The LA Galaxy

We're Moving

2011-02-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

As many of you who are accustomed to following this site are well aware, this blog will no longer be active at this address.

Given the improvements in the manner in which we are able to present and post news on our club’s official website, www.lagalaxy.com, the decision has been made to move all of the content that you once got here, to that site.

The information that we provide you will not change. You will still get the same “inside access” that you were accustomed to through this site, from the same folks who wrote and created this site, only it will now be found on the club’s official website, further centralizing the information and making it easier for our fans to access. No longer will you need to go to multiple sources for all of your official Galaxy news, instead you can go to one site and get everything.

We’ll still be with the team each and every day, including on the road starting with our upcoming trip to Arizona, so be sure to check the site all preseason long for all the latest information and news from the team.

These reports will be listed on the club’s official site as written by LAGalaxy.com. They will be in addition to the articles published from Luis Bueno and others at MLSSoccer.com, as well as those from Larry Morgan of LAGalaxy.com. There will also be the same number of photos and videos for you to enjoy all season long.

We had three wonderful years working with the folks at blogger and in writing on this site and we thank all of you who frequented it. We hope that you all continue to follow us as we work to continue to grow over at our official website, www.lagalaxy.com.

See you all this season at The Home Depot Center.

Galaxy Fall 2-1 to Newcastle in The Qantas Challenge

2010-11-27T04:19:00.000-08:00

LA Galaxy 1, Newcastle Jets 2
The Qantas Challenge
Saturday, November 27, 2010
EnergyAustralia Stadium – Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Scoring Summary:
LA – Landon Donovan (Sean Franklin, Chris Birchall) 7’
NEW – Sasho Petrovski (Ali Abbas, Adam D’Apuzzo) 39’
NEW - Labinot Haliti (Kasey Wehrman) 53’

Misconduct Summary:
None

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts (Josh Saunders 46’); Sean Franklin (Chris Klein 63’), A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez (Gregg Berhalter 46’), Todd Dunivant (Eddie Lewis 46’); Chris Birchall (Dema Kovalenko 68’), David Beckham, Juninho (Mike Magee 72’), Michael Stephens (Alex Cazumba 57’); Landon Donovan© (Bryan Jordan 46’), Edson Buddle (Jovan Kirovski 46’).

Subs Not Used: Brian Perk, Leonardo.

Newcastle Jets: Matthew Nash, Tarek Elrich, Taylor Regan, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Adam D’ Apuzzo (Brodie Mooy 56’); Ruben Zadkovich (Marcello Fiorentini 46’), Kasey Wehrman© (Jacob Pepper 83’), Jobe Wheelhouse (James Virgili 76’), Ali Abbas (Kaz Patafta 46’); Sasho Petrovski (Zhang Shuo 56’), Marko Jesic (Labinot Haliti 46’).

Subs Not Used: Sam Gallaway, Mario Simic, Scott Pettit, Fabian Iacovelli, Jack Duncan.

Notes:
• With the loss for LA, the Newcastle Jets win the inaugural Qantas Challenge.
• The Galaxy are now 2-2-0 all-time against teams from the Hyundai A-League. They beat the Wellington Phoenix in 2007 and Sydney FC in 2008 while losing to Sydney FC in 2007 and now the Jets.
• The Galaxy are now 0-2-0 all-time in Australia.
• This was the Galaxy’s fifth and final international friendly of the year. They finished with a 2-2-1 record in those games, beating Puntarenas FC (Costa Rica) and Boca Juniors (Argentina) while tying CD Aguila (El Salvador) and losing to Real Madrid (Spain) and the Newcastle Jets (Australia). This was the only one of those games that was not played in Southern California.
• Landon Donovan gave the Galaxy a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute, re-directing a Sean Franklin cross over the line from close range with his chest. That was his second goal in the club’s five friendlies this season, though he only played in three of them.
• Chris Birchall was also credited with an assist on that goal.
• Juninho nearly doubled the Galaxy lead two minutes later, but his long range shot was adjudged not to have crossed the goalline by the referees, though video replays later showed that it had.
• Donovan Ricketts had to make his first save of the game a few minutes later, pushing a close range shot from Sasho Petrovski around his right post.
• Petrovski eventually equalized for the Jets in the 29th minute, heading an Ali Abbas cross past Ricketts from close range, tying the score at 1-1.
• Halftime substitute Labinot Haliti scored the eventual game-winning goal in the ** minute, shortly after coming on as a halftime substitute.
• Chris Klein each came on as substitutes, making the final appearances of their professional careers.
• Newcastle Jets owner Nathan Tinkler offered to donate $5,000(AU) to HMRI for every goal scored in the game, meaning that $15,000(AU) was raised for the charity.
• A total of 20 of the 22 players that made the trip to Australia played for the Galaxy, with only Brian Perk and Leonardo not seeing action.
• Only A.J. DeLaGarza and David Beckham played the full 90 minutes for the Galaxy.
• Tonight’s game was shown live on Fox Soccer Channel in the United States with a number of replays to be shown throughout the week. Check www.foxsoccer.com for a complete schedule of broadcasts.
• There was a sellout crowd of more than 23,000 at EnergyAustralia Stadium, which is the process of being renovated. This was the Jets’ biggest home attendance of the season.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Final Game of 2010 is Set to Kickoff

2010-11-27T00:07:00.000-08:00

The guys are completing their pregame warmups ahead of tonight's friendly against the Newcastle Jets at EnergyAustralia Stadium. This is the club's final game of the year so most if not all of the 22 players that made the trip can expect to see some action.

Here is the starting XI that Bruce Arena will put on the field tonight...

Ricketts; Dunivant, DeLaGarza, Gonzalez, Franklin; Birchall, Stephens, Juninho, Beckham; Donovan(c), Buddle.

Subs: Saunders, Perk, Leonardo,Berhalter, Cazumba, Kovalenko, Klein, Lewis, Kirovski, Magee, Jordan.

And here is the lineup for the host Newcastle Jets, who are coached by Branko Culina...

Nash; D'Apuzzo, Regan, Topor-Stanley, Elrich: Wheelhouse, Zadkovich, Wehrman(c); Jesic, Petrovski, Abbas.

Subs: Mooy, Fiorentini, Patafta, Haliti, Shuo, Gallaway, Virgili, Simic, Pettit, Iacovelli, Duncan.

The Sign Says it All

2010-11-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

A city that was for much of its early years known for the number of convicts that resided here, the city of Newcastle has thrown open its doors to the LA Galaxy. A quaint coal mining town on the northern coast of New South Wales, the city of Newcastle is abuzz ahead of Saturday night’s game between their Jets and the Galaxy at EnergyAustralia Stadium.Local businesses have been quick to welcome the club through their doors, treating all the guys like travelling rock stars. While the constant reporters and photographers surrounding the team hotel has been a little tiresome for most, the guys have still managed to get out and see some of the finer things that the city has to offer, such as lush beaches to lay out on or surf at, a vibrant waterfront area full of restaurants and bars, nearby wildlife reserves and some of the best wine that you will find in all of Australia.

It was that last one that the guys were told of shortly after landing in Sydney yesterday that seemed to peak their collective interests, with both Landon and David mentioning that they would have to partake in a few glasses of the local flavor after the game.

And it might not be the local wine, but this nearby pub has figured out a way to try and draw David through their doors.No word yet on whether or not he has made it in…nor if anyone has taken this language school up on their offer for free aboriginal speaking lessons.All things considered, the people of Newcastle have been fantastic to everyone associated with the club, making all of us feel right at home during our short stay. Making it feel even more like home was a meet and greet with a number of local Herbalife distributors that have come out to support the club that proudly wears the company's name across its chest. The 30 or so lucky distributors got to meet the entire team and get autographs from the guys before posing for a group photo that they are all sure to cherish.

Making Their Day

2010-11-25T20:16:00.000-08:00

In their first full day here in Newcastle, the Galaxy players put on a show for many of the children in the area, conducting a 30-minute clinic along with the Newcastle Jets' players and coaches. After being introduced to all the kids, who roared in approval at each new name, the guys were split into two groups to begin the clinic and start the eventPlayers from the Galaxy and the Jets, as well as the Jets women’s team, joined in on a series of small sided games with the kids from local Northern New South Wales youth soccer leagues. The players needed little prodding to interact and mess around with the kids who were thrilled to meet many of their local heroes on the Jets roster, as well as the visiting Galaxy stars like David, Donovan, A.J. and Leonardo that you can see below.After the clinic, the Galaxy players and staff made their way across the parking lot and into EnergyAustralia Stadium for the first time, going through a 60-minute training session ahead of Saturday’s game. With more than a thousand kids and their parents watching on, the Galaxy played some possession and a small sided game in their first organized workout since arriving here in Australia. The crowd cheered their way throughout the session, with goals from Edson, Mike and Jovan, as well as a diving save by Josh, eliciting the biggest cheers.Once the day was done, David thanked everyone for coming out to the stadium and told them how much all the players were looking forward to tomorrow night’s game. All the guys then made their way over to the fans and signed autographs, took photos and spent some time with the kids, much to their delight.

Wheel Up, Wheels Down, Wheels Up, Wheels Down

2010-11-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

The Galaxy arrived in Sydney today...and then flew on to Newcastle shortly after meeting a number of local dignitaries and members of the media inside one of Qantas Airlines' hangers.With a giant Airbus A380 serving as the backdrop, Bruce, Landon and David spoke to the media about their excitement of being in Australia for Saturday's game against Newcastle. The guys fielded the usual array of questions, with most of the media more focused on what the guys hope to do off the field, rather than what they're looking to do on the field at EnergyAustralia Stadium against the Jets.
Once the press conference was over, the guys boarded a significantly smaller Qantas plane, with this one taking the guys up the coast to Newcastle in just under 30 minutes. More fans and media were waiting for the guys there, including this guy who is clearly a big fan of the Galaxy captain.
After arriving at the hotel here in Newcastle, the guys got settled in and then went their separate ways, with some electing to head to the local beach, while others chose to get their workout in at a nearby gym.

Tomorrow afternoon will see the guys go through their only training session before Saturday's game while also conducting a clinic for a number of youth soccer players here in the region. We'll have images from all of this and more straight through until the team's return to Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.

Players React to Being Named to Best XI

2010-11-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

We caught up with the four players that were named to the Best XI earlier today to see what they had to say about the honor.

Here is what they said...

Edson Buddle -

“I am honored to be chosen for this year’s MLS Best XI. I am grateful to those who voted for me and to everyone that has contributed to my being here, including my family, friends, my coach and most importantly, my fellow teammates with the LA Galaxy.”

Landon Donovan -

“I take a lot of pride in being named to the Best XI, especially as our league continues to develop and get better. I believe that it says a lot about our team that four players were named in the Best XI this year and I would like to congratulate all the members of this year's Best XI, in particular, Edson, Donovan, and Omar.”

Omar Gonzalez -

“I am grateful and humbled to be named to the Best XI, as there are so many great defenders in our league. The fact that this is an award that is voted on by fellow players makes it that much more special and I want to thank everyone who helped to make this possible.”

Donovan Ricketts -

“I am honored to be named to the MLS Best XI and would like to once again thank everyone who voted for me. This is another tremendous award, one that I could not have earned without the assistance of my goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer and fellow goalkeeper Josh Saunders.”

Four Galaxy Players Named to MLS Best XI

2010-11-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

The Galaxy tied an MLS record today by placing four players on the MLS Best XI, which which annually honors the league’s best players at their positions. Donovan Ricketts, the 2010 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year was selected as the Best XI goalkeeper, Omar Gonzalez, the Galaxy's 2010 Defender of the Year and a finalist for the MLS Defender of the Year award was one of three defenders named to the squad, while Galaxy captain Landon Donovan, the club's all-time leading goal scorer, was one of five midfielders named to the team. Edson Buddle, the Galaxy's 2010 MVP and a finalist for the MLS MVP award was also named to the Best XI after finishing the year with a career-high 17 goals.

This is the first Best XI selection for Buddle, Gonzalez and Ricketts, while it is the fourth of Donovan’s career, having also been named to the team in 2003 as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes, as well as in 2008 and 2009 with the Galaxy. All four were also named to the MLS All-Star Team that played Manchester United on July 28 in Houston.

The Galaxy’s four entries to the MLS Best XI set a new club record, eclipsing the former record of three, which was set in 1996 and then matched in 1998 and 1999. LA are the first team to send four players to the Best XI since D.C. United did so in 2006 and just the fifth team in league history to do so.

Read more about the four Best XI honorees here.

Juninho and Ricketts Take Second Place In MLS Goal of The Year and Save of The Year Voting

2010-11-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

MLS announced today that Donovan Ricketts' save on Steven Lenhart finished second in the league's NAPA Save of the Year voting.

The league also announced that Juninho's "no regard for humanity" strike from long-range against the Seattle Sounders on July 4 finished second in the voting for AT&T Goal of the Year.

MLS will announce the winners of Save of the Year and Goal of the Year tomorrow, though we find it hard to believe a finer save or goal were made this season.

And because we know you enjoyed seeing Donovan's tip over the crossbar in Columbus, and Juninho's beautifully placed shot against the Sounders, here, for your viewing pleasure, are they are once again...

Ricketts save on Lenhart...

Juninho's long range blast for his first-ever goal in MLS...

Locker Room Reaction to Western Conference Championship Defeat

2010-11-14T22:26:00.000-08:00

For iPhone and iPad-friendly link, click here.

LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena

On the game overall:
“We had no excuses. We were outplayed. We were certainly in position in the first half to get a lead and maybe take control of the game, but we failed on that. Maybe a couple of calls didn’t go our way, but that is part of it. If you play in this league, the officiating sometimes doesn’t go your way. There are no excuses. We were outplayed. We were beat on most matchups on the field, and we were outcoached. Dallas deserved the victory. I give them a lot of credit and wish them the very best in the Cup Final.”

On FC Dallas’ goals:
“I haven’t seen it, but there was that play on the sideline where Eddie Lewis got fouled and play went on and I am not certain what happened between DeLaGarza and Gonzalez on that. The third goal looked to me offside, and I can’t tell you what led to the second goal. When you look back on the game, Hartman made a couple of outstanding saves in the first half. The one on Landon was unbelievable and the one on Beckham’s free kick. Those little plays make a difference, and we had a chance to have the first goal in the game and didn’t get it. I guess you have to give Hartman an awful lot of credit. He made plays to keep his team in the game, and ultimately it won his team in the game”

On the fouls suffered by Edson Buddle:
“Buddle was fouled an awful lot. He got kicked in the head, got cut in the box, he was clotheslined on one play. I think he got frustrated certainly. That’s how it has been all year. I think Edson Buddle was the most fouled player in the league this year, and very rarely got a call in his favor. Did it make a difference in the game, I don’t think so.”

