Good Evening, it's time for the ninth edition of Ask the Insider.
Monday's question is from: Eddy SaarNow that we're in the playoffs. Do you think the Galaxy play the young bench players, or get the starters and make a run for the #2 seed
The LA Galaxy may have clinched a berth in the Western Conference playoffs , but the work is far from over for the defending MLS Cup champions.
With the San Jose Earthquakes likely to win the Supporters' Shield, the Galaxy have put their emphasis in locking down a spot amongst the top three in the West. Currently, LA sit in second place in the West, tied with Real Salt Lake -- albeit leading them in the total goals scored tiebreaker -- and a single point ahead of the Seattle Sounders, who have played one fewer game than both LA and RSL. The spot in the top three is vital as the teams that finish on top will be able to avoid a taxing play-in game against likely either the Vancouver Whitecaps or FC Dallas on either October 31st or November 1st. With the play-in game, teams that finish fourth or fifth would have to play five games in order to reach MLS Cup rather than four.
Finishing in the top 2 would certainly be nice for the Galaxy as they would have the ability to host the second leg of their Western Conference semi-final series, but it is avoiding the play-in game that is most important. As LA looks to accomplish this, they are in firm control of their own destiny as they have games against RSL (Oct.6th), San Jose (Oct. 21st) and Seattle (Oct. 28th) on the docket as they close out the season. Expect head coach Bruce Arena to allow his starters to log heavy minutes in these matches while choosing to save his reserves for their CONCACAF Champions League date against Isidro Metapán on October 25th.
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Thanks, Eddy. You can get your tickets by e-mailing socialmedia@lagalaxy.com. For everyone else, remember to leave your questions on the LA Galaxy Facebook page following the club's next match against the Colorado Rapids on September 30th for the chance to have your question featured and win tickets to an upcoming Galaxy game.
