CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Galaxy are just one week removed from a game in Kansas City where they gave up two late goals to concede a 2-2 draw with the Wizards. This Sunday, the Galaxy play host to Kansas City and are looking to exact a little revenge on their former Western Conference rival.
"Last year they knocked us out of the conference finals 1-0. So we wanted to get back there and get a win and some payback," said veteran center back Tyrone Marshall. "This weekend we have to take care of business. Right now we're below .500, which is unbelievable."
Giving up late goals has plagued the Galaxy this season and is a huge part of why this team is currently in a position to finish anywhere from fourth to second in the final standings.
Last weekend at Arrowhead Stadium, the Galaxy came out strong early, heading into the locker room at halftime up 2-0. The team battled it out for the majority of the second half, only to see the game-tying goal scored in the 85th minute. While the result left the Galaxy wanting there was something positive taken away from the match.
"Obviously we're a little disappointed from the result we had last time against (Kansas City). Overall they're a good team. They showed character coming back from 2-0 down," said Marshall.
"We played one of our better games against Kansas City, so that's something going into the game that we can look at as a positive. Hopefully we can take it to them again."
Jumping out early on the Wizards is going to be vital if the Galaxy is to pick up the full complement of points. Despite L.A.'s up-and-down season, The Home Depot Center is still one of the most difficult places for a road team to play in MLS. The longer the Galaxy goes without scoring, the harder it will become against a stingy K.C. defense that will most likely be playing for a draw.
With the close proximity of the two games, it will also be that much harder for these two rivals to pull any tricks out of their hats.
"Sometimes when you play a team early in the year and then again late in the year, things can change dramatically," said head coach Steve Sampson. "I don't think there's any surprises now. It's all a matter of execution come Sunday afternoon."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
