Still without a win on the road so far this campaign, the LA Galaxy have the opportunity to scratch that off their "to do" list on Sunday in Frisco. This will not come easy though, as FC Dallas is riding a three game winless streak in MLS. It's safe to say that they will be itching to get the maximum three points at home.
FC Dallas Head Coach Steve Morrow has a very good starting eleven and some dangerous players to utilize off the bench. However, the addition of Mexican international Duilio Davino has made an already tough defense, even stronger. So far this season, the Hoops' defense has given up less than a goal per game with three shutouts in seven matches.
The midfield is where this team wins and loses games. So when this aspect of the game goes well for Dallas, they are inclined to earn a good result. Four very talented players in Pablo Ricchetti, Marcelo Saragosa, Juan Toja and Arturo Alvarez, who all boast high soccer IQs, can make finding possession very difficult for opponents. Throw in last year's mid-season addition of Ricardinho, and the ex-Atletico Paranaenses midfielder rounds out a solid nucleus of attacking players.
Up top, forwards Kenny Cooper and Abe Thompson are young and physical strikers, who know how to finish a chance around the target. Cooper (For anyone who doesn't know me, I have a soft spot in my heart for anyone that has ties with the MISL from the 80s and early 90s - just search "Cooper & Baltimore Blast") leads the team in goals (5) so far this season and Thompson knows how to work off of Cooper in the offensive third of the field.
As for the Galaxy, any points gained away from The Home Depot Center are important. BUT, a win would be a "shot in the arm" on many fronts...the first road win for a team with many new faces, bouncing back from an average performance the week before, and a solid result against a team that is expected to compete for the conference title. This game could tell fans a lot about how much the team has grown since the opening week's stumble in Denver.
Sunday's game will mark the third for Los Angeles in an eight-day period (NY, Vancouver & Dallas). Yes, Head Coach Ruud Gullit did rest a number of players for the exhibition game in Edmonton this past Tuesday, but Beckham, Gordon, Franchino and Vanney will all likely be kicking off their third match of the week in Frisco. It has to take a toll on your body, regardless of how fit you are.
I have preached that the first 15-20 minutes of the match must be a focus for the side, and really the last two games it has been problematic. Bottom line: The energy and focus has to be there from minute one, so that the Galaxy are the team striking first and putting FCD off balance, rather then the one looking for a response!
My partner Jim Watson and I will be joining you from Pizza Hut Park at 11:30 AM on FSN PrimeTicket. We invite you to grab yourself a bite to eat, a cold beverage and join us for a couple of hours of fast-paced MLS action!
That said Galaxy fans! There are a couple of guys to keep an eye on in Sunday's tilt who just might be the player (s) that changes the face of the game...
DF Sean Franklin - This young player is growing right before our eyes into an MLS caliber defender, great stuff from the former Matador. Franklin is adjusting to the combination of physical play and skill, but what I think is even more important is that he is starting to anticipate and read the game a bit more in the past weeks. Every so often, he will surprise you with a flashing run forward too.
GK Steve Cronin - Individually, I think the same formula applies that was said above with regard to the Galaxy getting a win in Dallas. A solid goalkeeping performance, even further a shutout, would be the perfect stepping stone for Cronin right now. He has shown some flashes of brilliance in goal and I don't know that you could specifically pick out something he did/did not do on any of the goals given up. It's an understatement that a road win would be a boost to his confidence.
