The Los Angeles Galaxy head into their midweek clash with Real Salt Lake coming off of a virtual offensive explosion. Last Saturday against D.C. United, the current MLS points leader, the Green-and-Gold hit for five goals in a 5-2 rout.
By no means was that a team record for goals in a game. But in terms of this season, it was a monumental achievement. Thus far in 2006, the Galaxy's previous offensive high was a three-goal output against Salt Lake in the first month of the season. Saturday's triumph against D.C. United was only the fifth multi-goal game of the year for the Galaxy.
The Galaxy's opponent Wednesday night is coming off a much different game. RSL suffered a 6-0 shellacking at the hands of the New York Red Bulls, which left the Galaxy and Real tied for fifth place in the Western Conference. Galaxy midfielder Pete Vagenas isn't expecting a similar performance from Wednesday night's foes.
"From experience, teams are toughest after a loss. Couple that with the fact that they lost huge I expect them to be chomping at the bit," said Vagenas. "I'm sure they'll put forth one of their best effort, because they want to get rid of that awful taste they had against New York."
While the Galaxy have to be wary of a team that is in equal straits in terms of its playoff life, they have to also be excited to go up a team that has shown vulnerability. Two of their five multiple-goal outings have come against RSL, and a revived Galaxy offense is looking forward to the chance to add another one to their record.
"I know I am. As they say, the floodgates are open," said Alan Gordon, who was responsible for one of the Galaxy goals against D.C., his first career MLS goal. "I'm going to go out there and try to get another goal."
While the offense seems to be sorting itself out on the field, head coach Frank Yallop has some decisions to make on the back line. His defense, which has really been the wall to lean against since his arrival, has been decimated by injuries and suspensions.
Troy Roberts, who may be the Galaxy's defender of the year this year, is out with an injury. Add Ugo Ihemelu's suspension, doled out after a review by the league disciplinary committee because of a tackle against Domenic Mediate which resulted in a broken ankle, but was deemed to be a fair challenge on the field by the refereeing crew, has left the Galaxy thin as paper in the back.
"[Nathan] Sturgis can play in the middle of the back with Tyrone [Marshall] in the game, and Ante [Jazic] should be fit to play," said Yallop. "I would think you'd probably see that combination."
Despite the injuries, the Galaxy seems to be in a good position heading into their match against RSL. So far under Yallop, players inserted into the lineup have stepped up to perform, such as midfielder Quavas Kirk, Roberts, or more recently Gordon.
If Yallop can continue to work his magic with a patchwork lineup, the Galaxy can move into a playoff position Wednesday with a win and Colorado loss. For the Galaxy, the playoffs have already started.
"We've been saying for the last couple of weeks that every game is like a playoff game," said Gordon. "We're playing for our berth in the playoffs. So we're taking every game very seriously. Wednesday is a huge game for us."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