On FC Dallas’ first goal:
“It is against the run of play, but what can you say. Give them credit. I think [Ferreira] was obviously outstanding tonight. He and Hartman obviously were the difference in that first half.”

On David Beckham’s injury:
“David played well. He was hurt. David showed a lot of character playing for 90 minutes. We saw 15 minutes in that he had a problem. He hung in there, and we talked to him at halftime and there was a chance we were going to take him off but he stayed in. If we have all of our players with his kind of character and commitment, we would continue to do well. He did well given the circumstances. It wasn’t easy for him to play with that injury and he hung in there.”

On not having another serious scoring threat besides Edson Buddle:
“We won the most games in the league by a large number. We scored probably the second most goals in the league. Would it be nice to have another forward that can score 17 or 18 goals. Of course, but I don’t think that’s the reason why we weren’t successful tonight. Landon played up there for 40 minutes and didn’t really get any chances. We weren’t sharp tonight. Our passing wasn’t good. I look at this game, we got outplayed in most of the matchups on the field. When that happens the chances of winning are not good. I think, in all fairness, that’s how I summarize the game. We were outplayed man for man.”

On what he said to the team after the game:
“I spoke to them briefly. I thanked them for the season. I think especially after losing a game like this, there is going to be a lot of disappointment, but you can’t forget about the fact that they had a pretty good season. They had the third most points in the history of the league. For the most part, it was a good year. We certainly wanted to win the championship, but when you fall short I don’t think it is fair to ignore everything else that happened previous to that. On the night, we were beat. There is no excuse, but we got beat. We had everything positioned for us to win this game tonight, and we didn’t win it. You don’t look anywhere else but inside our locker room and we all take responsibility for it, the coaches and the players. We are going to move on from here and respect the fact that we had a good year and under a lot of odd circumstances and issues. Am I disappointed in the way it has ended. Of course, but I not going to ignore the fact that we are starting to move forward with this team and franchise.”

LA Galaxy Forward Landon Donovan

On the result:
“We’re disappointed obviously, just in the result. I think the effort was fine. I think our willingness to put everything into was good. I think at the end of the day it was pretty simple, they made the plays they needed. They had five shots on goal and scored three. We had a bunch more and didn’t score. Their goalie played out of his mind. In soccer, a goalie can be a great equalizer and he certainly was tonight.”

On Dallas’ defense:
“They defended really well. I give them a lot of credit. Early on we broke them down quite a few times and we were unlucky or Hartman made a good save. Their defending as a group was good. For the most part, we were pretty solid. A few plays broke down and they made us pay. They didn’t waste their chances.”

On the officiating:
“The problem is when things don’t get called and they lead to goals—it’s frustrating. I think the first goal, Eddie gets pushed in the back and fell and they continue on and score. I think overall the official did an OK job. If there were a few missed calls, it certainly didn’t excuse losing 3-0.”

On the physical play against Edson Buddle:
“It’s happened all year to him. It’s kind, not quite the same analogy, but like Shaq when he plays, he’s so strong and physically and gets fouled almost every play and the refs don’t call it. That’s happened to Edson a lot, and it’s happened all year.”

On Dallas:
“They are a good team. I give them a lot of credit. They made a few really good plays. The first goal was a fantastic goal from David [Ferreira]. It almost came out of nothing. It’s almost hard to remember what happened on the play. The next thing you know, the ball is in the back of your net. They had nothing for nothing for 25 minutes, and then they made the play that changed the game.”

On the season ending:
“You’re always disappointed when you lose. We put a lot into this year, and anytime you don’t win, it’s disappointing, especially on your home field. It’s just the way it is. This team is used to winning, and it hurts when you lose.”

On the play of David Beckham:
“He hasn’t been at full strength since he’s been back. He’s got a lot of different things going on. When you come back at that age from an Achilles injury, there are going to be residual effects. My hats off to him—he’s played through a lot of pain, more than you guys know. He’s been struggling the last few weeks with a couple of different things, but he’s a competitor and he wants to keep going.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham

On his reaction to the loss:
“Obviously it was disappointing to go out like this at home. A game away from the final, so obviously we are disappointed. I think overall it’s been a good season. If you step back and look at the way we’ve played, but it counts for nothing because we are out.”

On Dallas’ goal:
“It hit us hard, I think. I knew when we kept getting the chances, one didn’t go in. It was going to happen. We stepped off the pedal for a moment, and they got their first goal. It seemed to knock us out. We should have kept on playing our football, the way we’ve been playing all season, but I think we panicked a little bit and we couldn’t get back into the game. Like I said, we’re a good team, a good team of young players, and we’ll get over this and push forward for next season.”

On the officiating:
“I don’t want to get myself in trouble with even commenting on that tonight because it puts a sour note on Dallas as well. Full credit to them, they played well tonight. They deserved to win. Yeah, some of the calls weren’t right, but that’s the way it goes.”

On the club’s inability to score in the first half:
“I think if one of the goals would have gone it, it would have calmed us down. We would have gone on all and played and won the game. But, like I said, full credit to Dallas, they are good team. They’ll be good in the final.”

On Kevin Hartman:
“Funny thing was the manager spoke about him all week because of his injury. He had a great game, and we wish him good luck on the final.”

On his performance:
“At the end of the day, as long as I give 110 percent in every game, like I do, I’ll look at myself in the mirror and know that I’ve done that. It’s just disappointing to go out the way we’ve gone out.”

On judging the season as a whole:
“It’s harder to take when we’ve played the way we’ve played and won the way we’ve won. We’ve worked as a team all season, and not to go all the way and to not win something is very frustrating. We have a lot of young players on this team and a lot of good players on this team, hopefully we can keep a majority of our team and keep that stability because why we’ve had success is because of the stability we’ve had.”

LA Galaxy Forward Edson Buddle

On the physicality of the game:
“I think they got the refs attention early in the game where they were worried about me throwing elbows and maybe that didn’t work to my advantage and the ref didn’t call some of the fouls on them. I think he let some things go both ways. It was a physical match and with a game like this, there is a lot at stake. It didn’t catch me by surprise. It is something I have been dealing with all year. With that being said, I have to commend them on their win tonight.”

On Dallas’ offensive attack:
“We were pressing after they got that goal. I think we did a good job of pressing them early and Hartman did what he was supposed to do, stop balls from going into the net. After they got that goal, we opened up a little bit and they got the second one and from there, they just kept coming.”

LA Galaxy Defender Omar Gonzalez

On the first goal:
“At that point, it didn’t really deflate us. There was still a lot of game to be played. We still had tons of chances that we didn’t finish. Hartman did well, and their defense did well to stop us. I think that is the way soccer goes sometimes and it just wasn’t our day.”

On the game overall:
“Hartman did a phenomenal job for them. He kept them in the game. We had tons of chances in the first half, but we just couldn’t score. They get one chance in the first half and they finish it. That is just the way things go. We were dominating in the first half and then they scored. In the second half, we just got beat.”

On the Galaxy’s effort:
“We didn’t stop fighting. We were still trying to get a goal at the end. I think we had a great effort, it just didn’t go our way tonight.”

FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman:

On winning tonight:
“I guess the opening statement would be it’s fantastic to be here. Winning a Western Conference Championship for the first time in the history of FC Dallas and defeating a very, very good team. We had to play exceptionally well. Looking across the field, we really didn’t have a player that didn’t have a good game. It took every player having a good game for us to get this result. I couldn’t be any more proud of this team and their performance tonight.”

On the play of Kevin Hartman:
“Kevin Hartman has been unbelievable. You know Kevin from the area and when he played for the Galaxy. He just fell into our laps just before preseason. After our third game, he started for us and has been tremendous. He picked up a unique injury and that is why you didn’t see him taking any of the goal kicks. When he is on the field, he organizes so well. What you saw tonight was tremendous saves, one after another, especially in the first half when LA was really putting the heat on us. We scored the first goal, and it changed the game a put us in a situation where they had to chase us. Coming out in the second half, you saw the great save he made there on David Beckham. He could very well be the man of the match. David Ferreira could be, George John, Ugo Ihemelu, Daniel Hernandez, but Kevin was exceptional.”

On the play of Dallas’ attack:
“The game had some moments, and those key moments make the whole difference. They hit a couple of shots, one on an open goal when Kevin came out and they missed it. That’s not the same Galaxy team that we have seen all year that would capitalize and put those opportunities away. I think where we caught them by surprise was in going with Atiba Harris in the attack. I don’t think they were ready for Atiba Harris. Atiba had a very good game. We thought that Omar would have a few more problems with Atiba because he is big and strong and physical. I think Atiba really surprised us with how well he held the ball under pressure. Chavez was making those darting runs. I call him the mosquito because he is small and irritable. He irritates defenders. I thought David [Ferreira] was fantastic with the balls that he was sending in there. All in all, I don’t if it was LA having a so-called bad game, I just think that we had an exceptional game.”

On the focus coming into this game:
“This week in training, we emphasized two things. The first thing was the diagonal ball that Beckham was going to be sending in and you saw that the whole second half. David [Ferreira] said ‘Coach we are a good team, why are we so concerned with LA’, and I said because I think we are going to see this so many times. I’m not so concerned that we win the diagonal ball, I was more concerned that we win the second ball. The other think we focused on this week was the counter attack. We are a good team that counterattacks well. We don’t want to think that we are just a good counterattacking team. We keep preaching to our players, think forward, look forward, pass forward and run forward. We keep saying that every game and we want to instill that mentality that when people get the ball we are running forward. I think we caught LA on their back heels. If you remember the first half, we had a couple of great chances that we didn’t get anything out of, but we had three or four people counterattacking.”

On the matchup against Colorado in MLS Cup:
“Good team. Obviously, interesting. I think Bruce [Arena] predicted that a team from the West is going to win MLS Cup. I go along with him on that. Right now, I think Colorado is a good team and they will probably be a little bit more acclimatized to that weather than we are. At the same time, we will be at our best. These games only come so often in one’s lifetime. If it is good enough, then we are going to win the MLS Cup. If it is not good enough, we know we will have given our best.”

FC Dallas Midfielder David Ferreira (translated from Spanish)
On the 2010 season:
“I believe we have gotten here by playing it calm and cool. We have gone from having nothing to having everything and with the same humbleness we are going to Canada, but with respect to Colorado knowing that we are close to making history. Tonight we are going to celebrate this victory and tomorrow we start focusing on the MLS Cup.”

FC Dallas Midfielder Daniel Hernandez
On the team’s performance:
“Tonight was impressive. Coming into LA, at there house, great fans and great atmosphere, we knew it was going to be tough. Even at half time being up 1-0 we knew they were going to come out with everything in the second half. We stepped up played with a lot of heart and a lot of character. This just shows the character of this team that we have shown all year and it was no different today. I thought that in the second half we just completely dominated LA; with all due respect to them I know they’ve had a great year. We came in here with a lot of heart and a goal and that was to get to the MLS Cup.”

FC Dallas Midfielder Dax McCarty
On playing the Colorado Rapids in MLS Cup:
“During the regular season they gave us a tough game both times. They are very dangerous attacking with [Conor] Casey and [Omar] Cummings. We know that they are defending well at the moment but we obviously are going to be very confident getting a great result like we did against LA. We are under no illusions this is going to be a dog fight in Toronto.”

On his performance tonight:
“Playing against LA they do such a great job in the midfield it is tough to get forward they really pressure you high all over the field. Sometimes it wasn’t the prettiest from us in the middle especially from me but I was just trying to work hard and get our outlet passes out to the guys to get them on the counter attack but it was just an overall great team performance by us.”

On the team:
“We don’t have any DP’s and we don’t have any superstars. Obviously David Ferreira in my eyes is the MVP of the league. He has been absolutely quality. He is probably the steal of the past decade in terms of what you get out of him. If the league is just he will get the MVP. We are just a bunch of hard working guys. Schellas [Hyndman] brought in the right players. We play towards our system, we play towards our strengths and we are not afraid of anyone. We are not afraid of LA. I think I said before the game I don’t think we are under dogs and I think we showed that tonight.”

FC Dallas Midfielder Brek Shea
On heading to the final
“I am excited. This is the first time this club has ever been to a final and the first time I have ever been to a final, it will probably the most important game of my career so far. I am excited, we can’t wait.”

On playing facing Colorado in the final
“They are a good team. They have very good forwards with Conor Casey and Omar Cummings. You saw Omar’s speed getting behind San Jose. He had a lot of chances last night so we have to prepare for that and hopefully we go out and play the way we know we can play and get a good result.”

On the team:
“Our team is very close. I think there are 29 players including the guys that aren’t here everyone is very close. Everyone hangs out with each other. It is the closest team I have ever been on. Every one is friends with everyone. It is pretty cool how everyone gets along with everyone. There are never any fights. Obviously on the training field people get into it but they help each other. No one is negative. It is incredible.”

FC Dallas Defender Ugo Ihemelu
On tonight's game:
“This game was a prime example of our season, the guys on this team, the character of all the players on this team. We knew it was going to be a tough game coming to LA. They have had a great season, they have a few designated players, guys with real talent, but we came and out worked them and played as a team and that was the result we had tonight.”

Galaxy Season Ends with 3-0 Loss to FC Dallas in Western Conference Championship

2010-11-14T20:16:00.001-08:00

LA Galaxy 0, FC Dallas 3
Western Conference Championship
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
FCD – David Ferreira 1 (Marvin Chavez 1, Atiba Harris 1) 26’
FCD – George John 1 (Brek Shea 2, Ugo Ihemelu 1) 54’
FCD – Marvin Chavez 1 (David Ferreira 3) 73’

Misconduct Summary:
LA – Dema Kovalenko (Yellow Card) 31’
LA – David Beckham (Yellow Card) 73’
LA – Chris Birchall (Yellow Card) 82’
LA – Alex Cazumba (Yellow Card) 84’
FCD – Zach Loyd (Yellow Card) 85’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Eddie Lewis (Jovan Kirovski 82’); Dema Kovalenko (Chris Birchall 65’), Juninho, David Beckham, Landon Donovan©; Mike Magee (Alex Cazumba 55’), Edson Buddle.

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Gregg Berhalter, Todd Dunivant, Michael Stephens.

