CCL: LA Galaxy @ PR Islanders (9/19)

[acosta19]

LA Galaxy @ Puerto Rico Islanders
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium
Kick-off: 5:00 p.m



On Wednesday the LA Galaxy resume CONCACAF Champions League play when they travel to Puerto Rico to face the Islanders. With just two games remaining in the group stage, a win for both the Galaxy and the Islanders is crucial. With a win, the Galaxy would stay on top of Group 5, six points ahead of Isidro Metapan who will be one game behind. For the Islanders, a win is a must if they want to stay alive in the tournament. After two games the Islanders are at the bottom of the group, with no points so far. The Galaxy and Puerto Rico met just a couple of weeks ago, in a game where a young Galaxy squad put on a dominant performance. Tommy Meyer, Jose Villarreal, Michael Stephens, and Jack McBean all scored their first goals in this edition of the Champions League.

Here are the current standings for Group 5:

TEAM | POINTS | GAMES PLAYED | GOAL DIFFERENCE
LA Galaxy | 6 | 2 | +7
I. METAPAN | 3 | 2 | -1
PR Islanders | 0 | 2 | -6

Only the group leader advances to the knock-out stages.

THIS IS LA!

[Doughboy]

Gonna be interested to see if Brucey Bruce fields the same young squad he did when we played them at home. Tired legs for the veterans is something to consider seeing as though we played last Friday and have a game this Saturday.

[miguel]

Field the same team. Have the young guys take on both pri and metapan. The metapan game is a few days after the san ho away game and 3 days before the end of the season match against seattle.

[duckhunt317]

Correct me if I'm wrong but if we win this game we're solid right? No matter what the other teams do after?

[Pox]

Correct me if I'm wrong but if we win this game we're solid right? No matter what the other teams do after?

I believe Metapan would still have a chance if they demolished us. But I think the young guns should start this PRI game. They proved they can handle their shit, I think Bruce should reward them. The only addition would be to perhaps give Juninho or Sarvas a start in the middle of the park to help hold the fort down and calm everyone (although Stephens was doing a VERY good job of that when he moved inside from the wing).

[miguel]

We would have to fall apart pretty bad to not qualify for the next round. The points we end up with, and goal differential, all affects who we play in the next round. I believe we're still in 1st place overall, so we would play the 8th place team. Matches are 1st v 8th, 2nd v 7th, 3rd v 6th, and 4th v 5th.

[Constant]

I think we can field a team similar to last time, with a few veterans playing and mostly newer players. If things go bad, keep vets on the bench that can sort it etc.

Will these games be on MLS Live?

[miguel]

^fox soccer

[brla96]

Fox soccer only?
Any Spanish broadcast?

[miguel]

Fox soccer only?
Any Spanish broadcast?

Online it says univision deportes dos.

[Timothy]

I know there is an Official LA Galaxy viewing party at Gallaghers's on Broadway in Long Beach. Anything else going on?

[Constant]

I know there is an Official LA Galaxy viewing party at Gallaghers's on Broadway in Long Beach. Anything else going on?

Ooh yeah, where are the ACB watching the game?

[MotorJohn]

This one is where ever you wanna watch it really.

[acosta19]

Ooh yeah, where are the ACB watching the game?

Buffalo Wild Wings? I don't think there's something actually planned for this game.

[acosta19]

Update on Edson Buddle

“Every day, I feel like my knee is getting stronger. Some days a little sorer than others, but each and every day I feel more comfortable on the field,” Buddle told reporters during a brief stop in New Orleans while the club’s charter plane refueled. “I’m getting used to the timing, getting used to everything. My knee is still not as strong as my left. I think that I have to keep strengthening it and work on my balance. It’ll all come together.”