If you’re an LA Galaxy fan, this past week has been hell. A loss in MLS play to an RSL team that the Galaxy arguably out-played for at least 60 minutes to start the season. A nervous 1-0 win vs. Xolos in home leg of the Champions league and the 4-2 shellacking in Tijuana that knocked the Galaxy out of the CCL and exposed a leaky defense that most MLS teams are licking their chops to have a shot at.
Enter Real Salt Lake, who came off a wild 3-3 draw at Buck Shaw to the San Jose Earthquakes after beating LA 2 weeks ago. RSL looked to come out of San Jose winners, but the Quakes once again salvaged points on a Victor Bernardez stoppage time goal.
Whether RSL’s previous game is an aberration or a chance for the Galaxy to gain some confidence is still unclear this early in the season. The Galaxy would love to put that heart-breaking loss to Xolos on the road behind them with a victory at Rio Tinto, but it may prove to be difficult if the LA defense has another lapse similar to the one they had last Tuesday. It would be a surprise if Leonardo stayed in CB alongside Omar Gonzalez today. Also look for Rob Friend to possibly start against Real Salt Lake after a good performance as a sub against TJ.
(image courtesy of Andrew Fielding)
