LA Galaxy @ Columbus Crew (8/15)

[acosta19]

LA Galaxy @ Columbus Crew
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Crew Stadium
Kick-off: 4:00 p.m
Viewing Party: Buffalo Wild Wings



After a 4-0 beat-down of Chivas USA this past Sunday night, the Galaxy is already in Columbus to face the Crew on Wednesday afternoon. On short rest, LA will try to build on their SuperClasico victory and begin a new winning streak.

It was the first time this season we were able to see Todd Dunivant, AJ DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, and Sean Franklin together in the backline. The four defenders looked confident and comfortable out there, keeping Josh Saunders’ work to a minimum and maintaining the clean sheet, a result that the team needed after the loss to Seattle. The Galaxy, led by Landon Donovan’s four assists, widened the gap between themselves and Chivas USA, who are now ten points behind. Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez each had a goal, while Juninho had his first brace while playing for LA.

The Columbus Crew, currently out of a playoff spot, will be playing their first game since Kirk Urso passed away. The Crew, led by Eddie Gaven and former Galaxy player Chris Birchall, will look to start off strong in their first game of seven in three weeks. The Galaxy will play Columbus without the current Player of the Week and league leader in assists, Landon Donovan, who will be with the US National Team taking on Mexico. David Beckham will also be unavailable for the Galaxy, missing his second straight match. With a win, LA could possibly leap-frog over both Vancouver and Seattle and claim third place in the Western Conference.

LA Galaxy:
36 points, 43 GF, 39 GA
11-11-3, 5th in Western Conference
Home Record: 5-5-1
Away Record: 6-6-2

Columbus Crew:
28 points, 20 GF, 21 GA
8-8-4, 7th in Eastern Conference
Home Record: 5-3-1
Away Record: 3-5-3

THIS IS LA!

Join ACB at the Viewing Party

[miguel]

The team is going to be tired after Sunday's game and a full day of travel on Monday (no direct flights to Columbus, wtf?) and are going to play against a well rested Columbus side. I dont know how the Urso dilemna is going to affect Columbus, that could be a factor. I think Villareal gets the start.

[JoeySab]

I think Bruce will start the same team except Stephens in for Donovan.

[acosta19]

^ same here..magee up top with keane

[acosta19]

"Maybe the pace throughout is gone a little bit with Landon [Donovan out], "[LA has] so many people who can come in and play different positions. It's just up to us to try to be strong defensively and try to keep them out because they probably think they're going to score at least one against us. So I think our attacking threat has to come and we've got to score some goals because they're always a threat on the counter."

"We have to defend as a team and not give them time," Williams added. "We can't respect them too much. We have to respect them because they're the champs, but we can't look up to them. We can't think of them in that way. It's just another team. We have to go out there and get points."

Crew not intimidated by reigning MLS Cup Champions

[MotorJohn]

I know they lost a player, but I hope they don't take it easy on the crew.

[acosta19]

---

after tomorrow the galaxy won't play for about a week (in ccl), 3 points and some rest would be good.

[Constant]

I really hope the form continues to build. Seems like things are finally clicking and we could use some stability.

Also the soccer tennis video is great.

[miguel]

Does birchall score on us? I say he has a chance but misses.

[Rob]

Does birchall score on us? I say he has a chance but misses.

Exactly what I was thinking.
You psychic? O.o

[XcollinX]

I think they will play fine even after playing Sunday and a full day travel. I don't feel that chivas took a lot from our guys. The game was pretty one sided. Also with a few days off after this game I think they will not hold anything back.

I hope they get a big win so it will be a huge boost for them and put fear back into the position race for the rest of the teams.

[aircanada12]

a game to approach with a heavy heart considering the passing of Urso, no matter what team you support, it is a very sad event for the league. that being said, 3 points today will go a long way

--------------Saunders---------------
Dunivant---AJ---Gonzalez--Franklin
Jimenez---Becks--Juni---Magee
--------Keane--Villareal-------

No Donovan and I'm not sure if Buddle is ready to go, so either Villareal or Noonan could start
Becks is a maybe for this game so if he doesnt start then go with Sarvas

LEGGO BOYS!

[acosta19]

A win could put LA in 3rd place. Vancouver also plays today, we'll see how they do vs Dallas..but on Saturday Seattle and Vancouver face each other. If LA gets 3 points today they can hold 3rd/4th place after the weekend

[SARO]

Lets Go Galaxy!

[SARO]

Wow you got to be kidding me, that was a penalty.