The Vancouver Whitecaps hit the road after three straight matches at home as they face the Los Angeles Galaxy in Southern California. It is the first matchup this season between the two clubs but the second time the Caps will play in the Home Depot Center as they defeated Chivas USA for their first road win in franchise history. The Whitecaps were dominated last season by the Galaxy losing 4-0 at Empire and then 3-0 on the road.
The starting lineup will be similar to the one that defeated Houston and Colorado as Darren Mattocks returns from a game suspension to start up top as their striker. Beside him on the wings should be Davide Chiumiento on the left and Sebastien Le Toux on the right side.
Two of the midfield spots will go to Gershon Koffie and Jun Marques Davidson while the third starter will be either John Thorrington, if he is rested enough, or Michael Nanchoff. The backline will be similar to the majority of games this season with Martin Bonjour partnering with Jay DeMerit while Alain Rochat will be on the left and Lee Young-Pyo on the right. No surprise with who starts in goal as Joe Cannon continues to start in every MLS game this year.
Of the Galaxy big three, only Donovan can be considered a guaranteed starter as Robbie Keane may not be ready to play coming back from Euros and David Beckham may not be start for the third time in a week. The Brazilian central midfielder Juninho is another player to be weary of while Mike Magee will be a threat for LA on the wing.
When the Caps go out on the attack expect a number of early long balls to Mattocks in order to test the Galaxy who like to play a high backline. Even if the tactic doesn’t work it will force LA to back up which will give more space in the middle of the pitch for the midfielders to work the ball up. The Galaxy are strong on the outside so it may be more difficult for the wide players to make runs down the sideline and get their crosses into the box.
The Galaxy are the last team in MLS that the Caps have yet to get a result against going pointless against them last year. A solid effort by the club could also reverse the upset feelings the players had after a match that felt more of a loss than a draw. A win or a tie would also extend their MLS unbeaten streak to six and would be a good start to Vancouver’s five game road trip.
WHO’S ON FORM
Except for a few hiccups against the Rapids, Martin Bonjour has had a good run of performances in recent games. He was already on his way to a man of the match performance with his defensive play against the New York. As a bonus he scored a goal in the 75th minute, off the Chiumiento cross, with a finish that normally comes from a striker
Since coming back from the U.S. national team Landon Donovan has been the Galaxy’s best player especially in their last win against RSL where he scored two goals and an assist in a 3-2 win. With a number of injuries to their forward ranks, the American could play as a striker or wide on the left wing. Last season Donovan burned Vancouver in their first meeting as he picked a brace and a helper in a 4-0 win.
(image courtesy of Bob Frid)
