Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Battle for Los Angeles - Act I

Kickoff is just less than 30 minutes away here at The Home Depot Center as the Galaxy play their first playoff game since November 13, 2005 when they lifted their second MLS Cup championship trophy at Pizza Hut Park.

The New England Revolution were the opponent on that day, while today's opponent comes from a little closer to home in Chivas USA.

The Galaxy were 2-0-1 against their rivals this season and will look to add a third win onto that total this afternoon.

Here is the lineup that Bruce Arena will put onto the field this afternoon, with the 18-man squad featuring just one change from last weekend's win over San Jose...

-----------------Magee---------Buddle-------------

Donovan---------------Beckham--------------Birchall

------------------------Kovalenko-----------------

Dunivant-------Berhalter------Gonzalez-----Franklin

-------------------------Ricketts------------------

Subs: Saunders, DeLaGarza, Marshall, Lewis, Klein, Gordon, Kirovski

And here is how Preki will send out his side this afternoon...

-----------------Braun---------Santos---------------

Lahoud---------Nagamura--------Saragosa------Kljestan

Jazic----------Bornstein-------Cuesta----------Talley

------------------------Thornton----------------------

Subs: Conway, Thomas, Trujillo, Flores, Padilla, Galindo, Lillingston

1 comment:

charlesj27 said...

Personally, I like the line-up used by HC Bruce in this 4-1-3-2 / 4-4-2 set-up/style. However, our weak-point is still in central defense... not, so much tactics; but, actual positional and catch-up capacity of our central defenders. When we have to face forwards with incredible take-off and speed... it clearly shows in the lag-time of our central defenders. But, this is something that I believe BOTH HC Bruce and HA Dave knows - and, is planning to address before next season. So far, Gregg B has continued to offer tough-love and steadfast leadership on our back-line. YES, the man has his deficiencies. But, please realize how atrocious and un-watchable our back-line was for the past two years. Appreciate what we've been able to accomplish through the experienced heads and immense leadership. Thanks for bringing this club and organization into the MLS play-offs again!