Angel City Brigade

**acosta19** · 09-11-2012

LA Galaxy vs Colorado Rapids
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Home Depot Center
Kick-off: 8:00 p.m

The LA Galaxy resume MLS play this Friday night when they host the Colorado Rapids at the Home Depot Center. The Galaxy are currently in fourth place, three points behind RSL in the Western Conference.
Before the international break, LA was on a hot streak. The team is unbeaten in the last six games, outscoring opponents 18-3. The last defeat at home for the Galaxy took place over two months ago, on the fourth of July.

The Colorado Rapids and the LA Galaxy met earlier this season at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Galaxy had a 2-1 lead when a phantom foul was called against LA and a penalty kick was given to the Rapids in stoppage time. Josh Saunders came up huge for the Galaxy and saved the kick from the spot, ensuring the Galaxy would return to LA with three points.

There have been hints for a Landon Donovan return this Friday night. Donovan has been sidelined with a hamstring strain injury and has not seen any minutes with the team since the August 12th game against Chivas USA, in which he set up four assists. Robbie Keane, David Beckham, and especially Juninho, among others, have not let his absence affect the Galaxy’s results. The backline consisting of Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, AJ DeLaGarza and Todd Dunivant have gotten shutouts, and even the younger guys who stepped in for them in CCL managed to keep a clean sheet.

Landon Donovan returned to action this Monday, taking part in the reserves game against Portland. At 1-0, Donovan came in during the second half and immediately made an impact, scoring and providing an assist, eventually helping the Galaxy get a 4-0 victory. Also on the field was Edson Buddle, who keeps working his way back after having surgery. Christian Wilhelmsson, acquired by the Galaxy last week, played just under sixty minutes, and may possibly make his debut with the first team if his VISA and work permit allow him to. David Beckham was listed as “questionable” in Tuesday’s injury report, recovering from a left ankle sprain he suffered on September 1st against the Whitecaps.

The Rapids have won just two of their last six games; all played against Western Conference opponents. Colorado has not defeated the Galaxy since 2010, when the Rapids visited the HDC and took a 3-1 victory.

LA Galaxy:
43 points, 48 GF, 40 GA
13-11-4, 4th in Western Conference
Home Record: 7-5-1
Away Record: 6-6-3

Colorado Rapids:
29 points, 36 GF, 41 GA
9-17-2, 7th in Western Conference
Home Record: 7-5-2
Away Record: 2-12-0

THIS IS LA!

**MotorJohn** · 09-11-2012

Friday!! Best part !! party on friday and party sat.

We need this win!

Call to Arms.

**Doughboy** · 09-11-2012

Originally Posted by MotorJohn

Friday!! Best part !! party on friday and party sat.

We need this win!

Call to Arms.

There's a party on Saturday?? haha

**Pox** · 09-11-2012

I think I'll be able to make this one, which means I'll be able to do our charity work on saturday too. Every game from here on out is SO IMPORTANT. We have to show up big, so do the Galaxy.

**acosta19** · 09-11-2012

been an interesting past few days...looking forward to friday!

RSL doesn't play an mls game until the 22nd, so with a win LA and RSL would be tied in points at 46 with 29 games each

**Vanessa Attaks** · 09-11-2012

To bad the stupid shit chicas couldn't beat seattle.

-John

**JoeySab** · 09-11-2012

great write up, a must win game!

**Constant** · 09-11-2012

I think this game will be really interesting to watch for several reasons. Donovan may be back after a long absence, Wilhelmsson debut possibly, Villareal up front continues to impress, Keane in form. And of course a must win game...

Let's show the new guy what we're all about.

**duckhunt317** · 09-12-2012

I think this game is going to be packed, and the late start time is a bit weird but we can definitely win this game. I'm bringing another person to their first galaxy game too! She's excited.