After a meltdown that that saw the Galaxy give up 3 straight goals to RSL over the weekend at home, which emphatically ended a home winning streak that stretched back to November of 2010 and witnessing TFC grab 2 goals in the space of 18 minute on Wednesday, it’s hard not to be worried if you’re a Galaxy fan. So while a 2 goal away goal lead seems pretty solid for a team that plays wells at home, this early edition of the Galaxy can make this a very uneasy tie.
All of these components will only add to the pressure of advancing further into the Champions League. LA is going to have to find a way to cope with everything on the table from the last week and win. Bunker ball probably won’t work this time around as the defense of LA is not nearly as organized right now as they were last season.
TFC, on the other hand, has nothing really to lose. Forward Danny Koevermans, who was mostly quiet for TFC except for a lover’s spat with Josh Saunders in the second half, should also be expected to step up. Toronto has proven that they can burn through the center of LA’s defense with Joao Plata’s speed on the ball. That effect may only be amplified due to tired legs on defense .You would expect Bruce Arena to try to start fresh legs on defense above all else to combat that, but that’s not for sure either. With the holes in defense, it may not be the best idea to put new cogs into the system in such a vital game. Also, consideration has to be given to Sunday’s game vs. DCU. I would not be surprised if Bruce Arena makes no changes to the squad come game-time and basically throw the DCU game by playing a B squad.
All things considered, I expect LA to start off slow and sluggish and TFC to attack from the get-go as they did in Toronto. The most worrying thing for me is not getting caught behind early. Away goals count until regulation, so while LA can still escape with a 1-1 draw…don’t expect that to happen. At all. This game will most likely end up a frenetic one with TFC pushing for goals and leaving opening for Edson Buddle and Robbie Keane to exploit for goals or the worst case scenario, being left in the dust for a second straight time at home. LA’s path to the CCL final isn’t easy and won’t any easier even if they advance but this game may give an early definition of the sort of season LA fans should expect from this year’s edition of the Galaxy. For better or worse.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