FC Dallas: Kevin Hartman; Jackson, George John, Ugo Ihemelu, Jair Benitez; Daniel Hernandez©, Dax McCarty (Eric Alexander 87’), Marvin Chavez (Zach Loyd 74’), David Ferreira, Brek Shea; Atiba Harris.

Subs Not Used: Dario Sala, Bruno Guarda, Eric Avila, Jeff Cunningham, Ruben Luna.

Notes:
• With the loss, the Galaxy have been eliminated from the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.
• With the loss, the Galaxy are now 2-2-0 all-time when reaching the Western Conference Championship under the current playoff format, winning the game in 2005 and 2009 while losing in 2004 and now 2010.
• The Galaxy finish the year 2-1-0 against FC Dallas in all competitions, winning both games in the regular season, but losing tonight.
• Bruce Arena named an unchanged starting XI on the evening, using the same 11 starters that played both legs of the Western Conference Semifinal Series against Seattle. The only change in the 18-man squad was the return of Michael Stephens, who was in the 18-man squad for the first time during the postseason. He replaced Tristan Bowen, who did not dress, on the bench.
• Nine of the 11 players that started for the Galaxy tonight also started in the 2009 Western Conference Championship. The only differences between the two starting lineups were Eddie Lewis and Juninho included in the lineup in place of Gregg Berhalter and Chris Klein.
• David Ferreira scored in the 26th minute to give FC Dallas a 1-0 lead. This was the first time all postseason that the Galaxy trailed in a game.
• The goal was the first goal that the Galaxy had allowed in the first half of a postseason game since the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinal Series against Chivas USA on November 1, 2009.
• The Galaxy went into halftime trailing 1-0. This was the first time that they did not score in the first half of a playoff game this season. During the regular season, LA were 0-5-1 when trailing at halftime.
• The Galaxy went into the half trailing despite outshooting Dallas 8-3 and holding a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal.
• The Galaxy went behind 2-0 in the 54th minute when George John scored his first-ever postseason goal. This was the first time that the Galaxy trailed 2-0 in a postseason game since the 2004 Western Conference Championship at Kansas City, a game that the Wizards won 2-0.
• Shortly after that goal, Alex Cazumba entered the game for Mike Magee, making his MLS Cup Playoff debut.
• Dallas went in front 3-0 in the 73rd minute through Marvin Chavez, who finished off a feed from David Ferreira.
• The 3-0 loss tied the record for the Galaxy’s biggest postseason defeat. The had lost by three goals on four other occasions, including once against Dallas in 1997.
• The Galaxy had not been shutout in 10 straight postseason games before tonight, dating back to their 2-0 loss to Kansas City in the 2004 Western Conference Championship.
• Donovan Ricketts made two saves in the game, but suffered his first-ever postseason loss. He is now 4-1-1 in the MLS Cup Playoffs. He saw his goals against average rise from 0.66 to 0.99 after allowing a postseason career-high three goals.
• Prior to tonight’s game, the Galaxy had not allowed three goals in a postseason game since losing 5-2 in the second leg of the 2003 Western Conference Championship against San Jose.
• This was the Galaxy’s first home postseason loss since 1998, when they lost 1-0 to the Chicago Fire. The Galaxy are now 20-3-1 all-time at home in the postseason.
• The Galaxy were 2-6-2 during the regular season when allowing the first goal.
• LA are now 4-11-4 all-time when allowing the first goal in the postseason.
• The Galaxy have now allowed a goal in 12 consecutive MLS games at home, last keeping a clean sheet on May 15 against Toronto FC.
• Including the regular season, the Galaxy finish the year 10-5-2 at home this season.
• The attendance for today’s game was a sellout crowd of 27,000. This was the Galaxy’s second consecutive home postseason sellout and their fourth in the last five games at the stadium.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Western Conference Championship Is Set To Kickoff

2010-11-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

We are just moments away from kickoff here at The Home Depot Center, where the LA Galaxy will take on FC Dallas for the right to represent the Western Conference in Toronto at MLS Cup.

This is the second consecutive season the LA Galaxy are hosting a team from Texas in a Western Conference Championship, last year the club hosted and defeated Houston, 2-0, in extratime.

For the second straight game, Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena has elected to not make any changes to his lineup, naming the same starting XI that he used in both legs of the Western Conference Semifinal Series agianst the Seattle Sounders FC.

Here is the complete Galaxy squad that Arena will put on the field tonight...

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

Donovan--------------Juninho------------------Beckham

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

Lewis--------Gonzalez-------DeLaGarza--------Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Berhalter, Alex Cazumba, Dunivant, Birchall, Stephens, Kirovski.

And here is how FC Dallas will line up for head coach Schellas Hyndman.

----------------------------Harris--------------------------

Shea----------------------Ferreira---------------------Chavez

---------------Hernandez-------------McCarty------------------

Benitez--------Ihemelu---------------John--------------Jsckson

------------------------Hartman----------------------------

Subs: Sala, Loyd, Alexander, Avila, Guarda, Cunningham, Luna

This Week Inside the Galaxy - Western Conference Championship

2010-11-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

Join us This Week Inside the Galaxy as we look ahead to Sunday's Western Conference Championship against FC Dallas and look back at the Night the Lights Went Out against Houston in the 2009 Western Conference Championship against Houston.

Getting Ready for Gameday

2010-11-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

The Western Conference Championship is just over 48 hours away and the Galaxy continue to prepare for FC Dallas. With the team fully recovered and rested from last weekend's game against the Sounders, Bruce Arena and the rest of the coaching staff amped up the intensity at training a few levels this afternoon.

After today's session, Bruce, Landon, David and Edson all stopped to speak with reporters about the challenges that Dallas present and the club's quest to return to MLS Cup for a second straight season.

Here is what they had to say.

Bruce...

Landon...

David...

Edson...

For more photos from today's training session, check out the photo gallery on LAGalaxy.com.

Focusing on FC Dallas

2010-11-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Three days remove from Sunday. Three days removed from hosting FC Dallas in the Western Conference Championship at The Home Depot Center.

The LA Galaxy were a "focused" group on Thursday as they went through their usual training session ahead of this weekend's 6 p.m. conference championship. You can tell the guys are more focused just by looking at the photo above of Landon, or reading the article that came out in today's edition of the LA Times.

But it's not just Landon, it's everybody that is focused on the task at hand.

After the workout, we caught up with a few of the guys to get their thoughts on this weekend's opponent, what's been going on at training and compare this year's to last year's conference championship.

Dema...

Michael...

Gregg...

Mike...

Below are more photos today's training session, as well as two photos of Landon from yesterday's in-studio interview with The Loose Cannons on AM 570, where after the interview Landon jumped on the phones to help out with the radio station's fundraiser for the Paralyzed Veterans of American which raised over $115,000.

One Day Left to Vote for Goal and Save of the Year

2010-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Juninho's long range strike against Seattle on July 4 is one of 30 goals that have been nominated for the AT&T Goal of the Year award while Donovan Ricketts' reflex save off Columbus forward Steven Lenhart's close range header on May 29 is one of 30 nominees for the NAPA Save of the Year award.

Click here to watch Juninho's blast once again, as well to vote for his goal.

And click here to see Ricketts' save once again and to vote for it.

Voting for both awards ends Thursday night at 8:59 p.m. (PT).

The Save of the Year award debuted in 2009 and no Galaxy player has ever won it, while Juninho is looking to become the third Galaxy player to win the Goal of the Year award, joining Landon Donovan who claimed the prize last year for his curling, left-footed volley at New England and Carlos Ruiz who won the award in 2002.

Look Back at Seattle Sweep

2010-11-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

Seattle is in the rear view mirror and FC Dallas is all that stands between the Galaxy and a second straight berth in MLS Cup.

With the team off today there is not expected to be much if any news coming out of the team this afternoon, so uses this time to look back one last time at the 2-1 win over Seattle on Sunday night.

Enjoy.

Bowen Gets International Call

2010-11-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Galaxy forward Tristan Bowen was one of 18 players named to the U.S. Under-20 National Team for the upcoming Torneo de las Americas in Kennesaw, Ga. Thomas Rongen’s team is scheduled to report to camp starting on Sunday, November 21 before opening the three-team, round robin tournament against Colombia on Friday, November, 26 and then facing Mexico on Sunday, November 28.

Bowen, who has also played for the U.S. Under-18 National Team, played in 17 regular season games for the Galaxy in 2010 while also playing in both of the club’s CONCACAF Champions League games and the U.S. Open Cup Third Round win over AC St. Louis. Bowen had two goals and two assists in the regular season while also adding a goal in the friendly win over Boca Juniors. This is his first inclusion with the U.S. U-20’s since a three-game trip to Spain in November 2008.

If the Galaxy advance to MLS Cup in Toronto, Bowen would not join up with the U-20’s until after that game, which will be played on Sunday, November 21. As a result of being in this camp, Bowen will not accompany the Galaxy to Australia for their friendly against the A-League’s Newcastle Jets on Saturday, November 27.

CORRECTED: Doing The "John Wall Dance"

2010-11-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

It was very brief, but there is no denying what happened. After beating Seattle's defense and burying a header past Kasey Keller, Omar Gonzalez celebrated by sticking out his chest, flexing his right arm and doing the "The John Wall Dance".

What's the John Wall Dance? It's a dance move popularized by Washington Wizards rookie John Wall while he was at the University of Kentucky. The dance was back in the national spotlight last month when Wall incorporated the move into his rendition of "the Dougie" prior to his first NBA home game (see video below).

While we've seen Wall and others do the dance on SportsCenter and other places, this is the first time we've seen a soccer player doing it on the pitch. Our reaction: Not bad.

So, in case you missed it, check out the highlight of Omar's goal again. The University of Maryland-product busts out the dance move at the 11 second mark. (Feel free to send us videos of yourself doing the same dance movie while wearing Galaxy gear.)

Postgame Reaction to Series Win over Seattle

2010-11-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

Here is what Edson, Omar and David had to say on the field after the game.

And here is what players and coaches from both sides had to say in the locker rooms after the games...

LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena

On tonight’s win:
“It’s obviously a very good win for our team. I thought we played very well in the first half. The second half, we were a little bit sloppy in the last 20 minutes. If we had been a little smarter, a little sharper, perhaps we would have gotten that third goal and really killed the game. Give Seattle credit, they never quit. They came at us right until the end. It was a tough battle for 95 minutes.”

On tonight’s performance compared to others this season:
“We played well in the first half. Whether it is the best we have played all season, I’m not sure. In a game of this magnitude, this time of the year, I am pleased with it. Whether it is the best we have played, I don’t know, but it was certainly good enough to carry us through the second half, and push us through in the series.”

On the injury to Donovan Ricketts:
“No, but obviously, [Fernandez] went in with him and you could see he got cleated. We were hopeful that it was only a bruise and not a ligament or anything and that is what it turned out to be. But it took him five or ten minutes to shake it off.”

On the defensive performance:
“They played well for 70 minutes. I think we got a little tired and Seattle started throwing everyone forward. We didn’t do a good enough job getting to the ball. We gave it away at times, a little bit too early. All in all, I think they played well. I think this Montero is a terrific player and to be able to hold him in two games is pretty impressive. They have a good team, and we played well. We are going to need more of that next week against Dallas.”

On starting Eddie Lewis over Todd Dunivant:
“Eddie played well last week. He is pretty rested. Todd didn’t get into practice until Thursday, so we felt Eddie was a little fitter, and a little bit more prepared to play in this game.”

On David Beckham’s set pieces:
“Terrific. The second one in particular, that Omar scored on, was a great goal. David is getting back in form. He had a tough week recovering from the field in Seattle. He started to come around on Friday. I thought he put in a good effort tonight. His reputation on set pieces is well-known, well-respected, and well-earned. Tonight, it was the difference in the game.”

On the defensive effort to keep the ball from Seattle’s wingers:
“It is having a collection of players behind the ball and being in good blocks. Also, having a good understanding of where their strength is, and their strength is certainly in Zakuani and Montero, but at times, Nkufo did a decent job of coming in underneath and getting them possession and letting them advance the ball. There wasn’t that particular tactic as much as we had to have a good combined effort in defending which we have gotten in this series, and I think that is the way we were able to neutralize Seattle’s attack.”

LA Galaxy Forward Landon Donovan

On the team’s defensive performance:
“It’s the playoffs. That’s what it takes. We have guys with a lot of experience in how to play in games like this. Talk about the defense all you want, but we still scored two goals and had some chance to score more.”

On the wing play of the Sounders:
“I watched a lot of their games at the end of the year, and that was certainly their strength. Zakuani and Nyassi were playing very well, so we knew if we took that part of their game away, we would beat them. They didn’t do as well as they had in previous games and I would attribute that to how well we played.”

On the team’s desire to defeat the Sounders:
“We heard for a week before we played them how happy they were to play us in this series, and my guess is that they probably have some different feelings now.”

On the injury to Donovan Ricketts:
“We have seen him go down before. Like all goalies, he puts his body on the line. He is tough and when all is said and done, he is a tough guy, but also we are ok with it because we have got a guy behind him (Josh Saunders) who could start on most teams in this league.”

On the two goals:
“Great finishes. Fantastic service from David. This is the best David has played since he has been a Galaxy player. He is inspiring everyone with the way he is running, the way he is defending, with the way he is talking on the field and leading. He has been fantastic.”

LA Galaxy Forward Edson Buddle

On the fans chanting MVP:
“It feels good. At the end of the day the league makes the decision, but it’s good that the fans recognize the way I’ve been playing.”

On his first goal:
“I think the ball just went over Omar’s head and when that happened I just continued my run and got a good head on it and redirected it. In the playoffs thing are going to be tight, so I expected that (Marshall to be marking tight on the play), but I was still able to get good contact on it and that’s why I found the net.”

On his confidence:
“This season has been going pretty well, as far as scoring goals. My team is getting me the ball in the right position and it’s making my job a lot easier.”

On the Galaxy’s experience advantage over Seattle:
“I think last year’s experienced helped with this year. It feels like we’ve been here before and we’re hungry to get back to the Final and finish the job. I can definitely feel that in the locker room.”

Overall thoughts on FC Dallas:
“From the last matchup we just played, not too long ago, it’s going to be very physical and they have good chemistry. It’s going to be tough to get opportunities, especially in a semifinal game.”

LA Galaxy Defender Omar Gonzalez

On his goal:
“Definitely. I think that I could have gotten at least the two before hand. The one Edson scored on, I was pretty close too. I was feeling pretty good, and just happy to get one.”

On the set piece that set up his goal:
“It was a foul outside the box, maybe about ten yards outside the box on the right side. I was just trying to get into that space behind them and I curled my run inside, instead of trying to go behind them and I just found a ton of space.”

