Match Preview: LA Galaxy Look To Carry Momentum into Seattle

CARSON, Calif. – There might be some disappointment lingering from the LA Galaxy’s 1-1 tie with FC Dallas last Saturday, but the collective mood is upbeat as they take on Seattle today at CenturyLink Field (7:30 p.m., KDOC, KWHY, lagalaxy.com/gamedaylive).

“To get a point out of it you have to feel good,” head coach Bruce Arena said about the tie fashioned on Pat Noonan’s stoppage-time goal. “I think you have those games.

MATCH INFO:
Wednesday, May 2 @ 7 p.m. PT

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• WATCH: KDOC, KWHY (Spanish)
• LISTEN: lagalaxy.com/gamedaylive,
  1330 AM (Spanish)
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“Those games you usually lose.”

Landon Donovan said the hard-earned tie could give the club a boost as they continue their recovery from a 1-3 start.

“Anytime you get something late in the game it’s uplifting,” he said.

“I think when you look at the bulk of the game we’re disappointed because we did enough to win the game. That’s the way it goes sometimes.

“I’m sure there will be a game later in the year, at least, where we don’t play well enough to win and we end up winning. That’s the way the game is. We want to keep getting better. I thought Saturday was improved.”

The Galaxy (3-3-1), playing the second game of a three-game, eight-day stretch, take on a Sounders (4-1-1) team kicking off its own busy stretch that features five matches in 17 days. Seattle is led by former UCLA standout David Estrada, who has four goals, and goalkeeper Michael Gspurning, who has taken over for the retired Kasey Keller and has three shutouts in his first MLS season since coming over from Skoda Xanthi FC in Greece.

Interestingly, Fredy Montero has not been a factor for the Sounders this season, at least so far. The two-time All-Star and Newcomer of the Year in 2009 does not have a goal or assist in six regular-season matches, but the Galaxy are not about to overlook him.

“He’s going to score his goals this year,” Arena said. “Hopefully they’re not against us.”

ON THE OPPOSITION:

• HIGHLIGHTS: David Estrada
• HIGHLIGHTS: Fredy Montero
• Sounders preview matchup with Galaxy
• Sounders scouting report on the Galaxy

Arena praised the Sounders for their work ethic – “Real hard-working, real organized,” he said – and balance. Donovan said there is a reason for those traits: head coach Sigi Schmid, who coached the Galaxy from 1999-2004.

“He’s as good as it gets in this league,” Donovan said of Schmid.

“He’s very good at evaluating talent, he’s very good at motivating.

When you have a crowd and a fan base like they have, there’s not many games they take off there. They’re always into it, always prepared, and that gives you a boost when you have a crowd like that.”

Said Mike Magee, “Sigi’s always done a great job getting his team ready. He’s found a way to win in this league. When you have a home crowd or home stadium like they have, it’s hard not to be a competitive team.

“We’ve definitely got to be careful. If you’re not ready to compete in that kind of environment you should get another job.”