ASN: L.A. and Vancouver Will Battle It Out in Carson

Octavio Rivero is without doubt one of the most enjoyable new gamers in MLS, however Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes have returned from worldwide obligation. Brooke Tunstall previews this tasty early-season conflict.

BY

Brooke Tunstall

Posted
April 04, 2015
11:10 AM

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UNTIL SOMEBODY STEPS UP and says in any other case, the Los Angeles Galaxy are nonetheless the group to beat in Main League Soccer’s Western Convention. This weekend the Vancouver Whitecaps will get an opportunity to recommend in any other case when it visits Southern California to tackle the reigning champs. 

The ‘Caps come to city as the most popular group in MLS whereas L.A. is winless in three straight, making this sport a possibility for Vancouver to announce a altering of the hierarchal guard out west (Saturday, 10:00 ET, MLS DirectKick).

THE BASICS

After a season-opening 3-1 loss to Toronto, Vancouver has reeled off three straight wins and allowed just one purpose throughout this streak. It also needs to be famous that it is a group that completed the common season final yr 4-0-1 so clearly Carl Robinson’s males are determining win within the common season. In the meantime, after beating Chicago 2-0 on opening day, the Galaxy have had a pair of attracts then fell to D.C. United final week.

THE SUBPLOTS

Bruce Area has hardly ever been one to sweat early-season outcomes, even courting again to his days on the College of Virginia. Area, greater than some other American soccer coach, has mastered the artwork of getting his groups to peak heading into and through the postseason. It’s why he’s received so many trophies. 

This yr the Galaxy appear even much less pressed as a result of the group’s identification will change this summer time with the arrival of Steve Gerrard from Liverpool. How he meshes with Robbie Keane, Gyasi Zardes and firm can have much more to do with how the Galaxy fare down the stretch than an April sport towards Vancouver. 

On the identical time, Area additionally is aware of house area benefit issues within the playoffs and within the loaded Western Convention, with Dallas nonetheless unbeaten, Seattle nonetheless a drive, and Vancouver enjoying nicely, the Galaxy must keep away from falling too far behind so it will probably keep away from play-in video games and competing on the highway within the playoffs. 

The Whitecaps, in the meantime, are on the lookout for that signature win. Sure, it’s 7-1-1 over its final 9 common season video games courting again to final yr however a win over the the Galaxy in Carson, Calif., would ship a message that this group is for actual.  

PLAYERS TO WATCH

For Vancouver, it’s exhausting to disregard Octavio Rivero, the league’s participant of the month for March. The Uruguayan had that terrible miss towards Toronto simply minutes into his MLS profession, however he put that behind him and scored in three straight video games. In a league with new gamers like Kaka and David Villa, Rivero has been the most effective newcomer to this point. If he will get service, he’ll take a look at the Galaxy backline.

The Galaxy’s most nice shock in 2015 has been Jose Villareal. The 21-year-old homegrown product has proven flashes of potential previously however this yr seems to have added consistency. Splitting time between left-mid and ahead, he has scored a purpose and registered two assists and gone a good distance in serving to L.A. make up for the productiveness it misplaced when Landon Donovan retired. Villarreal can be challenged by Whitecaps proper again Steve Beitashour, the Iranian World Cup participant who likes to get ahead.

THE X-FACTOR

Since his rookie season in 2009, Omar Gonzalez has been one of many prime defenders in MLS. But when the Galaxy large man has a legal responsibility, it’s his susceptibility to small, fast gamers. And nobody in MLS suits that invoice fairly just like the Whitecaps speedster Kekuta Manneh. The 20-year-old Gambian (by the use of Austin, Texas) is the quickest participant in MLS with the ball at his toes and if he can run at Gonzalez and the remainder of the Galaxy again line, he may cause them suits.

PREDICTION

The Whitcaps will handle to attain on the Galaxy however Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes return from worldwide obligation and permit the Galaxy to sluggish the Whitecaps ascension up the Western Convention standings with a 2-1 win.