When the Los Angeles Galaxy return to league action after a month of exhibition matches and Superliga play this Sunday, the first game against MLS competition couldn't come in a more difficult setting.
The Galaxy will visit BMO Field and Canada for the first time, and the home of Toronto FC already has a reputation for being a tough place for road teams to come away with a result. The club has nearly sold out every game this season, and their fans have shown rabid support through bad times (and 0-4 start) and a run of form that has the Canadian side realistically hoping to make a playoff push.
TFC has hit another small slump lately, having lost their last two league matches, while suffering through a rash of injuries. Despite the expected absence of some key players, the Galaxy still know that the crowd will make Sunday's game a difficult one.
"They've got some key guys that are questionable for the game but you can't really count on or think that someone's going to play or not play," said Kyle Martino, who is looking to make a return to the field after an injury of his own. "It's going to be a tough environment. They've had unbelievable support. It's probably one of the only places in the league where you can really say they have a home-field advantage."
The Galaxy will try and eliminate that advantage right out of the gate. An early goal or two might be necessary to quiet the crowd and start off a long August on the right foot, one that will see Los Angeles play five of six matches on the road.
"For us, hopefully it's the start of something good. We need to look at this game as being a catalyst for us," said goalkeeper Joe Cannon. "It's a huge opportunity. Everyone knows it's a hostile environment, but they're missing some players and even though we're missing some players too, we feel it's a good opportunity to get some points."
Sunday's game was picked up by ESPN2 in hopes that David Beckham will be making his debut in an MLS league game. While the odds of that happening were all but dashed on Saturday, it doesn't change the fact that the national spotlight will be fixated not only on the Galaxy, but on the Toronto home supporters as well.
"I can't wait. Everyone has said (Toronto) feels like a European soccer stadium," said Landon Donovan. "The fans are great and it's fun to play there. Now that we're playing better, I'm excited for it."
Donovan can expect to get a taste of Canadian hospitality that Toronto fans are quickly getting to be known for. Last weekend when Chicago forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco was taking a corner kick, he was showered with streamers and confetti. With Beckham out, Donovan will still be taking all the Galaxy's corners and can expect the same sort of treatment. It's something he's looking forward to.
"Bring it. Bring it all," said Donovan. "I think it makes us better. It's going to make me play better."
