Unbeaten in their last six matches, but accumulating eight of 18 possible points. Yet to score in the opening 30 minutes of a match, found the back of the net six times in the final 15 minutes. A team that has fought back and earned a point, five of the six times after allowing the opponent to strike first. One player has been at the heart of eight of the team's ten goals, that one player is Landon Donovan!
When the Galaxy line up against the defending MLS Cup Champions on Sunday, the match will likely start a three-week stretch of opportunity. Two home games against Eastern Conference sides, and a trip to Dallas sandwiched in between. Whether you call it a "turning of the corner" or "fork in the road" makes no difference. The concept is mutually the same. Can LA turn the draws into a couple of wins, specifically the two home dates with K.C. and this Sunday's affair? Something tells me it is right there for the taking. It has to start with a second home win on Sunday.
Matching up with Columbus has been a difficult task for LA the past few years. In fact Columbus is unbeaten in their last five trips to the HDC. Currently, the Crew is on their own unbeaten run (4) and last weekend tallied the first win of '09. This team is also on the verge of finding some rhythm. Containing Guillermo Barros Schelotto will be a huge component, as he is a link to so much of what the Crew do going forward. Alejandro Moreno is dangerous in the area, and seems to be one of those players that always plays big against a former club, San Jose and Houston included. Not sure if it's concerning or calming that Robbie Rodgers has not quite hit his stride. Frankie Hedjuk, overlapping runs ring a bell? The list continues when you break down a team. As head coach Bruce Arena has emphasized to me several times, "there are numerous components to a game." With that I decided to focus on what specific match-ups I think could play a larger role in determining the result at the end of 90 minutes. In addition, Sunday's tilt at the HDC is part of what should be an ultimate sports weekend. Plenty of playoff action, plenty of good futbol, and for all who know me, I would not let an opportunity slip to mention golf. What about that horse race taking place on Saturday afternoon, and something about girls running with the boys? In line with the Preakness this weekend and the hype and energy surrounding the event, here is my tri-fecta!
MIDFIELD MAESTRO MAGIC - SHOW
This will be a battle of athleticism at the wide positions. Rogers/ Ekpo are a handful to deal with if they continue to receive the ball in wide positions. If Magee/Jordan/Klein/Lewis can keep busy and force Rogers/Ekpo to defend and chase, it will give the Galaxy a big advantage.
POWERHOUSE - PLACE
Chad Marshall and Alan Gordon dueling at both ends of the field will be incredible on its own. Two very strong players in the air, wait strong in general. It will not always be pretty soccer, but trust me you will watch. Gordon will benefit from two or three good looks with Landon drawing the extra defender around the box. Gordo will have to find a way to get free one of those times, and find the right touch to finish it home. After the goal last week, it will be slightly tougher to do that.
DOS DE DONOVAN - WIN
Landon Donovan and Donovan Ricketts have been right at the center of LA's success this season. If each of them brings the same formula Sunday, the Galaxy will be in great shape. Landon is playing with unbelievable passion and his impact is evident on the score sheet. Ricketts has just two shutouts, but has come up with two, sometimes three "bonus saves" per game. This is something that has allowed LA to come back and earn a point, when in years past it became a loss.
I of course would just "box them" on the advice of my broadcast partner, Jim Watson. Pretty sure he would advise you to do that as well. Consequently when they all happen in the game and the Galaxy earn three points and move....wait, wait I mean the horses all come in and "we" win the dough! Yes, that's right. Enjoy this one Galaxy fans, see you at The Home Depot Center.
