SALT LAKE CITY -- We're just hours away from Thursday's Western Conference Semifinal Series second leg between the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. Remember LA advance with a win or a draw at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Below are a series of links, matchups to watch and a predicted score.
There may be a risk for the LA Galaxy to be defensive-minded against an RSL, but the Galaxy are confident that they'll be able to attack a desperate RSL side.
Could the Galaxy have a blueprint for success in their victory over Salt Lake in April?
RSL are confident that their history of coming up short in big games will be changed on Thursday, but they'll do so without midfielder Ned Grabavoy.
LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan previews the second leg.
*Lastly, my Three Points to the match.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Marcelo Sarvas vs. Kyle Beckerman
Stopping Beckerman will be key as he provides the main conduit between RSL and their attack. Preventing him from enjoying success is key to LA earning a victory.
Omar Gonzalez vs. Nat Borchers
Watch these two on each Galaxy set piece chance as Borchers and company have resorted to extremely physical tactics to limit Gonzalez's effectiveness.
Luis Gil vs. Todd Dunivant.
The wily youngster will look to cause consdierable problems for the Galaxy left back, but Dunivant will need a strong performance to keep him at bay.
PREDICTED SCORE
LA 2 REAL SALT LAKE 2: Goals by Sarvas, Keane and Morales and Gil
