Over the past couple of weeks, the Los Angeles Galaxy have been arguably one of the hottest teams in Major League Soccer. Now, as they chase a playoff berth that not long ago did not seem possible, they are going after it with something that has been in short supply recently: rest.
In anticipation of David Beckham's arrival in the U.S., the back half of the Galaxy's schedule was loaded with road games that had them playing at least twice a week for almost the entirety of the last two months. Last week, for example, the Galaxy traveled to Kansas City for a Thursday game against the Wizards, then continued straight on to Columbus, where they defeated the Crew 2-1 on Sunday, before returning to L.A. on Monday. That's been the norm.
But, for just the second time since the All-Star break, the Galaxy have had a full week between games, preparing to take on Houston Dynamo at home this Sunday after last Sunday's win in Columbus Crew, the club's third in a row.
"It's fantastic, I feel so good. I'm tired right now, but hopefully my legs come back to me by Sunday," said defender Mike Randolph. "We're excited. Everyone gets to rest. I'm happy, because this team is recovering from all of our injuries."
The rest has helped the Galaxy return to health. In addition to Beckham rejoining training this week, Abel Xavier and Chris Albright were spotted at training. For the first time in a long time the Galaxy nearly had a full squad available on the practice field.
"When everyone's on the field, and you have selection problems, that's great for me," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "Just seeing everyone back out there -- David (Beckham), Chris (Albright), Abel (Xavier) -- it's like wow, we have a pretty good team."P
While Albright and Beckham are almost certainly not going to partake in this weekend's match, Xavier could play a role. Just the fact that the team can hold a legitimate training session will only help improve a team that is on a four-game unbeaten streak.
But that also is the ironic part of the week of rest. Just as the Galaxy gained some momentum for the first time this season, they have a break in the action. When things are going well teams typically like to keep the ball rolling. However, nobody in the Galaxy camp seems all that worried about falling off.
"I think we can maintain (the momentum). The spirit in the locker room is unbelievable right now. Everyone is in good spirits," said Randolph. "I think we'll continue to push and do well here at the end of the season."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
