Four weeks ago at The Home Depot Center, the Los Angeles Galaxy had no trouble handling expansion side Real Salt Lake, in what proved to be a coming out party for Landon Donovan and company.
Coming off a disappointing loss to begin the season, Donovan scored twice in his first appearance for the Green and Gold in what ended up as a 3-1 victory for the Galaxy.
Since that day, the Galaxy have all but erased the memories of their embarrassment in Columbus, having won every game since the season opener. On Saturday, the Galaxy hit the road for the first time since that loss to the Crew, when they take on Real on their home ground in front of their fans, which to date have been very impressive.
As would be expected, Real have suffered the ups and downs of being an expansion club. But at home they've taken four points of a possible six, though coming into the match off a 1-0 loss to Chivas USA where they played the final 10 minutes with 10 men and saw the only goal come from the penalty spot.
"They've got some talented guys up front. Eddie (Pope) anchors them at the back," said Galaxy right back Chris Albright. "There's definitely a few players you have to worry about. Overall, I like our chances."
All the Galaxy players are carrying that confidence into this weekend, but like Albright, everyone has noticed a little something different about this RSL team.
"I think you've really seen individuals really step up for their team. D.J.'s been playing really good," said Galaxy 'keeper Kevin Hartman, referring to his counterpart in the RSL net, D.J. Countess.
Countess, who was injured during last week's match against Chivas USA, has faced more shots than any other goalkeeper in MLS and has made more saves than any other 'keeper. Keeping all that in mind, his 1.52 GAA is pretty impressive. That's the good news.
The bad news for RSL is that their young goalie separated his shoulder last week against Chivas and is questionable for this weekend's game.
And while the Galaxy never like to see any opponent go down with injury, they know it's an area they can exploit this weekend.
Said Hartman: "If we can keep it zero at the back, I think our opportunities will come and we'll be able to get a result."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
