ASN: L.A. Galaxy Stars Embrace Problem Posed by Seattle

Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane know that they face a stiff problem in tonight’s do-or-die playoff match in opposition to the Seattle Sounders. Each veterans are desperate to get going.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
October 28, 2015
2:30 PM

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AS RECENTLY AS JULY, the highest dialogue level in MLS was whether or not the Los Angeles Galaxy’s acquisition of Giovani Dos Santos and Steven Gerrard made it probably the most gifted workforce in league historical past. Many anticipated that the membership would merely romp via the league en path to its fourth MLS Cup in 5 years.

As a substitute, the workforce stumbled down the stretch and completed in fifth place within the Western Convention, establishing a knockout recreation in opposition to Seattle at CenturyLink Subject tonight (10pm ET, UniMas).

Seattle has struggled at occasions this season and depends nearly fully on its two prime strikers—Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins.

The Galaxy, then again, seem unbeatable—on paper. Bruce Area is the most effective coach in league historical past and he boasts a roster that features reigning MVP Robbie Keane, Mexican standout Giovani Dos Santos, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and U.S. internationals Omar Gonzalez, Alan Gordon, and Gyasi Zardes. There’s a robust supporting forged too: Sebastian Lletget, Juninho, Donovan Ricketts, and A.J. DeLaGarza.

Gonzalez, 27, acknowledged that there’s additional stress on the Galaxy primarily based on its roster, expertise, and historical past within the league.

“I think we are held to a high standard—which is a good thing,” Gonzalez advised American Soccer Now. “I think everyone here knows what that standard is. That pressure is always going to be there. It’s good. It makes you rise to the occasion and I think we have the team to rise to the occasion in Seattle.”

If the Galaxy advance to the Western Convention Semifinals, the workforce should flip issues round shortly. The star-studded workforce has gained only one out of its previous seven MLS video games and enters the playoffs on a two-game dropping streak.

Keane, 35, completed the season with 20 objectives and is the unquestioned chief of the Galaxy assault. The Irish worldwide was assured and upbeat regardless of the troublesome job forward.

“No matter what happened yesterday or the last few weeks, it’s gone,” Keane mentioned. “You’re moving into the playoff scenario and it’s like a ultimate. It’s a one-off recreation. So whether or not individuals have any doubts about themselves, whether or not you probably did properly or didn’t do properly within the season, it’s irrelevant now.

“We’ve done it in the past,” he added. “I think in one season we finished fourth and we went on to win. It’s not the end of it, no question about it. We are capable of going up to Seattle and winning it—100%. Seattle is probably the slight favorites because usually people are the favorites when they’re playing at home. So they’ve got a lot to lose as well playing in front of their fans in their stadium.”

For the Galaxy to come back away with a win, its protection should enhance. Over the previous six MLS video games, the Galaxy has conceded 13 objectives. Seattle’s fearsome assault is especially efficient in entrance of the Sounders’ house crowd.

Gonzalez, specifically, should step up. Few defenders within the league boast his expertise: The U.S. worldwide has gained three MLS Cup titles, was named MLS Rookie of the 12 months in 2009, and earned MLS Defender of the 12 months honors in 2011.

“We know who they are,” Gonzalez mentioned. “They’ll positively rating objectives shortly they usually have very gifted gamers. I feel what we have to do, particularly in my view particularly, is have solidarity within the again. We’ve to be a very good strong workforce defensively as a complete workforce–not simply the again 4.

“We have to be ready to do the dirty work from top to bottom. I think if everyone is focused and everyone is willing to do the extra running, then we should be in a good spot. It’s should be a great game.”

Predicting this recreation is troublesome. Seattle is dominant at house and the Galaxy has gained simply two out of 14 video games on the highway this season. Nonetheless, Los Angelels’ expertise and expertise is not possible to disregard.

“This is exciting,” Keane mentioned. “These are the video games I need to play in. That is why you play the sport. You don’t play the video games simply to participate. You play the video games since you need to win. You play as a result of these are the video games that separate the boys from the boys. We’ve gamers in our dressing room who’re up for the problem and able to go. I’m actually prepared.

“This league is getting stronger and stronger. We’ve to roll up our sleeves.

“No excuses now.”