On David Beckham’s free kicks:
“David does wonders with the ball, so it is just great having him on this team. He really showed everyone why he is here.”

On the defensive performance:
“It is one of the strongest. We still gave up a goal which is kind of a bummer. I would have rather had a shutout, but you know it happens. We did well enough in the first game and tonight to be up two goals. I think we did well and we just have to keeping playing well defensively and go from there.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham

On if the team’s character this season:
“We had a good opportunity last year. Obviously, we didn’t go all the way and win the whole thing, so we are happy so far and we are performing well. I think the character is showing through. We still have two matches, obviously one more to go to get through to the final, and hopefully we can do that. We can only do that with hard work, character, and the professionalism that we have shown so far.”

On his drive to succeed:
“It doesn’t make any difference. I am always driven to be successful, and I am always driven to win. Obviously, having the injury was a disappointment, but my drive has never been an issue. I have always wanted success. I am 35-years-old now and I still want it as much as I did when I was 18 and 19.”

On his free kicks:
“Obviously, it is what I have done for many years, but it is important to me to have players to put the ball on the top of their heads or on their feet. I know that if I put the ball in the right area, we have brave enough players, we have good enough players to score goals. It worked tonight. Some other games, it hasn’t worked, but tonight it worked.”

On regaining full fitness:
“I think obviously it is my kind of preseason. I’m still trying to get fitness. It helps when I play the full 90 minutes. I’m still getting the aches and the pains of preseason. I felt physically good tonight. I think if I look after my body like I have done since I have been back, then hopefully I will continue to progress.”

On recovering from playing on Seattle’s turf:
“It was a tough week recovering. When you play on that kind of surface, especially after the injury that I had, it is going to take time. It was a good week because I got most days in training. I think there is only one day that I missed and the rest was good. Tonight was a good night for us.”

LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts

On the team’s strong defensive performance:
“We are finishing the way we started. Strong defensively. If you want to win a championship, you have to be strong defensively, so that is good.”

On the possibility of leaving the game due to injury:
“No, I never leave games unless something is broken, so no chance. It was painful initially, but as the game went on, it got a little bit better.”

On their goal:
“They needed to score. We knew they were going to come hard. Unfortunately, I let a soft goal in and it put us on our back foot for the remainder of the game, but we came through.”

LA Galaxy Defender Todd Dunivant

On playing 10 minutes:
“It felt good. Didn’t feel anything. It was good to get out there and get back into the flow and running again. So, yeah, it felt great.”

On the Galaxy’s effort:
“Superb. When you get two goals in the first half and put them on their heels like that and get a 3-0 advantage, obviously it takes a lot of the pressure off and really makes the game for you. So that was great, got us to a start and we were able to defend off of that.”

On the pairing of Gonzalez and DeLaGarza:
“They’ve done great. Every time he’s been asked too, AJ has stepped in and done a good job for us and he’s done it in the big games in the last little bit. They are on a good form, they won the National Championship together in Maryland and they are carrying that same success over to this.”

On if that was the Galaxy’s best game:
“I wouldn’t say that. I thought we could have finished the game a little bit better, we gave them a few too many chances when the game opened up, so I think there’s still room for improvement, but when you score two goals off of set pieces like that and finish your chances that’s doing things right.”

Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid

On the Sounders performance:
“Basically, we started off the game poorly, put ourselves behind the eight ball. They scored on two set pieces. I think we showed some character in the second half, created enough chances, but creating chances alone doesn’t do it. You have to score goals.”

On the play of the Galaxy in the first half:
“I think we did more things to ourselves in the first half. They really came out with the same structure, but the game was too big an occasion for a couple of guys on our team. They just turned over the ball, and turned over the ball in bad positions.”

On his team’s lack of experience in big games:
“It’s a lack of experience. Obviously when you are playing a 23-year-old midfielder against a 32-year-old and you have Beckham who has played in a lot of big games. We have a lot of guys who haven’t been in those big games yet and the only way you get that experience is by being in those games.”

On the team moving forward:
“We still have to grow up a little bit. What we have done as a franchise, we have been in five competitions in two years and we have won two championships. I think that is pretty good. You know, the Galaxy is still looking for its first championship in these two seasons. Whether you attach importance to the Open Cup or not, it’s still a competition and you are trying to win. For us though, it is still a matter of maturing and growing up, getting into those big games and understanding each other. We are still building the team. There are still new guys out there. We lost a lot of guys to injury.”

On the performance tonight:
“We still are not there yet. We have to get better. We cannot give up goals on set pieces like that. We can’t start to play 20 minutes into the game. We have to start to play sooner.”

On his substitutions:
“We made the changes I felt comfortable with. We brought in Fernandez to give us a little bit more possession of the ball. On the wings, we went into a 3-5-2 pretty early when we brought in Fucito. He has shown very well in training. Then we came with Jaqua late and stayed in a 3-5-2. When you look at the chances we had in the second half, there were four goals in there for us. The one Jaqua just misses, the one Alonso has, the one Montero has. Zakuani has one earlier. There were enough chances to bang away goals and to get three was not impossible.”

Seattle Sounders FC Goalkeeper Kasey Keller

On tonight’s game:
“Obviously we didn’t mark well on set pieces and we paid the price for it. We put ourselves in a big hole. I was proud of the way the guys responded in the second half. We didn’t roll over and die. We made it very difficult. We had chances to really put them in a difficult situation but in the end over the two legs the better team won and we know what we have to do next year.”

Seattle Sounders FC Steve Zakuani

On tonight’s game:
“First of all congratulations to LA. Over the two legs it was the better team that took the chances. I felt we put ourselves in a hole giving away two goals early on coming in already trailing 1-0 so it was going to be tough. We did the best we could. It wasn’t good enough this year. We have to go away and live to fight another day next year.”

On the team’s performance:
“We gave up two bad goals. You can’t do that against a team like LA. They have some world class service from David Beckham. Edson finished the first one well and Omar [Gonzalez] made the second one but like I said we put ourselves in a hole. We didn’t play too bad. We had a lot of chances. We could have scored three or four towards the end but we missed them. In this kind of game at this stage of the play offs it is about taking your chances. Over the two legs they did better than we did.”

Seattle Sounders FC Defender Tyrone Marshall

On tonight’s game:
“It was one of those games. We gave up two goals early in the first half off set plays and it put us behind the eight ball quick. I think we got into a good rhythm in terms of getting the ball wide and getting them in. Give it to LA for putting the pressure on us. In the second half I thought we came out with some more urgency. We got the goal but it was too late. We had some chances earlier but obviously we were in such a deep hole, it was like climbing a mountain. I thought in the second half we showed good character, we fought till the end but it was unfortunate we came up short. Looking back it was a good season. We made some good strides in terms of our playing and our personnel. We just have to come back ready again. Bring it again next year and perhaps go a bit further.”

Seattle Sounders FC Forward Fredy Montero (Translated from Spanish)

On Zakuani’s goal:
“It was too late. We could have had the tying goal, we had the chances. In the second half I think it was more about passing, dribbling and taking chances which led to the scoring opportunities, but that’s how it is. The goalkeeper had another great game and unfortunately we couldn’t advance.”

On Seattle’s season:
“I am never happy with what I do. I always want to do better. But it wasn’t an easy year for us. We know that the first half of the season was difficult, we weren’t playing well, we weren’t scoring and we weren’t in a playoff spot. In the second half of the season we made a come back. We got our act together and we qualified for the playoffs. We are happy with what we achieved but once again we fall short. We have to learn from this so we don’t repeat it again next year.”

Galaxy Advance to Second Straight Western Conference Championship with 2-1 Win

2010-11-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

LA Galaxy 2, Seattle Sounders FC 1
Western Conference Semifinal Series – Game Two
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Galaxy Win Series 3-1 on Aggregate

Scoring Summary:
LA – Edson Buddle 2 (David Beckham 1) 19’
LA – Omar Gonzalez 1 (David Beckham 2) 27’
SEA – Steve Zakuani 1 (Nate Jaqua 1) 86’

Misconduct Summary:
LA – David Beckham (Yellow Card) 8’
SEA – Patrick Ianni (Yellow Card) 65’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Eddie Lewis; Dema Kovalenko (Chris Birchall 74’), Juninho, David Beckham, Landon Donovan©; Mike Magee (Todd Dunivant 80’), Edson Buddle (Tristan Bowen 71’).

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Gregg Berhalter, Alex Cazumba, Jovan Kirovski.

Seattle Sounders FC: Kasey Keller©; James Riley, Tyrone Marshall, Patrick Ianni (Nate Jaqua 77’), Leo Gonzalez; Osvaldo Alonso, Nathan Sturgis (Michael Fucito 64’), Sanna Nyassi (Alvaro Fernandez 46’), Steve Zakuani; Fredy Montero, Blaise Nkufo.

Subs Not Used: Terry Boss, Taylor Graham, Tyson Wahl, Roger Levesque.

Notes:
• With the win, the Galaxy advance to the Western Conference Championship where they will host FC Dallas. FC Dallas advanced past Real Salt Lake in their Western Conference Semifinal Series, winning 3-2 on aggregate.
• This is the second straight season that the Galaxy have advance to the Western Conference Championship and the tenth time in club history that they have reached this round of the postseason. Of the first nine trips to this round of the postseason, the Galaxy have advanced to MLS Cup a record six times.
• Under the current playoff format, which began in 2003, the Galaxy have reached the Western Conference Championship all four times that they made the postseason, advancing to MLS Cup in 2005 and 2009 while losing the Conference Championship at Kansas City in 2004.
• Since MLS adopted the current playoff format in 2003, the Galaxy are now 3-1-1 all-time in the second leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series. In the previous five trips to this round of the playoffs, they have now advanced to the Conference Championship four times.
• The Galaxy finish the year 4-1-0 against the Sounders in all competitions this season, winning both regular season games as well as both games of the Western Conference Semifinal Series, while losing in the Quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup.
• Bruce Arena named an unchanged starting XI on the evening, using the same 11 starters that played in the first leg against Seattle. The only change in the 18-man squad was the return of Todd Dunivant, who missed the first leg with a right hamstring strain. He replaced Chris Klein on the bench.
• While Dunivant returned, the Galaxy were without Leonardo, who did not train this week because of left knee pain.
• LA was also without Yohance Marshall, who on international duty with Trinidad & Tobago, where he played in two of their three Group F games, helping them finish a top their group and earn a spot in the tournament’ final group stage at the end of the month in Martinique.
• Edson Buddle gave the Galaxy in the 19th minute with his second goal of the playoffs. He is now tied with San Jose’ Bobby Convey as the top scorer in the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.
• Buddle has scored the opening goal in each of the Galaxy’s two playoff games this year. Buddle scored LA’s first goal 12 times this season, giving them a 1-0 lead on 11 of those occasions. The Galaxy were 10-1-0 in those 11 games.
• David Beckham assisted on the goal, sending a corner from the right wing into the box for Buddle, who beat Tyrone Marshall to the header. This was Beckham’s first assist of the postseason and the second of his MLS Cup Playoff career.
• Beckham then assisted on the Galaxy’s second goal eight minutes later, sending a freekick into the box for Omar Gonzalez to head home.
• This was the first postseason goal of Gonzalez’s postseason career.
• Buddle was replaced by Tristan Bowen in the 71st minute. This was Bowen’s postseason debut.
• David Beckham was booked for the Galaxy, but Juninho, Jovan Kirovski and Dema Kovalenko were not, meaning that all are eligible for selection in the Western Conference Championship against FC Dallas.
• Steve Zakuani’s goal in the 86th minute was the first postseason goal in Seattle history.
• Before that goal, Donovan Ricketts had allowed just one goal in his last 492 minutes of postseason play.
• Ricketts made three saves in the game and improved his postseason record to 4-0-1.
• The Galaxy have now allowed a goal in 11 consecutive MLS games at home, last keeping a clean sheet on May 15 against Toronto FC.
• The Galaxy are now 22-3-0 all-time in the postseason when scoring two or more goals, with one of those losses coming via the shootout.
• The Galaxy are now 20-2-1 all-time at home in the postseason.
• Including the regular season, the Galaxy are now 10-4-2 at home this season.
• The attendance for today’s game was a sellout crowd of 27,000.
• The Galaxy will host the Western Conference Championship against FC Dallas on Sunday, November 14 at The Home Depot Center. That game kicks off at 6 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Conference Championship Berth on the Line in Carson

2010-11-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

The final spot in the Western Conference Championship is up for grabs as the Galaxy host the Seattle Sounders FC in the second and final leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series. The Galaxy take a 1-0 lead on aggregate into tonight's game and looking for a similar result tonight, Bruce Arena will named an unchanged starting XI. The only change for LA comes on the bench where Todd Dunivant returns from his hamstring injury in place of Chris Klein.

Here is the complete Galaxy squad that Arena will put on the field tonight...

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

Donovan--------------Juninho----------------Beckham

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

Lewis--------Gonzalez-------DeLaGarza-------Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Berhalter, Dunivant, Alex Cazumba, Birchall, Kirovski, Bowen.

And here is how the Seattle Sounders FC will line up for head coach Sigi Schmid, who makes one change to his squad, replacing the injured Jeff Parke with former Galaxy defender Tyrone Marshall.

---------------Montero-----------Nkufo------------------

Zakuani---------------------------------------------Nyassi

---------------Sturgis-------------Alonso------------------

Gonzalez--------Marshall---------Ianni---------------Riley

------------------------Keller----------------------------

Subs: Boss, Graham, Wahl, Fucito, Fernandez, Levesque, Jaqua.

Focused on Sunday

2010-11-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Three quarters of the Conference Championships are set after tonight's results and now the Galaxy will look to complete the group on Sunday evening at The Home Depot Center. The club addressed the press for the final time on Friday afternoon with everyone appearing to be on the same page.
While the guys are happy to be up 1-0 going into the second leg, they know that they will need to reproduce the fighting spirit that they showed in Seattle last weekend. A lot of energy was put into that game while Sunday's second leg could possibly go to 120 minutes, so there was a strong focus on getting the guys back to 100% fitness ahead of Sunday's game.

Helping that cause was the return of two players that missed the opening leg through injury. Todd Dunivant and Michael Stephens each returned to training at the start of this week giving Bruce Arena a nearly full strength squad with which to choose from on Sunday.

Here is what he had to say after training on Friday.

And a bit more from the Galaxy coach...

And if you're in the mood for some video, here is more from Landon, David and Edson from MLSSoccer.com.

