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Los Angeles Galaxy Vs Philadelphia Union: Head To Head Preview
The newbies meet the current league leaders.
Apr 29, 2010 11:55:00 AM
By Jonathan Vera and Keith Hickey
On Form
Galaxy: Five weeks of MLS action are in the bucket and the Galaxy are standing tall atop of the league ladder undefeated and with 13 points. Last week in a scoreless draw against the Wizards, net protector Donovan Ricketts, who had not been tested before, was finally put to the task and was in top form with four huge saves. His goal-keeping prowess was the key factor in the keeping the L.A. K.C. match a stalemate -- and not a loss.
Philadelphia: Defensive midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi has become a vital part of this Union side, keeping possession well and providing an experienced head in midfield. Jordan Harvey and Christian Arrieta are quietly becoming one of the better fullback pairings in the Eastern conference. Alejandro Moreno has won many admirers in Philadelphia for his high work-rate, while Sebastien Le Toux's return of 5 goals in 5 games has him firmly cemented as the fans' favorite.
Off Target
Galaxy: The hot streak came to an end for the Galactic Squadron in their draw last week against K.C. The match also exposed the Galaxy's vulnerability to rain and soggy conditions on the field. Granted, the heart of the season is played during the warm summer months, but for an extraordinary team weather should not be a factor. Dominance cannot take rest because it's raining. Dominance spits the water back in Poseidon's face. Rain, at this point, looks to be the chink in L.A.'s armor.
Philadelphia: The Union's central defensive trio of Michael Orozco, Danny Califf, and Chris Seitz continue to come under criticism. Orozco has not entirely lived up to his billing as a solid player, and his handball against New York cost the Union a point. Califf, too, has yet to show the form or leadership which earned him 22 U.S. caps, while goalkeeper Seitz, despite an improved showing against New York on Saturday, has given up two goals in every game he's played so far, and made some very costly mistakes.
Tactics
Galaxy: Coach Bruce Arena could not have been happy with last week performance. The passing was sloppy, the dominance was not there. However, don't expect him to bench last weeks starters. This weeks game is in sunny So. Cal.; this is Galaxy turf. Arena will go with the same group of guys and see how they play on a real field. At net as always, the Donovan Ricketts. Omar Gonzales, Todd Dunivant, A.J. DeLaGarza, and Gregg Berhalter in the back. In the middle: Mike Magee, Juninho, Chris Birchall and the greenhorn Michael Stephens. As Always, Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan in the front.
Philadelphia: Sebastian Le Toux's cruciate ligament strain could force some unwelcome change upon Piotr Nowak, and more responsibility will have to be shouldered by strike partner Alejandro Moreno, the only healthy veteran attacker left. Moreno could be partnered by either Jack McInerney or Danny Mwanga. The midfield will be largely unchanged from the quartet of Miglioranzi, Fred, Roger Torres, and Andrew Jacobson, while the defense will welcome the the return of Danny Califf after he missed the New York game through suspension.
Intangibles
Galaxy: The Galaxy want to prove last week's performance was only a fluke, where their rivals were aided by a small field and an act of God via the rain. They fell victim to a spell cast by Merlin and the Wizards. Look for them to come out relentless as they try to get last week's monkey off their backs.
Philadelphia: The Union are in the midst of a long, draining road trip. They've lost their last 3 games in all competitions, all away, and a trip out to the Home depot Center to face a league-leading Los Angeles Galaxy side on their home turf will not be seen as a welcome respite. There will also be frustration stemming from losing their last two league games on needless penalties when they will have felt they deserved at least a point in each. Piotr Nowak will be facing an uphill battle to bolster his club's morale, and with Sebastien Le Toux doubtful, finding where the goals are going to come from.
Outcome
Galaxy: The Galaxy will welcome the newbie Union to the Majors with open arms and saying, "welcome to the league... sorry we have to beat you." Galaxy win 2-0.
