The Los Angeles Galaxy will be looking to bounce back on Saturday against FC Dallas following what can only be described as a demoralizing loss midweek against the Colorado Rapids. The Galaxy played two men up for 30 minutes, controlled the run of play, yet still were unable to find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss.
Someone wearing green and gold will need to find that finishing touch in Dallas in this weekend's clash for the Western Conference lead if the Galaxy are to avoid their first losing streak of the season.
The one thing working in the Galaxy's favor is that FCD will be at less than full strength. U.S. national team phenom Eddie Johnson is listed as out for this weekend's game, still suffering from turf toe. Former Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz is listed as questionable for the game with an ankle injury.
Regardless, Dallas is a team that can score in bunches, something the Galaxy are well aware of.
"Other than going forward with Carlos (Ruiz) and Eddie Johnson they're a very dangerous team," said Jovan Kirovski. "But I'll take our back four against anybody in the league."
Even with the loss to the Rapids, L.A. sits in a very good position. Thanks to the Chicago Fire, who dispatched Dallas last weekend, the Galaxy is still just one point out of first place in the West. With both teams coming off a loss, first place on the line, and revenge on the minds of Dallas players after a 2-0 loss to the Galaxy in their first meeting this season, motivation shouldn't be a problem for players on either side.
"Dallas is a team that took a hit last week. They're a team looking to come together and justify themselves as the leaders of the West," said Galaxy 'keeper Kevin Hartman. "We've had some success against them this year. We have to go into the Cotton Bowl and try to continue our success against a very good Dallas side."
Dallas has played seven of their last eight games on the road, and is expecting a very warm homecoming from their fans. That eight-game stretch is bracketed by two losses, last weekend's loss to Chicago and the loss to the Galaxy seven weeks ago at The Home Depot Center.
Galaxy boss Steve Sampson knows that in addition to a very talented team on the field, his team is going to be battling the fans in the stands as well.
"It's going to be a very difficult match for us," said Sampson. "Especially playing in the Cotton Bowl in an atmosphere where I'm sure they're going to fill the stadium."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
