It hasn't been the best of starts to the 2007 season for the Los Angeles Galaxy, with just one win from six matches thus far -- and two losses already in three games at The Home Depot Center.
And so with D.C. United coming to town -- a team that stumbled out of the gate but has since rattled off three consecutive wins -- the job of turning around that stretch gets tougher. And then add that the Galaxy will have only 13 field players to choose, and L.A. head coach Frank Yallop has a difficult task ahead of him.
Yet despite the daunting task in front of him, Yallop is carrying confidence into Saturday's match.
"As we know in football, funny things happen. We're capable of winning with any team we put out," said Yallop. "I just want us to come out and have a really good go on Saturday and get a good result."
Galaxy central defender Tyrone Marshall is likely to be the only starter on the backline for Los Angeles with more than two years of MLS experience. It's a trial by fire for several young players, especially considering the number of offensive weapons at United's disposal.
"D.C. is kind of on a little roll and finding their stride right now," said Marshall. "They're coming in looking to get a result and we have to be ready for that challenge."
There is no room for mistakes this week either. There will be no surprises in the Galaxy lineup due to the squad shortage, so United will know exactly what to expect. It means that every last man available for the Galaxy needs to prepare as though they are going to get significant minutes.
"This week is very important to us mentally and physically how we prepare," said Marshall. "Everyone has to be focused and sharp and ready come Saturday."
Still, while the situation seems to be dire, the pressure could cause this team to rise to the occasion, and some of the younger players who have been waiting for their chance to impress will get that opportunity on Saturday.
"We need to find some new life. Guys need to score goals. Guys need to step up," said Marshall. "Hopefully with the injection of some new people on Saturday, hopefully we'll get some goals early."
That is the hope in Los Angeles, but the reality is that the Galaxy will be fielding a team comprised of several reserves going up against the best that United have to offer.
"I don't think (D.C.) is going to be adding any players to their roster," said Yallop. "We're playing the best they've got. They're a good side."
With or without their full complement of players, Los Angeles needs to find a way to get some wins in the early portion of the season. They are quickly heading down the same path as last season's squad, and don't want to dig themselves a hole that's too big to climb out of too early in the season. D.C. United will provide a very stiff test for a young Galaxy squad that could go a long way towards shaping the team's fortunes -- good or bad -- for the rest of the year.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
