Heading into their match-up this Saturday at The Home Depot Center, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire are both coming off Week 1 losses.
In the case of the Galaxy, the theme was a stingy defense that allowed just three shots the entire game. Unfortunately for the Green and Gold, one of those shots found the back of the net and led to their 1-0 defeat at the hands of the New England Revolution.
On the other hand, the Fire displayed a potent offense, netting two goals of their own in a 3-2 loss to FC Dallas. Yet although the Fire twice failed to hold a lead in that loss, the Galaxy will not be taking their opponent this weekend lightly.
"New England is going to be a title contender as is Chicago," said Galaxy head coach Steve Sampson. "Chicago, I feel, is one of the best teams in the league, so we have to play well."
One focus for this week in Los Angeles will be stopping a potent Chicago attack, in particular last year's rookie sensation Chris Rolfe. Rolfe scored eight goals in his first MLS season and already opened his 2006 account.
"Their strength is that they have a very creative attack. Chris Rolfe, I'm one of his biggest fans," said Herculez Gomez, who will start for the Galaxy at forward alongside Landon Donovan. "I think he's a great player. If we don't lock it up back there he can do a lot of damage."
Gomez isn't the only person in the Galaxy locker room singing the praises of Rolfe. Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman will be trying to keep the young forward from slipping one by him as well. Hartman, who's good friend was Rolfe's club coach back in Ohio, has known the Chicago forward since he was in his early teens.
"Chris Rolfe is a player I have a ton of respect for. The fact that he can find space in such a tight spot shows his quality," Hartman said. "He's experienced beyond his years. But to just consider him a threat would probably underestimate Chicago."
The focus all week for the Galaxy has been on tightening up defensively in anticipation of the Chicago attack. The Galaxy do feel they have at least one advantage they can exploit though in Saturday's game -- team speed.
"They're weak on the counter attack. They don't defend well when players are going at them," said Gomez. "That's what we have to do -- set the precedent and take it to them."
The game is being played in Carson, on the wide open expanses of The Home Depot Center pitch. If the Galaxy can exploit the space and use their speed both on the wings and at the forward position, the game should be a much more open affair than was the season opener.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
