CARSON, Calif - If the MLS season is divided into thirds, there are approximately 11 games in each segment to evaluate. Over the course of the first third of the season, the Los Angeles Galaxy were on top of the league and playing like one of the hottest teams in recent memory.
Then the summer months crept in and international duties ravaged the Galaxy roster. Everyone knew it was going to happen, but nobody expected the fallout that occurred. Over the last 11 regular season games, the Galaxy have managed just two wins, both coming against expansion side Chivas USA. The stretch is one of the worst on record for one of the winningest franchises in MLS history.
As a result, there is a lot more riding on each game than wins, losses, and points. For the first time during the current stretch, Galaxy coach Steve Sampson has admitted that jobs are on the line, his included.
"People have been warned from the top down. Coaches' and players' jobs are at stake, and people start having to do their jobs," said Sampson. "It's important for the players to understand that too. There's families and careers and people's lives at stake and they need to take this very seriously."
Sampson was introduced as the Galaxy head coach at just about this stage of last season. He succeeded Sigi Schmid, who at the time had the Galaxy in first place, but was in the midst of a five-game winless streak of his own. Five games was all that Schmid got from a franchise that expects to win championships every year, so it likely comes as no surprise that heads are on the chopping block following a first to third slide over the course of the last two months.
"I hope they feel that way." said Doug Hamilton, Galaxy president and general manager. "That's the profession they've chosen. These guys live in a fishbowl. Results are critical building on what I feel has been 10 very good years of soccer in this league, and a level of play they need to maintain and bring higher."
Wednesday night's win against Chivas USA by no means is an excuse to take a deep breath. The Galaxy organization expects to beat teams below them in the standings, regardless of venue.
Now their sights are set on the top of the table heading into Chicago, a team fighting for first place out East. The Galaxy have moved players around and fiddled with their lineup trying to shake things up. Regular starters have sat on the bench, and players have been put in different positions. Sampson is very clear about what he's looking for from his players.
"We're looking to see who cares now, and who's playing for the jersey. What I will not accept is lack of effort." Sampson said.
"I want to see everyone fighting until the last second, forcing the opponent to know they're in a battle. The message has been passed down by Doug (Hamilton), by me, and the leadership of this team, and we'll see how this team responds."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
