CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano gives his Three Points to the Galaxy’s Sunday night clash with Seattle Sounders FC.
WHO FILLS IN FOR MIKE MAGEE?
The LA Galaxy dealt Mike Magee to the Chicago Fire on Saturday in exchange for Robbie Rogers and now less than 24 hours from kickoff against the Sounders; they’ll have to replace his input in the lineup.
READ: A letter from Mike Magee
Magee was the club’s leading goal scorer with six goals, but after getting pushed into a left midfield role, then he saw his output drop. However, his ball skills and presence on the field make him a difficult one for the Galaxy to replace. Expect Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena to call upon either Colin Clark or Michael Stephens to step into the left flank spot against Seattle.
The true heir to Magee’s position in midfield, however, will likely be Rogers, the man that he was dealt for. But the deal that sends Magee to the Windy City also has reverberations up the field as well as Magee’s deal will likely see added minutes for young Homegrown forwards Gyasi Zardes and Jose Villarreal.
DOES ROGERS PLAY? WHAT WILL HE BRING?
With Magee sent to Chicago, fans will be anxious to see Robbie Rogers suit up for the LA Galaxy on Sunday. If the Galaxy receive his International Transfer Certificate in time then Arena has promised to place Rogers in the game day roster against Sounders FC.
READ: Robbie Rogers to be in the game day roster upon receipt of International Transfer Certificate
If he does participate, what will Rogers be able to bring to the Galaxy especially against a club like the Sounders, who are unbeaten in their last six matches? The one-time U.S. International has been training with the club for about a month, but after stepping away from the game for brief period after his fitness is still a question mark.
When Rogers is healthy though, he was an MLS All-Star as a crafty and pacey wide player, who could play both flanks extremely well. If Rogers does see the field against Seattle, the Galaxy will hope to see at least a spark of that past glory.
DON’T FORGET THE SOUNDERS ARE UNDEFEATED IN SIX GAMES
Amid all the hoopla of the last 24 hours, the LA Galaxy must take down a Seattle Sounders FC side that is unbeaten in their last six games and are currently on a three-game winning streak.
Seattle is rolling due in large part to their impressive offense led by the attacking trio of Eddie Johnson, Lamar Neagle and Obafemi Martins. The Galaxy back line will have plenty of work to do as the three forwards have combined for a total of seven goals (Three for Neagle as well as two apiece for Johnson and Martins) over the Sounders’ last two matches.
Where Seattle has looked vulnerable during the recent run is on defending set pieces. Four of the last six goals that the Sounders have allowed have come on dead ball opportunities, meaning that either Landon Donovan or Juninho will look to test the Seattle defense often.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
