The defending MLS Cup champions are at house and on fireplace. However Jay DeMerit isn’t one to go down with out a combat. Jon Arnold appears on the key elements that can play a job in Thursday evening’s play-in recreation.
BY
Jon Arnold
Posted
October 29, 2012
8:00 PM
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Editor’s notice: ASN plans to preview each MLS playoff sequence. Create your supreme Beginning XI for the Los Angeles Galaxy or the Vancouver Whitecaps.
INTRO: The Los Angeles Galaxy start their protection of MLS Cup in a knockout spherical match tonight in opposition to Vancouver (10:30pm Japanese, NBCSN & TSN). With star gamers like Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and Omar Gonzalez, the preseason favourite is poised to make one other run at a trophy. The Whitecaps, who grow to be the primary Canadian crew to make the MLS playoffs, stand in the way in which. The Galaxy, after all, have been right here earlier than, popping the bubbly final season. Whereas the Whitecaps are the underdog, veteran captain Jay DeMerit and firm will not simply fold in Southern California.
HISTORY: The Whitecaps have by no means overwhelmed the Galaxy, although the groups have met solely 5 occasions in league competitors. The closest match was a 2-2 draw July 18 of this yr. The Whitecaps jumped out to a 2-0 lead and managed the primary half solely to have the Galaxy mount a cost and draw stage within the second. Extra just lately, the Galaxy posted a 2-0 win within the Residence Depot Heart on September 1 with Juninho and Beckham offering the objectives. In that match, Vancouver supervisor Martin Rennie rested a number of regulars in hopes that they might be more energizing for essential matches down the stretch.
MATCHUPS: The Galaxy’s lineup options loads of stars, however all the things revolves round Landon Donovan. His talent, coupled with DPs Beckham and Keane, is a big purpose why the Galaxy have been overwhelming favorites to repeat earlier than the season began. The return of Edson Buddle to the squad will assist as nicely. DeMerit, the anti-whining defender, Designated Participant YP Lee, and the remainder of the Whitecaps defensive unit might be busy.
Whereas the Galaxy’s assault drew loads of consideration, the crew struggled till Gonzalez returned from damage. That unit might be with out hard-working middle again A.J. DeLaGarza, however rookie Tommy Meyer has stepped in subsequent to Gonzalez. Todd Dunivant, again within the squad at left again after damage points earlier this month, and Sean Franklin flank the lads within the center. Franklin got here out on the half Sunday, however needs to be able to go Thursday. “We’re in the right place health-wise, I think we feel good,” Donovan mentioned over the weekend.
Vancouver’s assault boasts two harmful Jamaicans (Darren Mattocks and Dane Richards) and two scary Scots (Kenny Miller and Barry Robson) who may go after Meyer, plus artful Brazilian Camilo. If a type of guys can sneak on previous the Galaxy D and keeper Josh Saunders early, it may break issues open.
TACTICS: The Galaxy have struggled to get width within the assault this season, which is why they introduced in Christian Wilhelmsson. The Swede performs on the suitable aspect of Bruce Area’s 4-4-2 and provides a brand new ingredient. It is a veteran midfield, however what they could lack in velocity—Donovan and Beckham are each coming off latest accidents—they make up in tact and talent.
On the Whitecaps aspect, Rennie just lately began using 4-3-1-2 formation. The crew is at its greatest when Robson is crafting the membership’s performs, though he was dropped from the Beginning XI just lately. Rennie liked how his participant dealt with the information: “His attitude to it all and his response and the way he played, it was absolutely top-class. I was really pleased, and again today in training, he was brilliant.” Gershon Koffie has been good on each wings. Rennie additionally likes to maintain his assault recent with early substitutions, interchanging his forwards. He even introduced in Omar Salgado within the penultimate match of the season as a midfield sub. Salgado, recovering from a foot fracture, is unlikely to characteristic, however the Scottish supervisor retains issues unpredictable.
PREDICTION: It is robust to see something besides a Galaxy victory in Southern California. The house aspect is close to full energy at the absolute best time. The defending champions’ cluster of stars coupled with the Whitecaps’ latest struggles and incapacity to win away from BC Place ought to imply LA marches on. Vancouver has some harmful gamers, however the Galaxy’s convincing win in opposition to Seattle on Sunday confirmed how harmful the targeted, highly effective crew will be. With Area on the helm and a veteran roster, do not count on to see something much less Thursday. Galaxy 3-1 Whitecaps.
READER FEEDBACK: So, what do you assume? Does Vancouver have any probability to ship the Galaxy packing? Will Rennie preserve his two highest-played gamers on the bench as he did in opposition to Actual Salt Lake? Will we see extra attractive passes from Landon Donovan? Is that this his final go-round for an MLS Cup? Inform us within the feedback beneath.
