COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- The LA Galaxy take the field this evening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park when they take on the Colorado Rapids.
LINKS AND NOTES
Saturday's match will be an emotional one for Pablo Mastroeni who will take on his former club, the Colorado Rapids. Mastroeni, who admits that he's discovered a new "spark" with LA, will be facing one of his former teams for the first time in his 16 year MLS career.
Carlo Cudicini is quietly entering his best form this season, but can he build on it against Colorado.
The question of who fills in for center back Omar Gonzalez has been a major one around the Galaxy camp this week, but it appears that Tommy Meyer will get the nod.
With Robbie Rogers likely out for Saturday, it seems that Marcelo Sarvas will step into his spot on the wide yet again.
Gyasi Zardes scored a highlight reel goal in the win against Vancouver, but he'll be asked to put in another solid performance against Colorado
LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan offers his preview to the match.
*Lastly, my Three Points to the game
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
DILLON POWERS vs. PABLO MASTROENI
The young gun against the old salt. Mastroeni was an important mentor for Powers prior to being dealt to LA and he’ll face off against the young midfielder on Saturday. Expect Mastroeni to be physical with his former midfield apprentice as he looks to limit any chances that he has going forward.
GYASI ZARDES vs. DREW MOOR
Gyasi Zardes has displayed a penchant for getting involved in the attack as of late as he’s rattled off plenty of shots in recent starts, but with a goal under his belt last week, he may be on the cusp of breaking out. Look for Moor to attempt to limit Zardes’ chances as he is particularly astute with his positioning and will seek to cut out any potential shot opportunities.
MARCELO SARVAS vs. MARVELL WYNNE
A battle of technical ability and sheer athleticism will likely determine the Galaxy’s ability to create down the left side. Sarvas’ ball skills far and away outweigh Wynne’s but the right back’s sheer breakneck speed make him a tough challenge for the Galaxy attacker.
PREDICTED LINEUP
Cudicini; Franklin, DeLaGarza, Meyer, Dunivant; Jimenez, Juninho, Mastroeni, Sarvas; Villarreal, Zardes