SEATTLE – When trying to slow down Seattle’s attack on Sunday (8 pm ET, ESPN2), Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham may only have to look up to see perhaps the Sounders' most influential player.
With Beckham on the right side of the midfield, he will likely see plenty of Steve Zakuani roaming the left side of Seattle’s midfield.
Zakuani scored 10 goals and added six assists this season for Seattle and has been one of the catalysts for the Sounders' attack throughout 2010. Slowing him down might seem the easiest way to thwart him but it’s easier said than done.
“It’s impossible to slow him down because he’s so quick,” Beckham said.
WATCH: Galaxy discuss Seattle's wing play
Zakuani has been consistent throughout the season and finished strong, with three goals and three assists in Seattle’s last eight games. His physical attributes make him a threat whenever he touches the ball.
“I think he’s been their best player this year,” Galaxy captain Landon Donovan said. “He’s powerful, he’s fast and he’s relentless. And he goes and goes and goes. Sean (Franklin) is going to have his hands full and we’ve got to do a good job of making sure he’s not isolated one on one.”
The way Beckham and Franklin, the Galaxy’s right back, combine to mark Zakuani will be an important part of the Galaxy’s defensive tactics. Beckham said it will require a unified effort.
“There has to be (good communication) on both flanks, with Landon and Todd (Dunivant) on the other side and myself and Sean on our side,” Beckham said. “Everyone has to be in synch and everyone has to perform, and if you don’t perform and don’t have your runners, they will capitalize on that. Both flanks have to defend well.”
[inline_node:317959]Central Defending
Throughout the latter portion of the season, the Galaxy’s central defense has been a fluid position. Due to injury and suspension, the club started five different central defenders. While Omar Gonzalez has a spot locked down for Sunday’s match, which player will start alongside him remains a mystery outside of the team.
Will it be the veteran Gregg Berhalter, who was a fixture for most of the season until mid August? Or will it be A.J. DeLaGarza, who has played well in several games?
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said he is “likely” set on what pairing he will use, but he did not reveal his selection.
To Franklin, the options offer different qualities to the mix.
“Gregg’s been around for a while. He brings that experience and is a big voice for us back there,” Franklin said. “When he’s in, it’s a different game. When A.J. comes in, A.J. is a good player. He reads (the game) well, is calm and brings a little bit of pace to the backline.”
Still, even with the less-experienced DeLaGarza in defense, the team remains the same.
“It hasn’t really changed,” Franklin said. “Both guys have played a lot of games for us and it doesn’t matter who’s in the middle or who’s in the backline. Bruce built a team this year where we have depth in every position. I’m comfortable and I know the whole team’s comfortable with whoever starts and whoever comes off the bench.”
