The Los Angeles Galaxy are still riding a wave of emotion following their game against Chivas USA last Saturday. Unfortunately, by the time the club has another league game, that wave will have likely all but dissipated.
Last Saturday, the Galaxy defeated their in-stadium rivals 3-1. But with their next MLS game set for May 12 against the New England Revolution, it's the second fortnight in a row the Galaxy have a bye week. It's a situation that doesn't make getting into a rhythm very easy for Frank Yallop's team.
"That's one thing, coming off a big win then having two weeks off before our next league game," said second-year player Nathan Sturgis. "We just have to push ourselves in practice. That's all we can do. We also have the Open Cup game coming up, so that will be a good game for us to keep the momentum going."
Los Angeles was in the exact same position a week ago. After falling to FC Dallas at home, the Galaxy had a U.S. Open Cup game against Columbus to get sharp in between league contests. Yallop and his troops are faced with the same situation next week, when they face the New York Red Bulls in the second-round play-in in the competition on May 8, the winner moving into the round-of-16 in the tournament proper.
"It's sort of set the same tone if you like. Obviously you try to get a good result against New York in the Open Cup, and then we look forward to the game against New England on Saturday," said Yallop. "You try not to let all the hard work from the weekend go to waste."
Still, Los Angeles is riding a two-game winning streak in all competitions. Tuesday night's game provides the Galaxy with a chance to keep that roll going. Ironically, last season's finish has provided that Galaxy with some extra games early to work out the kinks.
"We're kind of fortunate that the Open Cup game is there on Tuesday. Not having to travel helps us too," said Landon Donovan about Tuesday's game. "It helps us having the game here. At least it keeps you sharp and it keeps you fit."
Los Angeles has gotten off to a slow start for the second year in a row in the league. The offense got a jump start in Saturday's game against Chivas USA, but staying sharp and staying fit now become the biggest concerns for the Galaxy. Keeping the momentum alive won't be easy though, as the Red Bulls and Revolution have been two of the top teams thus far through the opening weeks of the MLS season.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
