The past two years there seems to be a governing body that rule over the Seattle Sounders. This authority reigns from atop the Western Division in Carson California. The Los Angeles Galaxy seem to be in control, and they are a dominating force when it comes to results. This 4th of July the two sides will go to war. Each will attempt to control or to gain independence from the other. While most Americans choose to celebrate our countries freedom with family gatherings that light the sky with fireworks, the Sounders will hope to extend their winning streak, celebrate 3 points, and gain autonomy from Galaxy rule.
In the beginning, this rivalry seemed to be a little bit in the Seattle’s favor. 2009 saw the Sounders draw at home and win 2-0 at the Home Depot Center. Since then the Galaxy have controlled the outcome and have taken maximum points. Los Angeles leads the all-time series 5-1-1 with a plus eight goal differential. They have won the last five meetings and have outscored Seattle 11-2 in the process. 2010 was so bad for the Sounders that the Galaxy shutout the Sounders in Seattle while scoring four goals of their own. After that loss the Sounders brass decided to issue a refund to their fans that made it look even worse than what it was. Last 4th of July the Sounders were defeated 3-1 in Carson. Los Angeles had outscored Seattle 7-1 to take the regular season series. This capped a horrendous streak that saw the rave green suffer five losses in six matches.
With all of these differences and the scale tipped so heavily in LA’s favor it would be easy to overlook all of the similarities these clubs share. Both teams have played 19 games in the regular season and have scored 25 goals in the process. The Western Conference foes both sit atop the league table. The Galaxy sits in 1st place with a 9-2-8 record, celebrating 35 points and a plus ten goal differential. Seattle four points behind, soundly in 2nd place with an 8-4-7 record, and a plus seven goal differential. The pair of them are streaking, and hasn’t lost since May. In fact, both clubs memorialized the month of June going unbeaten and playing well. Each team’s last defeat came at the hands of last year’s runner-up, FC Dallas. They have accomplished all of this while not playing at full strength and healing their wounds.
On May 15, 2011, MLS kicked off the regular season in Seattle. The Galaxy defeated the home Sounders 1-0 on a 58th minute Juninho goal. Starting ‘keeper Donovan Ricketts didn’t suit up for the season opener with a hamstring injury, and backup Josh Saunders started in goal. Third stringer Brian Perk was suited up and on the 18 man roster.
This is all significant because last weekend versus the San Jose Earthquakes, LA lost their starting ‘keeper Ricketts to a wrist fracture. They also saw their backup Saunders leave the game receiving a straight red card. Midfielder, Mike Magee, had to finish the game in goal, but was able to hold the Quakes to a scoreless draw. Magee would win MLS player of the week honors for his efforts. Brian Perk was not available to help his team transition comfortably.
Perk was quickly promoted and able to start and help the Galaxy win their U.S. Open Cup match versus the Los Angeles Blues. The new ‘keeper also played in a reserve match earlier this season versus the Sounders. In that match he gave up a goal and suffered the loss. Perk was the fourth goalie to play for 1st place Galaxy in a week. Los Angeles should march into battle with a sight for sore eyes and a welcome reinforcement.
Landon Donovan will most likely return to the Galaxy starting XI having come back from national team duty and Gold Cup competition. Although Landon seemed to be on a bit of a roller-coaster recently, he always seems to step up for his club. The Blue and Green need to be prepared to take on the challenge.
In spite of the galaxy regaining their captain, the mighty, mighty Sounders should see fresh meat in the net. They need to come out of the gate strong, pressure early and often, forcing Perk’s back against the wall. Even though Seattle has injury concerns of its own, they are playing like a well coached, cohesive unit and scoring goals. In their last eight regular season matches, the Sounders have scored twelve goals. Eight of those tallies have come from either direct or indirect set pieces and Seattle has only conceded one loss during that span.
I expect to witness a well fought battle from both sides. Even though the Galaxy have seen the lion’s share of victories in this matchup, it always seems tough to predict each meeting. I wouldn’t at all be surprised for this match to end in a draw, and that would be a welcome road result for the Sounders.
When the final whistle blows, and the battle comes to an end, I encourage Sounders fans to either celebrate victory, or take out their frustration by lighting up the sky with their loved ones. I hope you all have a safe and fun 4th of July.
Notes:
While Steve Zakuani and O’Brian White are still out injured, both have seen time on the training field recently which is a very encouraging sign. Steve has been jogging lightly on the side, while White has been participating with his teammates on the field.
Other injury notes have both Fredy Montero and Brad Evans listed as probable with quad and hamstring injuries respectively.
Ricardo Salazar will be the head referee for this game.
