CARSON, Calif. – We’ve gotten away from it in the past few weeks, but here is the triumphant return of the LA Galaxy Insider match look ahead.
On Independence Day, the LA Galaxy take on the Columbus Crew at StubHub Center.
Thursday's match will mark the 18th consecutive season in which LA has playing at home on the Fourth of July. LA is 9-5-3 all-time on the date, including a 1-1-0 mark against Columbus.
LA is 0-1-1 in the last two Independence Day matches.
LINKS TO READ:
The pregame game notes are here.
Defensive breakdowns plagued the LA Galaxy against the San Jose Earthquakes, but LA is adamant that there will be no such meltdowns against the Crew. Omar Gonzalez also had a few strong words as the Galaxy head into the match.
Landon Donovan’s away with the U.S. National Team, so Hector Jimenez may step in his spot in the right side of midfield.
The match with the Crew will be a “strange” one for Galaxy midfielder Robbie Rogers, who was a mainstay for Columbus in years past.
Remember, if you bought tickets to the “Messi and Friends” exhibition, you’ll be able to purchase tickets at a discounted rate for the Galaxy matches on Thursday and Sunday.
For a match preview, here’s LAGalaxy.com Larry Morgan’s view of the game.
Lastly, my Three Points to the game.
PREVIEW QUOTE:
“If we look back at the games that we tied or lost in the last five minutes, with those points, we would easily be at the top of the table. But I don’t like to look back, we need to look forward and make sure that every game is a battle and be sure to as get as much points as possible.”
- LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
ROBBIE ROGERS vs. TYSON WAHL
Facing his old club, Rogers is expected to be plenty motivated to bag his first goal with the LA Galaxy and he should have plenty of opportunities against Wahl. Look for Rogers to use his speed on and off the ball to get behind Wahl and create scoring chances for himself and his LA teammates.
JUNINHO vs. MATIAS SANCHEZ
Back from suspension, the Crew midfield will be bolstered by the return of the Argentine defensive midfielder. Not only does Sanchez attempt to break up chances, but he'll also try to get forward to open up space for the likes of playmaker Frederico Higuain.
DOMINIC ODURO vs. A.J. DELAGARZA
A match of speed, DeLaGarza will be expected to use his quickness to match up with the quick Ghanaian. Although no one is expecting DeLaGarza to beat Oduro in a foot race, if LA’s defense can stay organized, they may be able to put the brakes on the fleet-footed Crew forward.
PREDICTED LINEUP:
Cudicini; Franklin, Gonzalez, DeLaGarza, Dunivant; Jimenez, Sarvas, Juninho, Rogers; Zardes, Keane
