The Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo will be the final two teams to get into action on First Kick 2007 when they face other Sunday evening at Robertson Stadium in Houston. For the Galaxy, who are trying to erase the disappointment of their worst finish in club history last year, playing the defending MLS Cup champions will be a good litmus test on which direction their season is going to head.
Los Angeles could be at either an advantage or a disadvantage come Sunday. Houston has played four competitive matches already this season in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and as a result, the Texas club will most likely be sharper on the ball.
However, Dynamo are also coming off a physically and emotionally draining game on Thursday in Mexico, when they were eliminated in extra time by Pachuca in the semifinals. Dynamo eventually lost 5-2 on the night, losing 5-4 on aggregate, and are likely to be bringing tired legs back to Houston.
"They might be a bit sharper, but maybe they're more tired," said Pete Vagenas. "That all evens out though."
Whatever the case, the Galaxy won't be making excuses. There is definitely an air of confidence around the Galaxy camp, as they are set to take on all comers this year. According to goalkeeper Joe Cannon, it might be the ideal time to go into Houston and steal a result.
"I don't think it's your ideal game, in Houston. At the same time we have an experienced group," said Cannon. "If we're going to catch Houston off guard it's going to be right at the beginning of the season."
Head coach Frank Yallop agrees that his team might have enjoyed being a few games into their season before taking on the defending champs, but you don't see him lamenting the schedule either. The Galaxy is faced with a number of difficult games this season, and Yallop is looking for the same thing out of his players in each and every one of those games.
"You can probably think of a few easier games (than this weekend in Houston), but we've got to go to Houston and try to get a result," said Yallop. "One thing I guarantee, our guys will give 100 percent."
Going in with that attitude, the Galaxy are confident that they can come away with the full three points. Games between the two teams are always closely contested, and some of the Galaxy players feel that if it comes down to one or two breaks, they have the personnel to get the job done.
"For us it's going to be a tough challenge. We're going in there thinking if we play good defense and with guys like Nate (Jaqua) and Landon (Donovan) up top, anything can happen," said Cannon. "We're hoping to get a good result but we know its going to be a war."
The fact is that for the Galaxy, it doesn't matter who the opponent is. On Sunday, Los Angeles will start a new chapter in club history and start putting last season's memory to rest.
"We can't wait. I think everyone is excited to see what we've got and we're just as excited to see what we've got," said Vagenas. "The only way to do that is to play real MLS games."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
