Well, what can I say? I have done a 180-degree turn from a week ago.
My uneasy feelings heading to Columbus were put to rest by, not one, but, two incredible performances over the last week, both of which I had the pleasure of being able to call.
Like many Galaxy fans, I was resigned to the fact that the LA Galaxy were going to come back home with just a point from the trip to Costa Rica and Ohio. But Chad Barrett’s late strike in stoppage time delivered another two points, in addition to the one, and was made all the more important when Real Salt Lake lost to D.C. United.
Speaking of Salt Lake, once LA’s closest competition for the Supporters’ Shield, they are now 10 points back and no longer have games in hand heading into Saturday’s match. As a result, the Galaxy now have the chance to lock up the Supporters’ Shield for the second straight year with a win combined with a Seattle loss or draw in New England. A Galaxy win would also serve as a bit of payback from the 4-1 beating that LA took in Salt Lake City in third game of the season. At that time, it was RSL that was riding high from success in the CONCACAF Champions League and were in the midst of a lengthy home unbeaten streak, with RSL using the momentum to take it to the Galaxy right from the opening whistle.
In stark contrast to that evening in Utah, RSL arrive for this game reeling from two straight losses. I mentioned the loss to D.C. United above, but during this past week another team from the East, Chicago, handed Real Salt Lake another defeat, this one at home at Rio Tinto, 3-0 on three goals from Marco Pappa. The two losses for RSL have me certain that Jason Kreis will have this team ready to play on Saturday. RSL consists of a great core of veteran players to go with its feisty head coach. Collectively, RSL understands that the two recent results might make it difficult for them to win the Supporters’ Shield, but I guarantee you they are not about to let LA capture that title at their expense. Even with their captain, Kyle Beckerman, suspended for this match, be prepared for an incredible battle at The Home Depot Center this weekend.
Adding to the storyline for RSL Saturday night is the return of playmaker, Javier Morales. Morales had been out with a broken left ankle since early May, and is actually ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation. He returned to action in the midweek loss to the Fire, putting in 30 minutes as a second-half sub. On Saturday, I expect him to be in the starting line-up. Without question Morales has been the straw that stirs the drink for RSL in the past. When the Argentine played well, RSL more often than not won games, especially at home. So keep an eye on RSL’s No.11 and see how well he is moving both with the ball and in the open space off the ball.
His replacement during the time that he missed, Luis Gil, is a young and upcoming player, so Kreis might keep Gil in the mix as one of his first options off the bench if RSL is trailing in the game.
I expect the Galaxy to come out firing. David Beckham should be very fresh and eager to get out and play. Beckham hasn’t played since last week’s 1-0 loss to LD Alajualense in the CONCACAF Champions League, sitting out wins against the Crew and Morelia due to rotation and suspension. He was back in training at the end of the week, as was Robbie Keane, who has missed the last two games with some muscle tightness. I personally would like to see Chad Barrett and Keane start up front together. That was the partnership on the field the last time Keane played in a match, down in Costa Rica. Granted, Barrett did not have one of his better games of the year that night, but he has more than earned a chance to step out there from the opening kick.
I’m expecting anther capacity crowd at The Home Depot Center for this one, and it should be. These are two of the best teams in MLS over the past three seasons and LA has a carrot hanging right in front of them. RSL is going to do its best to keep the Galaxy from latching onto it. But if this team has shown me one thing over the past week, it’s don’t ever count them out. I know Real Salt Lake won’t.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not at least mention Wednesday’s Champions League campaign saving win over Morelia. That was hands down one of the best Galaxy games I have ever had the chance to broadcast. The other match that came to mind while I was driving home after the game was the SuperLiga Final against Pachuca that went to penalties in 2007, despite the fact that LA finished on the losing end that night. Wednesday’s game was a great display of the incredible, never-say-die attitude that runs throughout this Galaxy team.
READ: Juninho goal in stoppage gives Galaxy 2-1 win over Morelia
Morelia had the opportunity to close out the game in the second half and end LA’s Champions League campaign, but for whatever reason, the Mexican Club couldn’t get a second one past Josh Saunders, setting the stage for Juninho’s winner. By the way, give credit to Barrett for getting into a great spot and beating his man to the ball, flicking straight to Juninho who did exactly what he had to do.
Now they just have to do it once more, this time on the road in Honduras.
Tweet about your Galaxy gameday experience using #LAisReady and your tweets and photos may end up on LAGalaxy.com after the match! Follow @LAGalaxy to win prizes!