And of course don't miss the latest edition of This Week Inside the Galaxy from the previous post

This Week Inside the Galaxy - Set for Seattle

2010-11-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

This Week Inside the Galaxy, we catch up with the new MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Donovan Ricketts and look ahead to Sunday's second leg against Seattle.

Enjoy...

In Praise of Donovan

2010-11-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

In this edition of Galaxy Raw, listen to what Donovan Ricketts' coaches and teammates had to say about the 2010 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

Listening In

2010-11-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

With the buzz around Sunday's game growing, Landon, Sean and Omar popped up on a number of different shows to talk about the game, the series against Seattle and the season so far.

Landon joined the Loose Cannons this afternoon at the start of their third hour today on AM 570. Is this the first edition of the soon to be famous MLS Report? Take a listen (he's the first guest and is on for about nine minutes) and find out.

Sean was one of six postseason performers to join Jason, Greg, Nick and Simon of ExtraTime Radio at MLSSoccer.com. Sean (who joins the program 58 minutes in) talked about making The HDC a fortress ahead of what he hopes is the first of two home playoff games and also handed out some stick to Simon Borg over his "questionable" 3-0 prediction in favor of the Sounders after the opening leg.

Earlier in the morning, Omar joined Steven and Kenny at World Football Daily to discuss his nomination for the Defender of the Year award, his international future and his hopes for Sunday against the Sounders.

Finally, for those of you that were watching the game in Seattle on Sunday (and we would guess that it was more than a few of you) you may have missed this interview with Landon Donovan on KNBC's The Challenge. Take a look...

View more news videos at: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/video.

Hearing Is Believing

2010-11-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sit back, and enjoy.

Re-live Edson Buddle's game-winning wonder goal from Sunday's game in Seattle, a 1-0 victory for the Galaxy in the first-leg of the Western Conference Semifinal, and listen to how the radio voice of the Galaxy Joe Tutino called the action.

This is how Rolando Gonzalez and Armando Aguayo called it in Spanish:

All About the Defense

2010-11-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Galaxy were back on the training field this afternoon under a sweltering sun at The Home Depot Center. Just three days removed from last weekend's win in Seattle, the club has begun to put together their game plan for Sunday's second and final leg of the series.

But while the guys were working hard during the session (and after as Gregg Berhalter and Chris Birchall led a group through extra fitness work), playing a series of 3v3 games in addition to the standard training regiments, the talk before and after training was all about Donovan Ricketts being named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. While Donovan was quick to thank goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer and his teammates, those same teammates (and Feuer) were quick to praise the Jamaican international for the impact that he has had on the LA defense in his two years with the club.

We caught up with Bruce and Ian to get a coach's perspective on the play of the Galaxy #1, while also talking with the man himself and three of the defenders that play in front of him to see what they thought about Ricketts' honor and what they're looking for from the Sounders this weekend.

Here is what they had to say.

Bruce...

Ian...

Donovan...

Omar...

Todd...

A.J...

Donovan Ricketts Named Goalkeeper of the Year

2010-11-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Early this morning, Major League Soccer announced the first of their annual year-end award winners with Donovan Ricketts being named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

We'll have much more from Donovan today after training, but for now, here is the official press release announcing the Jamaican's honor.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts has been named the 2010 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Now in his second year with the Galaxy, Ricketts has been nominated for the award in each of his two seasons in MLS, but this is the first time that he has won the award, which is given annually to the top goalkeeper in Major League Soccer.

Ricketts claimed the award over fellow finalists, former Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, who now plays for FC Dallas and Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake, after garnering the most votes in polling of MLS players, general managers, coaches and members of the media. The 33-year-old Jamaican international joins Hartman, who was named the Goalkeeper of the Year in 1999, as the only two players in club history to win the award. This was the sixth time in the 15-year history of MLS that a Galaxy goalkeeper has been nominated for the award, while Ricketts joins current Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad as just the second foreign goalkeeper to claim the award.

“This is a tremendous honor to be named the Goalkeeper of the Year in a league with so many outstanding goalkeepers. I am grateful to have won this award and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me,” Ricketts said. “I would also like to thank all of my coaches and teammates, specifically my goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer and my fellow goalkeeper Josh Saunders for pushing me as hard as they do in training everyday and helping me to become a better goalkeeper.”

Ricketts set a club record with a 0.90 goals against average, allowing 26 goals in the 29 games that he played this season. He had a league-best record of 18-7-4 on the season and kept 11 clean sheets, tying a club record that was set by Hartman in 1999, while the 26 goals allowed by the club were the second fewest in MLS this season and the fewest in club history. A two-time MLS All-Star and the starting goalkeeper in this year’s All-Star Game against Manchester United, his 0.96 career goals against average is the lowest in MLS history amongst goalkeepers that have played 500 minutes or more. In the two seasons in which Ricketts has played for the Galaxy, the club has allowed 57 goals in 60 regular season games after surrendering 62 in 30 regular season games during the 2008 campaign.

On Sunday in the Galaxy’s postseason opener, Ricketts made a season-high eight saves, including seven in the first half, helping the Galaxy claim a 1-0 win in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series against Seattle at Qwest Field. In five career postseason appearances, Ricketts now has a 3-0-1 record with three shutouts, 19 saves and a 0.59 goals against average. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Ricketts has allowed just one goal in his last 406 minutes of action dating back to the first leg of the Galaxy’s Western Conference Semifinal Series with Chivas USA last year.

“This is a tremendous achievement for Donovan and I could not be happier that he was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year,” said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena, who signed Ricketts from Village United in his native Jamaica in December 2008. “He has been an important part of our club’s defensive improvements over the past two seasons and he is fully deserving of this honor.”

Here is a list of all of the past Goalkeeper of the Year award winners...

Goalkeeper of the Year Winners
2010: Donovan Ricketts – LA Galaxy
2009: Zach Thornton – Chivas USA
2008: Jon Busch – Chicago Fire
2007: Brad Guzan – Chivas USA
2006: Troy Perkins – D.C. United
2005: Pat Onstad – San Jose Earthquakes
2004: Joe Cannon – Colorado Rapids
2003: Pat Onstad – San Jose Earthquakes
2002: Joe Cannon – San Jose Earthquakes
2001: Tim Howard – MetroStars
2000: Tony Meola – Kansas City Wizards
1999: Kevin Hartman – LA Galaxy
1998: Zach Thornton – Chicago Fire
1997: Brad Friedel – Columbus Crew
1996: Mark Dodd – Dallas Burn

A Final Look at the 1-0 Playoff Win in Seattle

2010-11-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

With the team having the day off today, this is the perfect time to look back one last time at the playoff opening win in Seattle on Sunday night before turning the page to this weekend's second and final game of the series.

Look back at all the highlights from the game below and hear what a number of the guys had to say in the locker room after the game.

Additionally, enjoy this exclusive interview with the game's lone goalscorer, Edson Buddle, from the locker room shortly after the game ended.

Postgame Reaction from the Playoff Win in Seattle

2010-10-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here is what some of the players had to say in the locker rooms after last night's game...

Bruce Arena - Galaxy Head Coach

(On the game...) "Tough game, tough conditions. This field wasn't easy to play on for either team. Pretty classic playoff game where you go on the road and defend and try to get out of here. We were playing to win. It certainly keeps the series really tight and there's everything to play for in the next game. "

(On the goal...) "That's a turf ball. There were a lot of turf plays -- balls bouncing around, off of shins, up in the air, out of bounds. We don't want to make too many copies of this game and distribute it around."

(On LA's defense...) "It was good. Their top four guys are good. [Blaise] Nkufo, [Fredy] Montero, [Steve] Zakuani and [Sanna] Nyassi are dangerous players and you have to be able to concentrate the whole time. They're a handful."

(On the conditions...) "We weren't quite sure what the field was going to be like. I guess they watered it down before the game so it was slick. When it's this cool, it's going to stay wet and fast the whole time. Once we got here we could see that the field was playing faster than it did (Saturday) when we were training in the pouring rain. This kind of played like the MLS final last year - a real slick surface and the field is a little bit hard. It's a tough field to play on."

(On Donovan Ricketts' saves...) "I remember two great saves. In succession we had to tip it over. It was off a corner kick. The ball kind of squirted loose and [Fredy] Montero got away from [A.J.] DeLaGarza so Ricketts had to tip it over. But it was the save before that was big. A couple of the others were a little bit more routine. He had to stretch out on [Nathan] Sturgis' free kick. But he did good."

David Beckham - Galaxy Midfielder

(On the match...) "I thought it was a professional performance by us. We set our lineup early and we played some good football on the night. Our togetherness is what won the game and put us in a good position. We're happy with tonight and now we have to go do a job at home."

(On the field...) "We kind of knew it was going to be like that because we trained on it yesterday. We just had to do the job that we worked on all week because we knew they had fast players and that they'd get chances, but we also knew that if we passed the ball around well and played our game, then we'd do well."

(On his Achilles...) "It's very sore, I'm not going to lie. It felt sore in the first half and it was just a case of getting through it. I've got a good week now to relax and get it back to what it should be."
(On how the atmosphere in Seattle compares with Europe...) "For the MLS, it's like playing in front of a European crowd. The noise, the atmosphere, the excitement ... and it's great to play in. It's always great to play in front of a crowd like that."

(On the goal...) "Tonight and also next weekend, it's going to take something like that to win this game because we're two good teams with good players. It's going to take something special to win and get through these games. Tonight, that goal ... everyone is going to say did he mean it? Of course he meant it. He turned on the ball and there was no one else near him. It was good for us."

Donovan Ricketts - Galaxy Goalkeeper

(On the game...) "All the credit to my defense. They smothered the Seattle attack and whatever I had to do, I did, to keep my team in the game. Sometimes I have to work for my paycheck and tonight was a night I had to work for my paycheck."

(On the goal...) "It was a beautiful goal. I don't think I could've saved that either."

Edson Buddle - Galaxy Forward

(On silencing the crowd with the goal...) You think about those things coming in, but you focus on team and structure first. To get a go-ahead goal, it felt good."

(On the physical play...) "A playoff game and you expect it to be scrappy. Both teams are trying to win. There's a lot at stake."

(On the goal...) "Omar (Gonzalez) got a good clearance on the ball and I saw that developing so I was able to get a turn on the ball. It bounced perfect and I took a shot. The way the ball bounced is why I shot it. I got a volley on it and it hit perfect for me. When I shoot, I hope to score. The way I wanted it to go, it went. Usually it's not the case. I got good contact and the ball dipped just the way I wanted it to."

(On the field surface...) "I don't like turf at all. I've always said that. I'm sure the players here would prefer grass."

Landon Donovan - Galaxy Midfielder

(On the game...) "Our defense was terrific. Our back four was great. Donovan (Ricketts) was good when he needed to be. Our midfield, I think, completely controlled the game. We knew that their strength is wide and we wanted to make sure that we did a good job of getting around those guys and I thought we did."

(On Seattle targeting Eddie Lewis...) "Eddie has been around awhile and knows how to play. That's the beauty of having a team that's this deep. There's not many teams that would substitute a guy like that and have a game like that - a meaningful game like that. We're confident with whoever we put in there and I thought he did a great job."

(On that being the goal of the year...) "Yeah, it was pretty unbelievable. That's your MVP and if you guys didn't vote for him, you should be ashamed."

(On playing on the turf...) "It's the same for both teams. They have an advantage because they're used to it, but it makes the game difficult. It doesn't make the game pretty, but we didn't really want a pretty game tonight so it's fine. Maybe it gave them a little advantage, but I thought we did fine with it."

(On sending a message with this game...) "We don't need to send a message. We've been the best team for two years plus so there's no message to send. We know that we're good and we've got to keep playing like this if we're going to get to the final."

Sigi Schmid - Sounders FC Head Coach

(General comments...) "We're disappointed in the result. When you weigh the whole game, I thought we created more chances than they created. You take a goal where, hats offs to Edson [Buddle], but he just turns and hits the ball in the direction of the goal and it could go anywhere, but it went in. At the end of the day, right now, we're down at halftime 1-0 and have a second half to play in LA and everything is still possible for us."

(On Fredy Montero...) "Not really, a lot of times forwards are a bit streaky. I thought he had a couple decent looks tonight. Thought he got in good positions. Sometimes I think he's trying a little too hard a little bit and that's something we'll talk about this week. He is taking an extra touch when needs to give it a go. That's a case of him wanting to help the team. Not him trying to hurt the team."

(On LA in first half...) "I thought they did a good job on [Steve] Zakuani. Steve has to bring more. They pinched our midfield pretty deep. [Landon] Donovan spent more in their half of the field than he has in a long time. That was their game plan and when you get a fortunate goal, that stands up and the game plan looks really good."

(On referees...) "No comment. The referees are the referees."

(On knowing if Jeff Parke will be able to play in second leg...) "Not at this stage, we'll see. He rolled his ankle, so we'll see."

(On LA defensive scheme...) "It's what we said to our guys. Donovan [Ricketts] came up with a couple big saves in the first half and in the second half, I think we squandered a couple chances. The shot that [Steve] Zakuani had and certainly [Nate] Jaqua's chance there at the end. If we finish better or if Donovan doesn't have the game that he has we may come off this field 2 or 3-1 winners. We weren't worried at halftime going down 1-0 and were confident that we'd come back, but it wasn't meant to be."

(On chances...) "Encouraged that we created chances. If not creating chances, then really have to worry. I thought we created chances. I'm disappointed in our inability to finish. A couple were great saves and you take your hat off to them on those, but some that we should have finished."

(On not scoring being mentally worried...) "Guys don't go into the game thinking that we haven't scored a goal in so many minutes in the playoffs. It doesn't enter our mind and isn't something we talk about. It hasn't bounced our way, but that can change in the next game."

Kasey Keller - Sounders FC Goalkeeper

(On Edson Buddle's goal . . .) "Just one of those things that guys try one-hundred times in their career and never make it happen. And the one time he got it to go in a big game. Great goals change games and that's part of it. I thought our response in the second half was great. I was very happy with the way we played. We created good chances. We had more than enough opportunities to win the game. We got a little lucky there I think at the end. They had a good chance to maybe get a second but he pushed it wide. For the most part, I think a draw might have been fair. We feel very confident with the results we have gotten on the road that we can go down there and get through this tie. It's a long ways from being over. And that's what I'm probably happy about. If you're going to lose, this is the way to lose. You lose 1-0 on a ridiculous goal and you have all confidence to go down there and if it's 1-0 and penalties, it's 1-0 and penalties. If it's 2-1, whatever it takes we will make it happen. We will do our best to make it happen."

