That was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Playing without three major starters, traveling on the road to the altitude of Colorado, and facing the defending MLS Cup champions which entered the match unbeaten in nine games, the Galaxy put together one of their best performances of the year at the perfect time. Yes, it may not have looked the prettiest, but it was effective and got the job done.
I have to admit I had my doubts heading into the game at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. When the Rapids cut into the lead to 2-1 at the beginning of the second half, some of those doubts crept back in. But, a red card to Caleb Folan and a third goal perfectly executed from the feet of Todd Dunivant to Chad Barrett finally put my mind at rest.
Now it is onto the next match against San Jose, Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Galaxy should be looking for a bit of payback when they take the field, after losing 1-0 in Northern California last year. If you recall the lone goal of the match was rather soft, and I think both sides felt there were more goals coming in the contest. The goal scorer on that afternoon was Chris Wondolowski, who like Landon Donovan will be lacing up his cleats at the Rose Bowl against Mexico in the Gold Cup Final. While those two are out, both teams will welcome players back to the mix with Jamaican Internationals, Ryan Johnson for the Quakes and goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts for LA back with their club teams. Both had excellent performances in the Gold Cup and will look to carry that momentum back into MLS play.
In my eyes there is no question that this is still one of LA’s biggest rivalries. Yes the Galaxy are closer in proximity to Chivas USA, but due to the number of times the teams have met, and the fact that the Earthquakes and Galaxy have had some epic playoff battles, I think that this game means more to the players. Sprinkle in the fact there is plenty of crossover from the coaching staffs to the players to the fans in the stands and you are starting to get a sense of the emotion that will be put into the match.
I have to say, the Galaxy Faithful represented very well last year at Buck Shaw, and like the team itself came away disappointed in the result. From what I understand, there should be another solid showing for LA at the match this year and I think they deserve a better outcome in 2011.
The Galaxy have their eyes set on extending their unbeaten streak to 10 games with a win or a tie on Saturday. If the squad comes out with the energy and fight it displayed last week against Colorado that will be a great way to start the 90 minutes. The starting 11 looked very comfortable on the ball, and the movement in the middle of the field was good. That movement both on and off the ball, then allowed outside backs Sean Franklin and Todd Dunivant to join in the attack with overlapping runs, which caused problems for the Rapids from the opening whistle. A similar tactic in this match will aid the Galaxy getting into an early rhythm.
David Beckham was out last weekend because of back spasms and he is not expected to be back on the field this week. But to the credit of Michael Stephens, who came in to replace Beckham, the Galaxy did not miss a beat. Sure LA could have used Beckham to deliver a few set pieces, but Stephens did everything else outside of that to help cover the fact that Beckham was not on the field. We all agree it will be good to see David back on the pitch, but the Galaxy and their fans should feel confident if the young Stephens has to step in again. Along those same lines, Chris Birchall continues to work his tail off, and contributes in ways that won’t ever show up on the final stat sheet. But the little things that he continues to do are huge contributions to the team. It seems like he has settled into a spot on the right side of the formation in the midfield. Keep it up Birchy!
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that for those of you wondering where Galaxy fan favorite Chris Klein has been, I have your answer. In addition to the hard work he has been putting in with the Galaxy Academy, Klein will be joining me on the broadcast of Saturday’s game for FOX Soccer. The two of us had an opportunity to call a match at the studio weeks ago, and the former MLS veteran was a shining star. I am looking forward to hearing some of his fresh insight not only on the Galaxy, but also on MLS altogether. I think his addition to broadcast might be just what the doctor ordered.
Don't miss the expected return of Landon Donovan to the Galaxy lineup, as well as a spectacular postgame fireworks display and the debut of the Galaxy's third jersey, all on Monday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. PT when LA take on Seattle Sounders FC! Tickets still available as low as $25. BUY NOW!
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