There isn’t much to say about the first half of the season for Los Angeles that hasn’t already been said. Another season that started with great promise has now caused a sort of nervous energy around the team. As of today’s game, LA sits in 6th position in the West and have saw Colorado and Seattle stock up on DP-caliber players over the ICC break. A DP signing was not in the cards for LA this season, unless you count the rumor floating around that Omar Gonzalez will become the third DP for the Galaxy. Despite the lack of outside enforcements, LA will be glad to have Landon Donovan back in form from Gold Cup duty and a seemingly healthy Robbie Keane as well. The Galaxy will be in a dogfight for the playoffs with 8 teams being within 6 points of one another and Real Salt Lake seemingly running away with the Supporters Shield.
So the fight back into playoff and possible MLS contention starts with an away game to Dallas. Dallas is still without a win in the summer, their last victory coming May 23rd vs. San Jose. Dallas currently sit behind LA in 7th place a point behind the Galaxy with the same amount of games played. Somehow, Dallas is not completely out of the race much like the rest of the Western conference not named RSL. FCD, in its current form, would seem to be an easy win for the Galaxy. However, The Galaxy’s struggles at goal and defense doesn’t make this a cakewalk. The team looked rather convincing beating Serie A champions Juventus in the International Championship Cup but those results do not automatically translate into league performances. That being said, the band’s finally getting back together and maybe LA can repeat 2012’s formula to the MLS Cup Playoffs.
(image courtesy of USA Today Sports)