(On Sounders FC offense . . .) "They really pack it. They really get two big banks of four. They make it really difficult for you to play through midfield. I thought we were successful. I thought Sanna [Nyassi] and Steve [Zakuani] had opportunities to get the ball in the box and we had chances to score goals. No question about it. I thought the free kicks were great. We had opportunities to score goals off of free kicks as well. Sometimes you have to take what the team gives you. You can't necessarily just go out, maybe Brazil can, but few teams can dictate their style. You see what's open and you make that happen. I thought for the most part that we did very well."

Fredy Montero - Sounders FC Forward (via Translator)

(On the match . . .) "The keeper [Donovan Ricketts] played well, had a good afternoon. We played good football but we didn't convert the opportunities."

(On not scoring a goal . . .) "I feel the team is still playing the same style. If someone outside feels that the team is playing differently, I don't think that's the case. We are still playing with the same mentality."

(On getting a result in second leg . . .) "We really have nothing to lose. We have lost the first half. Unfortunately it was played at home. So there [The Home Depot Center] we can revert and maybe if they play a little more offensively we can score some goals."

Steve Zakuani - Sounders FC Midfielder

(On the match . . .) "It was frustrating. For whatever reason today we didn't play the way we have been playing, which is building from the back through the midfield and getting to the forwards, who were bypassed in the midfield. The game has to be made by [Nathan] Sturgis and [Osvaldo] Alonso, it has to. You look at football today, the game is made through the center mid. We were skipping them a lot today. It could've been L.A.'s pressure or something like that but it was just a bad first half. It was really scrappy. We didn't get much going. What we did was on set pieces. Unfortunately their keeper made some pretty good saves. We never had our game going. In saying that, we still had a lot of chances. I think we could've walked away with two or three goal possibly. It's frustrating and we have got to get ready for next week."

(On his production today . . .) "As a team, I just don't think we played how we have been playing. What we have been doing has been very basic. We get the ball to the midfielders. We get wide. We spring the wingers and stuff. And of course, you have got to change it a bit when you are playing someone like [Sean] Franklin but that's no problem for me at all. I'm still trying to do the same things I do. I think we didn't play well in the first half. They scored an unbelievable goal. You can't do anything about that but we came out in the second half and had a lot of chances. [. . .] We had some pretty good chances there and we are disappointed we didn't finish them."

Patrick Ianni - Sounders FC Defender

(On Edson Buddle's goal . . .) "The ball came into Edson and I tried to just bump him a little bit. The ball came in and he kind of wrapped me with his arm and kind of put it to the side of him. When he went to shoot I thought obviously Kasey [Keller] would have it. But he hit a wonder strike. Similar to last year with [Brian] Ching had a wonder goal, too. It was a good goal. There's nothing we can do about it now and so we go down to L.A. and play the same way that we did and I think we will have a very good chance of advancing."

(On Sounders FC offense . . .) "I think we had plenty of good chances and I think we feel very good as a group with the way we played. The substitutions came in. We had to make a substitution at the back. When he came in we were just as strong. We just have to be patient through 90 minutes down there and we will get out goal."

Buddle Wonder Strike Gives Galaxy 1-0 Win in First Leg of Conference Semifinal Series

2010-10-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

LA Galaxy 1, Seattle Sounders FC 0
Western Conference Semifinal Series – Game One
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Qwest Field – Seattle, Wash.

Scoring Summary:
LA – Edson Buddle 1 (Omar Gonzalez 1) 38’

Misconduct Summary:
LA – Juninho (Yellow Card) 48’
SEA – Fredy Montero (Yellow Card) 49’
LA – Dema Kovalenko (Yellow Card) 65’
LA – Jovan Kirovski (Yellow Card) 82’
SEA – Blaise Nkufo (Yellow Card) 93+

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Eddie Lewis (Gregg Berhalter 84’); Dema Kovalenko (Chris Birchall 70’), Juninho, David Beckham, Landon Donovan©; Mike Magee, Edson Buddle (Jovan Kirovski 73’).

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Alex Cazumba, Chris Klein, Tristan Bowen.

Seattle Sounders FC: Kasey Keller©; James Riley, Jeff Parke (Tyrone Marshall 65’), Patrick Ianni, Leo Gonzalez; Osvaldo Alonso, Nathan Sturgis (Nate Jaqua 81’), Sanna Nyassi (Alvaro Fernandez 74’), Steve Zakuani; Fredy Montero, Blaise Nkufo.

Subs Not Used: Terry Boss, Zach Scott, Michael Fucito, Roger Levesque.

Notes:
• With the win, the Galaxy go into next weekend’s second and final leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series with a 1-0 lead on aggregate. If the Galaxy win or draw that game, they will advance to the Western Conference Championship. If the Sounders win that game by one goal, the Series will go to 30 minutes of extra time and then penalties if necessary.
• Since MLS adopted the current playoff format in 2003, the Galaxy are now 3-1-1 all-time in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinal Series. In the previous four trips to this round of the playoffs, they have advanced to the Conference Championship three times.
• The Galaxy are now 3-1-0 against the Sounders in all competitions this season, winning both regular season games as well as today’s match, while losing in the Quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup
• Bruce Arena made one change to the team that beat FC Dallas 2-1 in the regular season finale on October 24. Todd Dunivant, whose 27 regular season games played and started were the third most on the team, was not available because of a right hamstring strain. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Eddie Lewis.
• In addition to Dunivant, the Galaxy were also without Leonardo and Michael Stephens, who each missed the game with left knee pain. Yohance Marshall was also not available for selection while on duty with the Trinidad and Tobago National Team for the Digicel Caribbean Championships.
• Lewis was making just his fifth start in all competitions and his first in an MLS game since the regular season opener against New England on March 27.
• Juninho was the only member of the Galaxy’s starting XI to be making his postseason debut in the game. The other 10 starters were all with the club during the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs. Of the seven available substitutes, only Tristan Bowen and Alex Cazumba did not play in the postseason last year.
• The Sounders thought that they had scored just 32 seconds into the game, only for Steve Zakuani to be ruled offside.
• Edson Buddle gave the Galaxy the lead in the 39th minute with a long range volley that beat Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller. The goal was the first postseason goal of Buddle’s Galaxy career and his third of his postseason career.
• Buddle’s last postseason goal came in 2004 when he was a member of the Columbus Crew against the New England Revolution exactly six years ago.
• Omar Gonzalez was credited with the only assist on the goal, heading the ball into Buddle’s path.
• Gonzalez did not have an assist during the regular season, though he did score two goals, including one at Qwest Field in a 4-0 win over the Sounders.
• The Galaxy’s central midfield duo of Juninho and Dema Kovalenko, as well as Jovan Kirovski were each booked in the game. If they are also booked in the second leg of this series, they would be suspended for the Western Conference Championship were the Galaxy to advance.
• Fredy Montero and Blaise Nkufo were each booked for the Sounders.
• Donovan Ricketts made eight saves in the game, seven in the first half, setting a new postseason career-high, breaking his record of five that he set in the 2009 Western Conference Championship against Houston.
• In the regular season this year, Ricketts never made more than six saves.
• This was his third shutout in five postseason games.
• Including the regular season, the Galaxy are now 10-3-3 on the road this season.
• In those 16 games, the Galaxy have kept a clean sheet 10 times.
• This was the Galaxy’s final road game of the year. If they advance to the Western Conference Championship, they will host either Real Salt Lake or FC Dallas while
• Donovan Ricketts made three saves to earn his 18th win of the season.
• Two of the Sounders’ three substitutions on the night were former Galaxy players. Nathan Sturgis, who started in central midfield, also used to play for the Galaxy.
• The attendance for today’s game was 35,521.
• The Galaxy will host the second and final leg on the series on Sunday, November 7 at The Home Depot Center. That game kicks off at 6 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

The Postseason is Here

2010-10-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

Just more than seven months after the MLS season began for the Galaxy, their postseason campaign gets underway with the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series against Seattle at Qwest Field.

The Galaxy have never lost to the Sounders here at Qwest and they will look to keep that streak going tonight in front of an expected capacity crowd. These two sides have never met in the postseason, while the team's respective coaches, who rank 1-2 all-time in postseason wins, have never met in the postseason, either in MLS or in their time in college soccer.

Two late injuries have forced a lineup change for Bruce Arena as Todd Dunivant is forced out after being unable to shake a right hamstring strain while Michael Stephens is not included in the 18 man squad because of pain in his left knee. As a result, Eddie Lewis returns to the starting lineup at left back. This is his fifth start in all competitions this season and just his second in an MLS game, with the first coming in the season opener against New England all the way back on March 27.

Here is the complete Galaxy squad that Arena will put on the field tonight...

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

Donovan--------------Juninho----------------Beckham

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

Lewis--------Gonzalez-------DeLaGarza-------Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Berhalter, Alex Cazumba, Klein, Lewis, Kirovski, Bowen.

And here is how the Seattle Sounders FC will line up for head coach Sigi Schmid.

---------------Montero-----------Nkufo------------------

Zakuani---------------------------------------------Nyassi

---------------Sturgis-------------Alonso------------------

Gonzalez--------Parke------------Ianni--------------Riley

------------------------Keller----------------------------

Subs: Boss, Marshall, Scott, Fucito, Fernandez, Levesque, Jaqua.

All Preparation Done, Galaxy Ready for Postseason Opener

2010-10-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

Under a steady and sometimes heavy rain, the Galaxy went through their final training session of the week this evening at Qwest Field in Seattle.
It was a short session as much designed to get the guys loose and ready for tomorrow as it was to get everyone accustomed to the plastic field in the Sounders home stadium. With the rain falling for most of the day, it was cold and wet inside the stadium, making for a focused effort to get the work in and then get back to the hotel without risking injury.
Here is a report that Troy Bardy filed from Qwest after speaking to a number of the guys at the hotel this afternoon.

Additionally, here are a few extra photos from today's media session and training in the rain at Qwest.

Finally, a few things to know ahead of tomorrow' game...

- Seattle's Sigi Schmid has the most most postseason wins in MLS history with 19 while Bruce Arena has the second most with 16 history.

- The Galaxy and Sounders have twice met at Qwest Field, with the two sides playing to a 1-1 draw in May 2009 and LA winning 4-0 there earlier this season.

- No Galaxy player has more than one goal in their career against the Sounders, though six different players scored against them this season. Landon Donovan had a hand in five of the seven goals that LA scored against Seattle this season, scoring one and assisting on four.

- Two Seattle players have two career goals against the Galaxy, with Steve Zakuani scoring in each of the meetings between the sides in Carson and former Galaxy forward Nate Jaqua tallying a pair of goals against LA.

- Yohance Marshall did not accompany the team to Seattle, instead he travelled to Trinidad to join up with the Trinidad and Tobago National Team for the Digicel Caribbean Championship. A qualifying tournament for Caribbean nations for next summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, the tournament will see Marshall and the Soca Warriors play three games in six days in an attempt to advance to the next round of the tournament. T&T will host St. Vincent on Tuesday, Guyana on Thursday and Haiti on Saturday in round robin play with the top two teams advancing to the final group stage of the competition, which will be held in Martinique later this month, with the Final held on December 5.

Marshall has made one appearance for his national team, debuting in a 1-0 loss to Jamaica earlier this month. He is one of four players that did not make the trip north, giving the club a travelling party of 20 players, though only 18 can dress on game day.

- Finally, Ricardo Salazar will be the referee on Sunday. The Galaxy were 1-1-0 with Salazar as the referee this season, beating Chivas USA 2-0 on April 1 and losing 2-0 to New York at home on September 24. In those two games, Salazar handed out seven yellow cards to the Galaxy and just one to the opposition while also giving them a penalty, which Juan Pablo Angel converted.

This Week Inside the Galaxy - It's All About the Playoffs

2010-10-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

This Week Inside the Galaxy, we look back at those who took home the hardware in the Galaxy's annual end of season team awards while also looking ahead to tomorrow's postseason opener in Seattle.

Watch the show here...

If you're still looking for more, be sure to read all the latest from LAGalaxy.com and MLSSoccer.com, starting with the league’s official preview and positional breakdown.

Larry Morgan looks at the changes the Sounders have made since the two teams last met in July and LA’s depth in midfield.

Luis Bueno speaks with Bruce Arena about his team's dominance of Seattle this season as well as his options in central defense, speaks with Edson Buddle about his MVP-caliber season, looks at the playing surface at Qwest Field, the Sounders' last line of defense, goalkeeper Kasey Keller and perhaps their most exciting attacking option, Steve Zakuani.

Simon Borg looks at the current Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena and former Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid, who is now in charge of the Sounders. The two coaching greats who, despite ranking first and second in MLS history in postseason wins, have never met before in the playoffs.

Finally, Borg and the rest of the MLSSoccer.com staff in New York break down tomorrow’s game and give their predictions for Sunday.

Ready for the Sounders

2010-10-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

The team heads to Seattle today after closing out a tough week of training ahead of Sunday's Halloween matchup against the Seattle Sounders.Check out what the guys had to say about the game and some photos from training this week...
Arena...

Donovan...

Beckham...

Berhalter...

Galaxy Raw - Set for Seattle

2010-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

The intensity of training sessions this week have been ratcheted up a few notches this week as the Galaxy prepare for their first playoff game of the season at Qwest Field.

In the latest edition of Galaxy Raw, Eddie, Edson and Omar talk about this week's training sessions and the challenges that the Sounders will present.

Take a look...

Mugging for the Cameras

2010-10-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

In addition to training for Sunday's game in Seattle, Landon and David have also been having some fun in front of the cameras of late.

The latest installment of Landon and Steve Nash's EA Sports Pro Player Challenge video hit the web, you can see it below...

While he was doing that, David was dropping in on Ellen and have some fun with a masseuse named Simo...

... while also spending some time On Air with Ryan Seacrest, which you can listen to below.

Look Back at Sunday's Supporters' Shield Clinching Win

2010-10-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

David Beckham and Juninho scored on either side of halftime as the Galaxy knocked off FC Dallas 2-1 to clinch the Supporters' Shield and set up a Western Conference Semifinal Series matchup with Seattle.

Look back at the the highlights from that game and hear what the guys had to say in the locker room after the game.

Mark and Jim's Postgame View From The Booth

2010-10-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here's what Galaxy announcers Jim Watson and Mark Rogondino had to say after last night's 2-1 win over FC Dallas that clinched the Supporters' Shield for LA and set up a meeting with Seattle in the Western Conference Semifinal Series.

Watch it here.

