CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy will take the field against the Colorado Rapids with heavy hearts after the passing of A.J. DeLaGarza's newborn son Luca on Thursday.
The Galaxy will be holding a moment of silence pregame for Luca DeLaGarza while also wearing black Luca inscribed armbands during the match.
More on the game itself below.
NOTES AND LINKS:
LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan was named MLS Player of the Month for the month of August on Friday.
Brian Perk is scheduled to travel to Sacramento with LA Galaxy II for their upcoming match against Sacramento Republic on Saturday meaning that goalkeeper Brian Rowe appears to be the safe bet to get the start against the Rapids.
Alan Gordon told LA Galaxy Insider earlier this week that he's approaching full fitness, but is unlikely to be 90 minutes fit. With that in mind, Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena spoke to forward Chandler Hoffman earlier in the week stating that he'll be likely used off the bench in an effort to spell Gordon if he is unable to go the distance.
LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan noted in his preview that Rowe is likely to start and reported that Stefan Ishizaki is nearing his return to the field after missing the last several matches with a lower body injury.
In the latest "By The Numbers," we look at Gyasi Zardes' incredible summer that saw the forward score 15 goals in 17 games.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
GYASI ZARDES AND ALAN GORDON vs. COLORADO DEFENSE
Alan Gordon was once part of San Jose's "Bash Brothers," but could we bill his new partnership with Gyasi Zardes as "Thunder and Lightning?" With Zardes' speed balancing with Gordon's brawn, expect the pair to be a handful for the battered Colorado defense.
DESHORN BROWN vs. LEONARDO
The oft-maligned Leonardo got all that he could handle from the speedy Brown in the first half of the Galaxy's 4-3 win over Colorado last month, but the big Brazilian will need a much stronger performance -- like his second half showing -- if he's to prevent the Jamaican from terrorizing the Galaxy back four.
PREDICTION:
LA Galaxy 3 Colorado Rapids 1
Goals by Zardes, Gordon and Sarvas.
