This Sunday will be the third and final time Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA will meet in regular season. The first time they met, Chivas won 1-0 thanks to a penalty they were awarded after a David Lopes Junior handball. The second time, LA won 3-1, the only Chivas goal that was scored came from a former Galaxy player, Paolo Cardozo.
The last game that LA played, they lost to Seattle Sounders 4-0. In that game, LA had all their DPs but weren’t able to get into the game. It was a disappointing game for LA and their fans. The game against Chivas will technically be an away game (at the Home Depot Center).
Like in the last two games, LA will need to get through Chivas’ defense and their keeper, Dan Kennedy, who is considered one of the best keepers in the league, not just by fans, but by Galaxy coach Bruce Arena as well. They were able to do that last time, thanks to the 3 DPs. This time, they will be missing David Beckham, who will be helping with the Olympics Closing Ceremony.
While Chivas’ defense has been really strong, LA’s….not so much. Last year, LA had one of the best backline in MLS. In fact, Omar Gonzalez even won MLS defender of the year. As many of you know, LA has really struggled with their defense this season. The good news is that both Gonzalez and Todd Dunivant, who played in the reserve game against Chivas earlier this week, will be available for the game. Maybe this will help LA in their game against Chivas. LA will also need Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane to play their best. This isn’t a game they can afford to be invisible in. They do have other players who can score, but as captain, Donovan needs to be there for his team.
Regardless of the outcome, it will be a very entertaining match. After all, these two are huge rivals and there’s always fireworks whenever they play each other. (Sorry for the cliché) If I had to make a prediction, I’d say LA will win 2-1.
(image courtesy of lagalaxy.com)