Galaxy Win Supporters' Shield

2010-10-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

LA Galaxy 2, FC Dallas 1
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
FCD – Atiba Harris 4 (Eric Alexander 3) 24’
LA – David Beckham 2 (Landon Donovan 16) 33’
LA – Juninho 2 (Unassisted) 46’

Misconduct Summary:
FCD – Atiba Harris (Yellow Card) 45’
LA – Landon Donovan (Yellow Card) 58’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Dunivant; Juninho, Dema Kovalenko, Juninho, David Beckham (Chris Klein 89’), Landon Donovan©; Mike Magee (Jovan Kirovski 84’), Edson Buddle (Eddie Lewis 90’).

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Leonardo, Alex Cazumba, Tristan Bowen.

FC Dallas: Dario Sala; Jackson (Ugo Ihemelu 75’), Zach Loyd, George John, Jair Benitez; Atiba Harris, Dax McCarty, Eric Alexander (Eric Avila 60’), Marvin Chavez; David Ferreira©, Jeff Cunningham (Brek Shea 67’).

Subs Not Used: Kevin Hartman, Daniel Hernandez, Bruno Guarda, Milton Rodriguez.

Notes:
• With the win, the Galaxy finish the season in first place in the Western Conference and all of MLS with an 18-7-5 record for 59 points. They finished three points ahead of second place Real Salt Lake, who entered the night level with LA with 56 points apiece, though RSL had a better goal difference.
• As a result, the Galaxy win the 2010 MLS Supporters’ Shield, which is given to the team that finish the season with the best regular season record in MLS. By winning the Supporters’ Shield, the Galaxy earn home field advantage throughout the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs and earn a spot in Group Play of the 2011/12 CONCACAF Champion League, bypassing the Preliminary Round, the stage at which LA were eliminated from the competition earlier this year.
• The Galaxy won both meetings against Dallas this season, handing them two of their four losses on the season. Dallas are one of seven teams that the Galaxy defeated twice this season.
• Bruce Arena made three changes to the team that lost 3-1 to Colorado last weekend. Todd Dunivant, Dema Kovalenko and Mike Magee all returned to the starting lineup, replacing Gregg Berhalter, Chris Birchall and Michael Stephens, none of whom dressed for the game. Berhalter and Birchall each missed the game through injury, while it was a coaches decision not to dress Stephens.
• Dunivant returned to the lineup after missing last weekend’s game with a right adductor strain, while Kovalenko had missed the last three games with the same injury.
• Chris Klein and Eddie Lewis each played the final regular season game of their MLS careers in the game, with each coming on as second half substitutes.
• David Beckham equalized for the Galaxy in the 33rd minute, scoring his second goal of the season. Beckham finished the season with two goals, matching the number that he scored in 2009.
• Landon Donovan assisted on Beckham’s goal, extending his career-high of 16 assists. His 16 assists were the most in MLS this season, three more than David Ferreira of FC Dallas.
• Donovan became the first Galaxy player in MLS history to lead the league in assists.
• His 16 assists were the most recorded by a Galaxy player in a single season since Mauricio Cienfuegos had a club record 17 assists in 1999.
• Juninho gave the Galaxy a 2-1 lead in the 46th minute with his second goal of the season.
• That goal was scored just 30 seconds after the start of the second half, making it the fastest goal that the Galaxy scored after halftime this season.
• Edson Buddle did not score in the game, meaning that he finished the season second in the race for the Budweiser Golden Boot. His 17 goals were one less than Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes, who had four goals in two games this week.
• Buddle’s best chance to score came in the 67th minute when his header off a David Beckham corner kick was saved by Dario Sala, diving to his left.
• This was the second time this season that the Galaxy came back to win after allowing the game’s opening goal. LA finished the season 2-6-2 when falling behind 1-0. They also beat D.C. United 2-1 on September 18 after trailing 1-0.
• Donovan Ricketts made three saves to earn his 18th win of the season.
• Ricketts finished the season with a 0.90 goals against average, which is the lowest single season GAA in Galaxy history, breaking Kevin Hartman’s former club record of 0.91, which was set in 1999. His 0.90 GAA was the third lowest in MLS this season.
• The Galaxy set a new club record by allowing just 26 goals in 30 games this season, breaking the former club record of 29 goals allowed during the 1999 season.
• By allowing Atiba Harris’ first half goal, the Galaxy have now allowed at least one goal in 10 consecutive regular season home games, dating back to May 15 against Toronto FC. The Galaxy are 5-4-1 in those 10 games and have allowed 18 goals.
• The Galaxy finished the season with a 9-4-2 record at home. LA recorded 29 of their 59 points on the season at home.
• The Galaxy are now 9-4-2 all-time in their regular season finales and 11-2-2 in their final regular season home game. This was the fourth time that LA ended their season against FC Dallas, and are now 3-0-1 in those four games, with all four being played in Southern California.
• The attendance for today’s game was 24,993.
• The Galaxy are back in action on Sunday, October 31 when they take on the Seattle Sounders FC in the First Leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series. That game, which will be shown live on ESPN2, will be played at Qwest Field and kicks off at 5 p.m. (PT). The Galaxy will then host the second and final leg of the Series at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, November 7. That game kicks off at 6 p.m. and can also be seen live on ESPN.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

All to Play For

2010-10-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

The 2010 MLS regular season draws to a close this evening at The Home Depot Center as the Galaxy host FC Dallas at The Home Depot Center. There is everything to play for tonight with the Supporters' Shield and Golden Boot both on the line and a pair of veterans, Chris Klein and Eddie Lewis, playing the final regular season game of their lengthy and distinguished careers.

The Galaxy need a win or a draw to claim their third Supporters' Shield and set up a postseason date with the Seattle Sounders, while a loss would see the Galaxy finish second and play this same FC Dallas squad next week when the postseason gets under way. With that in mind, Bruce Arena makes four changes to his team in that pursuit, bringing A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant, Dema Kovalenko and Mike Magee back into the team.

Here is the complete Galaxy squad...

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

Donovan--------------Juninho-----------------Beckham

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

Dunivant------Gonzalez-------DeLaGarza-------Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Leonardo, Alex Cazumba, Klein, Lewis, Kirovski, Bowen.

And here is how FC Dallas, who have lost just three times all season, including once to the Galaxy back in May, will line up.

----------------------Cunningham------------------------

----------------------Ferreira----------------------------

Chavez--------------------------------------------Harris

---------------Alexander-------McCarty------------------

Benitez--------John------------Loyd--------------Jackson

-----------------------Sala--------------------------------

Subs: Hartman, Ihemelu, Hernandez, Guarda, Shea, Rodriguez

This Week Inside the Galaxy - Season Finale

2010-10-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

Look ahead to tomorrow evening's season finale against FC Dallas and learn a bit more about the podiums that have been positioned in front of the Riot Squad and ACB.

All that and more, This Week Inside the Galaxy.

David and Landon Talk FC Dallas

2010-10-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

The LA Galaxy's David Beckham and Landon Donovan talked with the media after Friday's training session at The Home Depot Center. While there was plenty to talk about, both player their desire to come out victorious against FC Dallas in Sunday's regular season finale.

"We think that Salt Lake is going to win in Colorado and we have to do the same" in order to win the Supporters' Shield. In some ways it would have been nice to have a break but I think the more we think about it's good that we have some pressure going into this game to get us ready for the playoffs," said the team captain.

"This is a great franchise to be involve with and all the players know that, so we want to repay the owners and the fans with a good win this weekend and then do well in the playoffs," added Beckham.

Click here to read more about the game: League preview

Here's more of what Daivd and Landon had to say:

Landon...

David...

Turning Our Attention To Sunday's Regular Season Finale

2010-10-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's almost as if the skies felt our pain from last Saturday's loss to Colorado.

The last three days the Galaxy has trained under overcast conditions and grey skies, with a little light rain mixed in. Or, as the purist might say, perfect weather for football.

After training on Thursday, we caught up with Bruce Arena, Edson Buddle, Todd Dunivant to talk about Sunday's upcoming game against FC Dallas-- the season finale offers up many interesting story lines as much is at stake.

Arena...

Buddle...

Berhalter...

Dunivant...

We also listened in to Chris Klein and Eddie Lewis talk about their decision to retire on Tuesday, here's what they had to say.

Enjoy!

Klein...

Lewis...

Klein and Lewis Discuss Pending Retirements

2010-10-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Chris Klein and Eddie Lewis still have one regular season game left in 2010 as well as the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs. But on the heels of their decision to formally announce their retirements earlier today, we caught up with the veteran duo to look back at their careers and reminisce about some of the favorite memories from their time in the sport.

Here is what they had to say...

LA Galaxy Are Heading Back To Australia On Nov. 27

2010-10-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

The LA Galaxy announced today that the club will play Newcastle United Jets FC of the Hyundai A-League in an international friendly on Saturday, November 27 at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle, Australia. This will be the first-ever game between the Galaxy and Jets.

“We are very excited to be returning to Australia, the site of one of our most memorable postseason matches, to play a friendly against Newcastle United Jets FC,” LA Galaxy President of Business Operations Tom Payne said. “Newcastle are a club with a long tradition of success in the Hyundai A-League and are making great strides at strengthening their ties to the local community. We believe that this match will help the Jets further those ties while also providing all of their fans in the Hunter Region with memories that will last a lifetime.”

The LA Galaxy are presented by Herbalife, a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife will also be an official sponsor of the match between the Galaxy and Newcastle.

To read the full press release click here.

Look Back at Saturday's 3-1 Loss to Colorado

2010-10-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Look back one last time at all of the highs and lows from Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Rapids with full highlights and reactions from inside the Galaxy locker room.

Bruce Arena's team will now need to equal or match Real Salt Lake's result this weekend in order to claim their third Supporters' Shield and first since 2002. RSL travel to Colorado on Saturday to end their regular season, while the Galaxy host FC Dallas on Sunday evening at 5 p.m.

Postgame Reaction to Colorado Defeat

2010-10-16T23:24:00.001-07:00

Here is what Edson Buddle had to say on the field after the game...

And here is more from the locker rooms of both teams...

LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena

On the result:
“I didn’t think we played a bad game tonight, but we were certainly punished for our mistakes. Their first goal got them back into the game a little bit, and gave them a swing of momentum. I thought we played quite well up until that point. The second goal we have two defenders who don’t make the play. Give Conor credit. The third goal was a good goal. I thought, on the night, at times we moved the ball well, we created some decent chances. Our final pass, our cross in the second half wasn’t there when we needed it. The couple of chances we had when we had a good look at the goal, we didn’t take well. We got punished for our mistakes tonight, but I thought our guys played hard and at times played well. Give Colorado credit. They played well.”

On the play of Gregg Berhalter:
“He was obviously a little bit rusty. He got tired. I thought at times in the first half he played well and had the team organized, but it’s natural that he isn’t going to have the kind of match fitness we want him to have at this point. His layoff was pretty long.”

On Chris Birchall’s injury:
“It was a bad tackle. I don’t know exactly what the injury is, but he is a tough guy and he had to come off. I don’t know if it is just a contusion or a nerve or a muscle. I don’t know.”

On the play of David Beckham:
“He’s getting better. He was pretty sharp at times throughout the night. Obviously his fitness needs a little bit more work, but he is getting better each week.”

LA Galaxy Forward Landon Donovan

On the result:
“The result was bad. The performance actually wasn’t bad. Until they scored, I thought we played really well. The second half, we dominated aside from a couple of plays. We certainly didn’t get any help from the officiating. We are bummed out, but we still control our own destiny and next week means everything.”

On what the team needs to improve on ahead of next week’s game against FC Dallas:
“We need to clean up some things during the week and use next weekend as an opportunity to continue to get better.”

On their second goal:
“We talked all week about marking them in front of the goal, and on the second goal, we did a poor job, but to be fair to us, they got a lucky goal that turned the game. I think we, on a few plays, weren’t good enough on both ends of the field.”

On the play of Colorado:
“They didn’t play very well tonight, but they were good with their chances. I don’t know how many blocks, saves, deflections they had that helped them, but they made all the little plays that make a big difference.”

On failing to win the Supporters’ Shield tonight:
“We wanted to celebrate tonight. We wanted to have next week to relax a little bit. But maybe it will keep us sharp, keeping us going and we don’t have the ability to rest and relax, we have to keep going.”

On adjusting to having David Beckham back:
“I think getting David back in has been a little difficult. We have to adjust, and I think tonight, performance wise, is the best we have played together. It is still going to take time. Soccer at any level comes down to making plays and tonight they made the plays and we didn’t. In the playoffs, you have to do that.”

On the play of David Beckham:
“David looked good tonight. He looked more active, like he is getting his legs back. I don’t think he is at 100 percent yet, but he played well tonight.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder Chris Birchall

On next week’s game:
“With Salt Lake winning tonight, it put Dallas out of winning the whole thing, but they will still be coming here with confidence. They want to win the last game before the playoffs, but we know if we win the last game, we win the Supporters’ Shield. We just have to go out and be confident and try to win the game.”

On tonight’s result:
“We expected to win the game tonight, but it doesn’t really happen the way you expect things to go. We played well at parts, but after they were 2-1 up and especially after they got the third goal, it was difficult and they sat back and it is hard to get back in the game when you are playing a team with 11 men behind the ball. Hopefully, we can get a good result on Sunday.”

LA Galaxy Defender Sean Franklin:

On the own goal:
“I tried to clear it. I got a foot to it and it hit Edson in the shoulder and that’s just unlucky for us. It was just unlucky. We know that’s not a goal that they earned. It’s not a play that they beat us on. It is a mistake that happens, but we knew it wasn’t going to cost us the game.”

On the play of Colorado:
“They capitalized on our mistakes. We had bad turnovers in certain spots of the field and they finished off their chances. We had a chance to win the Shield tonight and we didn’t do that. We have to come out next week against Dallas and get three points.”

LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts

On winning the Supporters’ Shield:
“It would be nice to win the Supporters’ Shield, but if we win the Supporters’ Shield and lose MLS Cup, I wouldn’t like that.”

LA Galaxy Defender Omar Gonzalez

On the loss:
“It is a terrible feeling to lose at home. We came into the game expecting to win the game and the Supporters’ Shield, but it didn’t happen tonight. Colorado came out strong tonight, they came out with a lot of heart. I thought we started the first half pretty good. We scored first and then we started getting unlucky, the own goal. I thought their two forwards did well to connect well for the second goal. Then, they scored a third and we got a bunch of chances and were unlucky to not score on one of those. I thought we fought hard the whole way through.”

