At first glance, the 2007 MLS season for the Los Angeles Galaxy was a disappointment. Second straight year watching the playoffs, their rival having a banner year, and injuries depleting the roster ... should I go on?
Here it is. At this point LA had 17 pts and was beginning a nine game run that had just two defeats, a five-game winning streak and run of seven without a loss. On the final day in Chicago when LA controlled their own postseason destiny, the Galaxy were defeated, ending the year with 34 points. Doubling the point total over the final nine matches is not bad!
Sure, getting to 48 this year would mean winning eight of the final nine, but I think you see the point. Even the seemingly impossible is possible.
I assume there really is not an easy way to come in as coach of a team midseason, but it does feel like the transition to Bruce Arena (and Dave Sarachan) is moving along smoothly. Game-planning for the Fire on short notice and now facing the Revs are no small tasks. It will be interesting to see how the team will respond on the field after 10 days of preparation.
Make no mistake the Revolution is the class of the league right now. Yes, the Crew have 11 wins as well, but New England has the experience and the Eastern Conference belt right now. Taylor Twellman is just starting to come into form, Michael Parkhurst is back from Olympic duty, they can kill teams in the midfield and the team is playing well. The Revs are coming off a win and draw versus conference opponents. BUT ... this team has played a lot of matches and traveled a lot of miles in the last few weeks. The result has been some injuries, players forced to play extra minutes, and I imagine some tired players. This might be an area that a quick, assertive and aggressive Galaxy side might be able to take hold of the match.
To say defending has to be a priority sounds generic. But specifically for LA that is true, and where they need to focus that is on the wide positions. Similar to the Galaxy, New England creates a large part of its attack by getting the ball to wide players. All-time MLS assist leader, Steve Ralston slides out near the line from time to time, but it is the work of Nyassi, Thompson and Smith that open up options for other in the interior. Nyassi in particular with his pace ... Ante Jazic and/or Eddie Lewis could be quite busy. Of course keeping an eye on #20 is a pretty good idea too!
The central midfield should get plenty of attention as well. Not sure which players will be in there ... Vagenas-Vanney, Tudela-Vanney, Tudela-Vagenas, etc. ? Whomever it is, expect 90 minutes of fight with Shalrie Joesph. For me, this player is worthy of MVP discussion and the best defensive central midfielder in the league. Bold statement maybe, but that is how I see it. The Galaxy must keep him occupied at all times, so that when other players win the ball for New England, it is difficult for Shalrie to make himself available for the ball. He is going to win his fair share of possessions in the midfield, but limiting the time he is receiving the ball will go a long way to helping Los Angeles earn a positive result.
Finally, What do the Galaxy need to do in the offensive third? Along with Landon Donovan being aggressive and taking defenders one-on-one, Edson Buddle needs to find his stride again. It was difficult to get into dangerous positions against Chicago, but that was due to the two defenders that stayed tight on Buddle. With the return of Donovan and Beckham, as well as the arrival of Eddie Lewis, Buddle should again find freedom around the penalty area. If he can get matched up with Parkhurst once or twice around the area and the ball at his feet, that might be a turning point in the game.
Hope you will tune into the coverage on FSN, as my partner, Jim Watson and I bring the coverage of Saturday's tilt. I will have a chat with the Galaxy's newest member, Eddie Lewis and of course we will break down all the match-ups for you. LA need to start stacking some points, and a win against one of the premier sides in MLS would be a great springboard toward another late-season run.... like the one from 2007.
