LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points to Sunday’s match between the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes…
SHUT DOWN WONDOLOWSKI
No player is more synonymous with the San Jose Earthquakes than forward Chris Wondolowski.
The leading goal scorer in MLS, Wondolowski has an impressive 25 goals on the season, and is just two away from tying Roy Lassiter’s mark for most goals scored in a single season. But, Wondolowski’s impact is not purely measured through the goals that he has scored as he has seven assists on the year, the second highest mark on the Earthquakes.
From the opening kick-off on Sunday, expect Wondolowski to test the Galaxy back four as he looks to get in behind the defense and create scoring opportunities. To shut down Wondolowski, LA’s defense must be physical with the forward to prevent him from finding spaces behind the back four.
CUT OFF THE WIDE PLAY
Chris Wondolowski may be the San Jose’s biggest star, but Frank Yallop’s men have risen up the standings through a game plan based on swift wingers and physical forwards.
San Jose’s wide push starts with fleet-footed Honduran winger Marvin Chavez, who has served as an unsung hero this season with two goals and a team-leading ten assists. The task of stopping Chavez will fall to left back Todd Dunivant, who has had extensive experience in dealing with the Honduran.
Throughout the season when teams have been able to limit San Jose’s wide play, the Earthquakes have seen their attack devolve into a long-ball game that has struggled to create generate scoring chances. But that being said…
STAY FOCUSED FOR 90+ MINUTES
The most important task for the Galaxy on Sunday will be staying focused for 90+ minutes and avoiding any potential lapses in concentration that could allow San Jose to earn a result.
Time and time again this season, the Earthquakes have developed a habit, not only of staging dramatic comebacks, but have also used their physical play to the break the composure of opposing sides. With instigators like forwards Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon up top, the Earthquakes have succeeded at drawing costly fouls from opposing defenses in dangerous positions.
If the Galaxy can stay focused and avoid any lapses in concentration, they should be able to prevent any San Jose late game heroics.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
