Two weeks ago the Los Angeles Galaxy traveled to Colorado and came home with one of their worst losses of the season, a 3-0 defeat.
For that game, the Galaxy left what could have been a starting lineup at home, because of injuries and suspensions -- the list including players such as Ante Jazic, Ty Harden, Chris Albright, Abel Xavier, Kevin Harmse, Kelly Gray, Landon Donovan and David Beckham. The Galaxy have a chance for a little redemption -- with closer to a full team -- when they take on the Rapids on Saturday evening at The Home Depot Center.
The Galaxy will still be missing quite a few players this weekend, whether for international duty or injury, but some reinforcements have returned to the fold. Add the fact that Los Angeles has had a full week between games for the first time in more than a month, and the Galaxy should be as rested as they've been in a long time for Saturday's match.
"We have a few more fresh bodies. We haven't been through the ringer either," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "We've had a little bit of a break. Playing at home helps too. We've played well at home the last two games football-wise."
Still, the Galaxy have suffered two crushing defeats in their last two games. The first came in the SuperLiga final, where they lost on penalties to Pachuca after getting a late equalizer. Last Saturday, Los Angeles conceded a first half lead to Real Salt Lake in league play in a 2-1 loss.
Despite the loss to Salt Lake last weekend, the Galaxy are far from mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. But if they are to make a run at the postseason, it will have to start this weekend. It's keeping track of the small picture rather than the big picture that is the key for success though.
"It starts with just one game. I think sometimes we get into the mistake of thinking about winning 10 games rather than one," said Chris Klein. "To me, that's the focus in the locker room and trying to get ourselves right for Saturday."
Colorado is currently tied for the eighth and final playoff spot (though they hold the tie-breaker over the Columbus Crew), and the Rapids are 14 points ahead of LA in the standings. The Galaxy have four games in hand on Colorado though, and victory against the Rapids on Saturday could means a six-point swing in the standings.
"The season's not over yet. This game is huge for us because Colorado is one of the teams we're chasing," said Yallop. "It's a chance to catch some points up on them. If they end up winning then it's tough because we're running out of games. But you never give up until it's over."
Every cliché in the book could be used to describe the significance of Saturday's game for the Galaxy. The simple fact is that there are only so many points left on the table for Los Angeles to grab. If there is going to be a late charge towards the postseason it will have to start this weekend against Colorado.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