Philadelphia: 2-0 to Los Angeles. The first-placed Galaxy have only failed to pick up three points once this season, at notoriously difficult to play at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City. Edson Buddle is sitting atop the scoring table, while Landon Donovan is the reigning league MVP. LA's quality, especially at the Home Depot Center, should be enough to dispatch the inexperienced Union.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Galaxy: Five weeks of MLS action are in the bucket and the Galaxy are standing tall atop of the league ladder undefeated and with 13 points. Last week in a scoreless draw against the Wizards, net protector Donovan Ricketts, who had not been tested before, was finally put to the task and was in top form with four huge saves. His goal-keeping prowess was the key factor in the keeping the L.A. K.C. match a stalemate -- and not a loss.
Philadelphia: Defensive midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi has become a vital part of this Union side, keeping possession well and providing an experienced head in midfield. Jordan Harvey and Christian Arrieta are quietly becoming one of the better fullback pairings in the Eastern conference. Alejandro Moreno has won many admirers in Philadelphia for his high work-rate, while Sebastien Le Toux's return of 5 goals in 5 games has him firmly cemented as the fans' favorite.
Off Target
Galaxy: The hot streak came to an end for the Galactic Squadron in their draw last week against K.C. The match also exposed the Galaxy's vulnerability to rain and soggy conditions on the field. Granted, the heart of the season is played during the warm summer months, but for an extraordinary team weather should not be a factor. Dominance cannot take rest because it's raining. Dominance spits the water back in Poseidon's face. Rain, at this point, looks to be the chink in L.A.'s armor.
Philadelphia: The Union's central defensive trio of Michael Orozco, Danny Califf, and Chris Seitz continue to come under criticism. Orozco has not entirely lived up to his billing as a solid player, and his handball against New York cost the Union a point. Califf, too, has yet to show the form or leadership which earned him 22 U.S. caps, while goalkeeper Seitz, despite an improved showing against New York on Saturday, has given up two goals in every game he's played so far, and made some very costly mistakes.
Tactics
Galaxy: Coach Bruce Arena could not have been happy with last week performance. The passing was sloppy, the dominance was not there. However, don't expect him to bench last weeks starters. This weeks game is in sunny So. Cal.; this is Galaxy turf. Arena will go with the same group of guys and see how they play on a real field. At net as always, the Donovan Ricketts. Omar Gonzales, Todd Dunivant, A.J. DeLaGarza, and Gregg Berhalter in the back. In the middle: Mike Magee, Juninho, Chris Birchall and the greenhorn Michael Stephens. As Always, Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan in the front.
Philadelphia: Sebastian Le Toux's cruciate ligament strain could force some unwelcome change upon Piotr Nowak, and more responsibility will have to be shouldered by strike partner Alejandro Moreno, the only healthy veteran attacker left. Moreno could be partnered by either Jack McInerney or Danny Mwanga. The midfield will be largely unchanged from the quartet of Miglioranzi, Fred, Roger Torres, and Andrew Jacobson, while the defense will welcome the the return of Danny Califf after he missed the New York game through suspension.
Intangibles
Galaxy: The Galaxy want to prove last week's performance was only a fluke, where their rivals were aided by a small field and an act of God via the rain. They fell victim to a spell cast by Merlin and the Wizards. Look for them to come out relentless as they try to get last week's monkey off their backs.
Philadelphia: The Union are in the midst of a long, draining road trip. They've lost their last 3 games in all competitions, all away, and a trip out to the Home depot Center to face a league-leading Los Angeles Galaxy side on their home turf will not be seen as a welcome respite. There will also be frustration stemming from losing their last two league games on needless penalties when they will have felt they deserved at least a point in each. Piotr Nowak will be facing an uphill battle to bolster his club's morale, and with Sebastien Le Toux doubtful, finding where the goals are going to come from.
Outcome
Galaxy: The Galaxy will welcome the newbie Union to the Majors with open arms and saying, "welcome to the league... sorry we have to beat you." Galaxy win 2-0.
Philadelphia: 2-0 to Los Angeles. The first-placed Galaxy have only failed to pick up three points once this season, at notoriously difficult to play at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City. Edson Buddle is sitting atop the scoring table, while Landon Donovan is the reigning league MVP. LA's quality, especially at the Home Depot Center, should be enough to dispatch the inexperienced Union.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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