teams, and a step towards more silverware for the trophy case.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
