First, introductions! I’m Johnathon Sykes, taking over for Christopher Dwyer who was writing previously on the Galaxy beat for Total-MLS. I hope I inform and entertain giving you Galaxy previews, reviews, and news throughout the season. I am a LA native (Brockman baby!) currently living in Atlanta but still follow the team religiously. But enough about me, we are here for a preview so let’s get into it.
The Galaxy will be the away team in this ‘derby’. I use this term lightly because the Galaxy have completely dominated this rivalry as of late, winning the last 4 matches and having a combined record of 12-3-5 in the series. History would say the Galaxy have this wrapped up before they set foot in HDC.
However, dice have no memory and Chivas have been on a decent run of form as of late with a record of 3-1-2 in the last 5 games. That includes the 3-2 win at Red Bulls over the weekend and almost stealing a point at Rio Tinto. Confidence seems sky high for the Goats as they look to continue winning ways and finally get one over the Galaxy after almost 3 years of futility. However, the Galaxy just came off a 4-1 crushing of Sporting and could have easily won games vs RBNY and Union. So for once, the Superclasico comes with some sort of real anticipation. Is it time for Chivas to pay its dues again or will the tenants get one over the Galaxy?
What to watch for:
What Galaxy/Chivas team shows up: It’s funny to say this but both teams have definitely been Jekyll and Hyde this year. The Galaxy’s scoring woes have been well-documented but we’ll run over it again. Your leading scorer so far this season, Landon Donovan. The Galaxy sometimes have a history of playing down to their opponents. I expect the Galaxy to come out strong in the opening minutes, but this is not a given. With home bragging rights on the line, The Galaxy can ill afford another early minute gaffe.
The ghost of Superclasico’s past…: 3 Years. That’s how long it’s been since Chivas can last claim to take victory in the Superclasico. 3 years of Galaxy fans never letting Chivas hear the end of it, yet. With the run of form that Chivas have been on, it is not THAT much of a stretch that Chivas can win this game. Dan Kennedy, Heath Pearce and the bend-but-don’t break Chivas backline will have do well to keep the seemingly-resurgent Galaxy out of the net. Justin Braun and Alejandro Moreno will also need to continue their performances from last week if they expect to challenge for points.
Can the Galaxy keep focus for 90 minutes: Another one of the Galaxy’s woes dating back towards the end of last season have been keeping focus for a full 90 minutes. Preventable lost points at home to New England and away at Philly are lowlights for an otherwise decent defending side. I hope for the Galaxy sake that they show up for 90 minutes.
Where will the goals come from: As I love the California Boy, the Galaxy will have to get someone else to step up the goals and soon. Sure Landon’s been on a tear lately, but up until the Portland game, El Captain was quiet as a mouse on the goal front. Angel and any combination of Magee, Lopez, or Barrett will have to step it up in order to give the midfield a much-needed break.
Final Score – 2-1 Galaxy. A hell of a lot of yellow cards as well.
Potential Starting Lineup vs Chivas
F – Angel*, Barrett
MF – Stephens, Beckham, Juninho, Beckham
D – Dunivant, DelaGarza, Gongalez, Franklin
GK – Ricketts
*Angel SHOULD be rested, in my option. He’s come on as a super-sub as of late and I like the Lopez/Barrett combo a lot better for this game to exploit Chivas. But I know Arena, he’ll start.
(image courtesy of lagalaxy.com)
