FRISCO, Texas— Mike Magee was unable to start for their LA Galaxy in their CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals second leg defeat to Monterrey at midweek, but the Galaxy attacker looks ready to go for Saturday’s clash with FC Dallas.
READ: LA Galaxy travel to take on FC Dallas in early season Western Conference showdown
A right hip issue limited Magee to a second half substitute's role on Wednesday, but the current leading goal scorer in MLS practiced two straight days and appears fresh for FC Dallas.
Preview: FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy
“Everything is good,” said Magee after training on Friday. “Obviously, I wish that it was better a couple of days ago so that I could help the team out in Monterrey a little bit more than I could, but it’s feeling really good today.”
Magee’s likely return to the lineup will be a boost for the Galaxy, who are likely to shuffle their squad following a tough series against Monterrey. Affter Friday’s training session, head coach Bruce Arena told LAGalaxy.com that the Galaxy “would have changes for the game tomorrow,” which does not shock Magee.
“We put a lot into Monterrey and the season so far that I’m sure banged up guys will get rest,” asserted Magee who is in line to make his 100th regular season appearance in a Galaxy shirt on Saturday. “I’m not sure who in particular, but Bruce is obviously a guy that has built a team with a bit of depth so we’ll use that.”
LA’s depth will be tested against FC Dallas, who are currently in the top spot in the Western Conference with 13 points and a 4-1-1 record. Unbeaten at home in their last seven matches at home, Dallas is currently tied with Chivas USA for the most goals scored in MLS with 10.
Although the season is in its infancy, Magee and the Galaxy will be looking to knock Dallas off their perch.
“We’re chasing them,” he said. “Obviously, we have two games in hand, but we’re five points behind them as of now and if we lose then we’re obviously eight. We don’t want to start chasing teams this early in the season.”
The key to stopping an in-form Dallas side will be containing the speed of their midfield. Players like Jackson and David Ferreira have caused problems for the Galaxy—and the rest of MLS, Magee noted when asked— and LA’s ability to control their counter is vital.
“They love to counter and they’re a really fast team,” he said. “Ferreira is a good link up guy [in midfield] and a guy that we’ll need to get around, but obviously, the speed that they have may be the best in the league.”
Magee will look to enjoy success at FC Dallas for a second straight match as he scored the lone goal in LA’s 1-0 victory over FCD last July, which was Dallas’ last home defeat. When the club takes the field on Saturday, Magee will be out to equal his accomplishment of a year ago.
“I would love for the same result as last year,” said a beaming Magee.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
