DENVER – Sunday’s task is a simple one for the LA Galaxy—at least on paper.
A win, tie or one-goal loss where goals are scored in their Western Conference Semifinal second leg will send the Galaxy past the Colorado Rapids and into the Western Conference Championship. The fact that Los Angeles can advance with a draw should provide some solace to Bruce Arena’s group after the Galaxy finished the 2016 regular season with a club record 16 draws.
“There’s a lot to be said for teams that don’t lose. In the end, you get more points by winning one and losing one than tying two [games], but we have been that is very difficult to beat,” said Landon Donovan. “That’s a very good attribute to have, and if we do get beat, it’s rarely by multiple goals, so that’s comforting as well.
“Our mentality is to go to Colorado to do what needs to be done to advance. At this point in the playoffs, it’s about surviving and advancing. If we win the game great, if we tie game great, if we lose the game and advance, great. That’s all that matters. That’s how we’re approaching it.”
With the scenarios relatively straightforward for Los Angeles, there is some temptation for the Galaxy to alter their playing style ahead of their decisive match in Colorado, but Donovan insists that the Galaxy must continue hold firm.
“It’s a little bit different knowing that this could be the last game of the season, so we go in with that mindset, and knowing that any draw or one-goal loss where we score gets us through. We’re aware that we have to play a certain way. I don’t think it’ll impact the way that we approach the game, we’re not designed that way, but we will be smart. If we get to the end of the game and the result is in our favor, we’re going to be smart about it. We’re going to play the way that we play.”
“We’re prepared for anything. We can play if they decided to come after us and we can play if they decide to sit back. We’ll see what they do.”
