CARSON, Calif. - Long before heading into the MLS Cup Playoffs, Los Angeles Galaxy players and coaches alike were talking about improving, getting better with each week so they could peak at the right time.
After knocking off the San Jose Earthquakes, holders of the best record over the 2005 regular season, some believe the Galaxy are playing their best soccer. But the members of the Galaxy aren't amongst those people.
"You'd like to say the best is yet to come. Right now you could say we're at a peak in terms of getting the results we need," said Galaxy captain Pete Vagenas. "Maybe at times it isn't the prettiest, but it got the job done."
The perfect example is the 1-1 draw in the second leg against the Quakes in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Galaxy were dominated in virtually every offensive category - total shots were completely lopsided in favor of the Earthquakes, and they had five more corner kicks than Los Angeles. Despite all that, the Galaxy still managed to get a positive result, in a stadium that was the most difficult road arena in all of MLS this year.
During the season, it was often the Galaxy who dominated the run of play but couldn't find the finishing touch. In those games, the Galaxy often walked off the field dejected by the result, which too many times involved a late equalizer or go-ahead goal from the opposition. Vagenas credits a change in basic attitude to the change in fortune.
"At some points in the season I think we sacrificed results for style of play. We're at the point in the season where we're trying to get results," he said. "If we have to roll up our sleeves and play ugly to get a result, then that's what we'll do."
The Galaxy didn't necessarily play the style of soccer they look to play in San Jose. This weekend, when they take on the Colorado Rapids for the right to go to MLS Cup 2005, they'll be facing a team that could pull them out of their comfort zone again.
The Rapids philosophy doesn't exactly lend itself to the quick-strike style of play that the Galaxy like to utilize on offense. Colorado is known for its defense-first mentality, soaking up the pressure and trying to hit on the break, and scoring goals will come at a premium in Denver.
Even if the Galaxy do get the result they're looking for against Colorado, they know that there is a lot of work to be done to be playing their best.
"There's always room for improvement. Peaking, I'm not really sure," said midfielder Ned Grabavoy, who scored the vital equalizer in San Jose. "At the same time, San Jose was probably one of the favorites to win, so knocking them out in the first round, I guess you can say we're peaking at the right time. That's the confidence we feel."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