On the play of Gregg Berhalter:
“It is always great having Gregg back there. I thought he did well when he as in. His fitness is getting back and we will see how he does next week. I am looking forward to it.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham

On the play of Colorado…
“I think they played well. We knew that they were just going to be a good team. We knew that they were coming in for a win or at least a draw because we knew that’s all they needed. We probably went too early in the game, but then we couldn’t get that second goal. You know, their first goal was a bit of luck. We had many chances to win the game and bring the game back. We were up against a good team.”

On the own goal…
“Obviously, when you start so well it’s disappointing because we were in control of the game, and they get the lucky goal. Not taking anything away from Colorado because they were good team tonight.”

On his fitness…
“Tonight was probably the best game since I’ve come back. Leg felt good, I felt ready so I enjoyed tonight. It’s disappointing. It’s good to get 90 minutes as well. It’s disappointing not to win it. It’s in our own hands. If we win next week, we are top of the [league].”

LA Galaxy Defender Gregg Berhalter

On tonight’s game:
“Obviously I am disappointed with the loss but I felt my fitness was alright and better than expected.”

On the game:
“We were in absolute control of the game, playing very well. Then that fluke goal comes. I think that was the first time that they were actually in our 18 and they scored on an own goal that touched two of our players before going in which rarely ever happens and it changed the game. Our heads when down a bit, we were still dominating and then they get another chance and they score and we are down 2-1 all of a sudden out of nowhere.”

On being in the starting XI:
“It was great. It felt great. It was just the little things: the battle of the game, the running and the competition it felt good.”

LA Galaxy Forward Edson Buddle

On the Rapids:
“I think Colorado did a good job. I think they sat back and countered pretty well and finished their chances. I think that is what they did to be successful tonight.”

On Omar Cummings:
“He finds the space well early and when they win the ball he finds an open space and credit to the midfield for finding him early. You see a lot of fast players and they really can’t control themselves but he is able to possess the ball at high speed and if all things are going right he finds the back of the net.”

On the own goal:
“I saw Sean try to clear the ball. I was running up the field and the ball hit me and went the other direction.”

Colorado Rapids Head Coach Gary Smith

On the match:
“Well, I am obviously delighted that we clinched a playoff spot. After a very bright start from the Galaxy, I thought we got ourselves back in the game nicely. We settled down and got ourselves a fortuitous goal early on, but from that point on, I thought we created some of the clearer opportunities in the game. I am very pleased with pretty much everybody in the group. It was a very determined and passionate display.”

On the play of Omar Cummings:
“He is such an exciting lad. I think it was the second goal when he delivered a wonderful pass to Conor [Casey]. He is very, very difficult to deal with. I thought he did fabulously for his own goal. He is just such an exciting individual and he is difficult to handle. He takes a lot of emphasis from other players to allow them to perform. Overall, I thought he was terrific.”

On the Galaxy’s own goal:
“I think it makes a big difference. Scoring goals at the right time raises morale and maybe shifts momentum slightly. There is no doubt that the Galaxy started very brightly, and while I thought the goal was fortuitous, it took a nasty deflection off of Drew [Moor], goals make a difference. To get back in the game that quickly gave the guys a much better feel and a bit of confidence and gave them a little more time to settle into the game. Going in at the break up 2-1, we were able to really be positive about the second period. The guys relaxed a little bit more. We had two or three other very good chances. I thought we were worthy winners.”

On coming back to win the game:
“I believe it is the first time in four years that we have come from behind to win a game. I am told that it is 68 games that we have conceded first and not come back to win a game. That is a long time. To be able to do it tonight, here, against a very good side, just wraps up a very nice night for us.”

On winning three straight times against the Galaxy at The Home Depot Center:
“It is a very, very tough place to come and play. Their record shows that they are a very good side, and are in a very good position to win the Supporters’ Shield. On the night, we played well, and goals at the right time make a big difference to the group, and tonight, it made a big difference to us. I can’t give you a reason why we have beat them three times here and got beat by [the Galaxy] at home 1-0. It doesn’t make any sense really, but that is sport and some of our guys must enjoy coming here.”

Colorado Rapids Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni

On the result:
“We’re building on what we’ve done all season and coming on the road and getting the results and going home and finishing off what we started at the beginning of the year. Our mindset is on the game next weekend. We’ll take it one game at a time.”

On securing a playoff spot tonight:
“Anything can happen in the playoffs, Salt Lake proved it last year, they were the eighth seed. You need to be in good form, you need to be playing and you need a lot of luck as well. You need the ball to bounce your way at the right time. More importantly, you have to believe it what you are doing and I think this team has a lot of that.”

On the play of the team this year:
“We just have a group of guys that all believe in the system, believe in what we’re doing and we work hard for each other and that says a lot about an MLS team. That’s pretty much the focus of becoming a good MLS team is the togetherness and fighting for each other and I think that’s what we have in this locker room.”

On the play of the Rapids midfield tonight:
“It was a battle out there. We had a diamond midfield and they had a diamond midfield,
so the real play for us was to find Omar peeling off and finding Conor’s feet and playing off of him. Obviously that’s hard when you have Berhalter and Gonzalez back there. Our best chances came from second runs out of the midfield and finding Omar. There’s never an easy day in the midfield, it’s always a battle.”

Colorado Rapids Forward Conor Casey

On making the playoffs:
“It feels great to make the playoffs, we worked hard all year and everyone’s excited. We’ve got a new life and we’re going to the playoffs. Tonight was back and forth. We took our chances well and defended well.”

On winning tonight’s game:
“More important than that we have another game we want to win. We feel good about ourselves, we keep improving and we’ve been playing well over the past couple months and we just want to keep that momentum going.

Colorado Rapids Forward Omar Cummings

On making the playoffs:
“We made the playoffs and that’s everything for me. My fourth season, first time. I’m just so happy to make the playoffs. Coming out and going down to LA and then to come back and win 3-1, it think it’s tremendous.”

On the result:
“I think we were playing good balls when we got a chance too and even were defending a lot of times. When we got our chances, we made the best of them. Our first job was to make the playoffs and then we’ll look at whoever we play. We’ll take whoever we get.”

Quest for the Supporters' Shield to go Down to the Final Day of the Season, Galaxy Lose 3-1 to Colorado

2010-10-16T21:30:00.001-07:00

LA Galaxy 1, Colorado Rapids 3
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
LA – Edson Buddle 17 (Chris Birchall 2, Landon Donovan 15) 9’
COL – Own Goal (Edson Buddle) 18’
COL – Conor Casey 12 (Omar Cummings 3, Pablo Mastroeni 3) 30’
COL – Omar Cummings 13 (Conor Casey 6) 67’

Misconduct Summary:
COL – Wells Thompson (Yellow Card) 24’
COL – Conor Casey (Yellow Card) 35’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, Gregg Berhalter (Alex Cazumba 73’), Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza; Juninho, Chris Birchall (Eddie Lewis 42’), David Beckham, Michael Stephens (Mike Magee 76’); Landon Donovan©, Edson Buddle.

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Leonardo, Jovan Kirovski, Bryan Jordan.

Colorado Rapids: Matt Pickens; Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Drew Moor, Wells Thompson; Jeff Larentowicz, Pablo Mastroeni© (Scott Palguta 77’), Brian Mullan, Jamie Smith; Conor Casey, Omar Cummings (Macoumba Kandji 83’).

Subs Not Used: Ian Joyce, Danny Earls, Ross LaBauex, Andre Akpan, Claudio Lopez.

Notes:
• Despite the loss, the Galaxy remain in first place in the Western Conference and all of MLS with a 17-7-5 record for 56 points. They are now one point ahead of Real Salt Lake, who defeated FC Dallas 2-0 earlier in the day.
• With those results, the Galaxy now need either a win or a result equal to that of Real Salt Lake in their season finale to win the Supporters’ Shield. RSL play away to Colorado on Saturday, while the Galaxy host FC Dallas on Sunday.
• Even with the loss, the Galaxy are assured of a top two finish in the Western Conference, meaning that they will open the postseason on the road in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series. The date of that game and LA’s opponent in it have not been determined.
• With the loss, the Galaxy’s quest to become the third team in MLS history to reach 60 points is over. The best LA can now do is 59 points.
• Bruce Arena made one change to the team that beat Philadelphia 1-0 at PPL Park last Thursday. Gregg Berhalter returned to the starting lineup for the first time since August 14, replacing Todd Dunivant, who missed the game because of a right adductor strain. With Berhalter returning, A.J. DeLaGarza moved to left back, with Berhalter occupying a spot in central defense next to Omar Gonzalez.
• Berhalter had missed eight straight games with a virus and a neck strain. He played 76 minutes before being replaced by Alex Cazumba.
• In addition to Dunivant, Dema Kovalenko also missed the game through injury, with Kovalenko missing his third straight game as the result of a right adductor strain. Kovalenko returned to full training this week, was not in the 18-man squad.
• This was the first time this season that the Galaxy scored the game’s opening goal but trailed going into the half.
• This was the first time this season that the Galaxy did not take the full three points when scoring the game’s opening goal. They are now 16-1-0 when scoring first.
• Edson Buddle gave the Galaxy the lead in the 9th minute with his league-best 17h goal of the season.
• Buddle is now three goals ahead of San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski in the race for the 2010 MLS Golden Boot. Wondolowski has 14 goals with two games remaining this season.
• His 17 goals are 10 more than his closest competition on the Galaxy, Landon Donovan, who has seven goals this season. The biggest gap between the Galaxy’s two top goalscorers was in 2002, when Carlos Ruiz led the team with 24 goals and Alexi Lalas was second with four.
• Buddle has now scored the game’s opening goal in three straight Galaxy games, opening the scoring against Chivas USA on October 3 and Philadelphia on October 7 as well as tonight.
• The goal was the 90th of Buddle’s MLS career, making him the sixth player in league history to score 90 or more regular season goals. He joins Jeff Cunningham (132), Jaime Moreno (132), Ante Razov (114), Jason Kreis (108), Landon Donovan (103) and Taylor Twellman (101) as the seventh player to achieve the feat.
• Landon Donovan collected his 15th assist of the season on the goal, becoming the first Galaxy player since Mauricio Cienfuegos had a club record 17 assists in 1999 to record 15 or more assists in a season.
• Chris Birchall also assisted on the goal for his second assist of the season and his first since the 10th minute of a 2-0 win at Columbus on May 29.
• The Rapids tied the score on an Edson Buddle own goal in the 18th minute. Buddle joined Chris Albright as the only two players in Galaxy history to score a goal and an own goal in the same game. Albright did so in a 5-2 win at D.C. United on August 26, 2006, scoring a ninth minute own goal before giving LA a 2-1 lead in the 47th minute.
• The Galaxy have now allowed at least one goal in nine consecutive regular season home games, dating back to May 15 against Toronto FC. The Galaxy are 4-4-1 in those nine games and have allowed 17 goals, including two or more five times.
• The three goals allowed by LA tie a season high that was set on August 1 in a 3-2 loss to Chicago.
• This was just the fourth time this season that the Galaxy lost by more than one goal, with three of those coming at home.
• Chris Birchall left the game in the 42nd minute with a left calf contusion. He was replaced by Eddie Lewis.
• Juninho was not booked in the game, meaning that he is eligible to play in the Galaxy’s season finale at home against FC Dallas on October 24. He remains one caution away from a mandatory one game suspension for yellow card accumulation. If he is booked in the season finale, he would not miss LA’s first postseason game, but rather his next regular season game.
• Edson Buddle had two goals, one on either side of halftime, ruled out for being offside.
• The attendance for today’s game was a sellout crowd of 27,000. This was the Galaxy’s second consecutive home sellout.
• The Galaxy are back in action on Sunday, October 24 when they host FC Dallas in the regular season finale at The Home Depot Center. That game kicks off at 5 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live on FS West starting with the Galaxy Live pregame show at 4:30 p.m.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Galaxy Aim for Supporters' Shield Tonight Against Colorado

2010-10-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

Nearly seven months after the 2010 MLS season began, the LA Galaxy take to the field in their penultimate game of the season on the precipise of their first Supporters' Shield title in eight years. Needing a win or possibly even a draw given other results, the Galaxy host the Colorado Rapids tonight in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd at The Home Depot Center.

Bruce Arena makes one change to the team that beat Philadelphia 1-0 last Thursday, with Gregg Berhalter returning to central defense for the first time since August 14. His return moves A.J. DeLaGarza to left back, where he replaces Todd Dunivant, who sits this one out with a right adductor strain.

Here is the complete Galaxy lineup...

-------------Donovan------Buddle-------------

Stephens------------Beckham----------Birchall

---------------------Juninho------------------

DeLaGarza---Gonzalez---Berhalter---Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Leonardo, Cazumba, Lewis, Kirovski, Jordan, Magee

And here is how the visiting Colorado Rapids, who clinched their first postseason berth since 2006 earlier today, will lineup.

-------------Casey--------Cummings-----------

Smith------------------------------------Mullan

----------Larentowicz-----Mastroeni------------

Thompson-----Moor------Wynne---------Kimura

---------------------Pickens----------------------

Subs: Joyce, Earls, Palguta, Labaux, Akpan, Lopez, Kandji

Edson Buddle on World Football Daily

2010-10-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Edson Buddle was a guest this morning on World Football Daily with Steven Cohen and Kenny Hassan. The Galaxy forward chatted about his unbelieveable 2010 and his team's push for the Supporters' Shield.

Take a listen...

This Week Inside the Galaxy - Supporters' Shield Special

2010-10-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

With just two games remaining on the schedule, the Galaxy find themselves on the verge of their first Supporters' Shield in eight years. A win on Saturday will seal the best record in the league for LA and give them their third Supporters' Shield, joining the ones that they won in 1998 and 2002.

In the latest episode of This Week Inside the Galaxy, we catch up with a number of guy to look ahead to Saturday's game with the Rapids and see just how important it is to the guys to win the Shield.

Watch and enjoy...

Landon Meets Nash - Part 2

2010-10-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

The continuing saga of the Galaxy captain spending some quality time with two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash ahead of the EA SPORTS Pro Player Challenge.

It isn't pretty.

Off and Running

2010-10-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Training continued this week at The Home Depot Center, with the Galaxy staunchly focused on getting a win this weekend to clinch their first Supporters' Shield title since 2002.

To spice up their typical post-training fitness work and get the competitive juices flowing, the guys had a bit of a relay race after training on Tuesday and that is the focus of this week's Galaxy Raw.

Meet Juninho Today in Los Angeles

2010-10-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

One of the Galaxy's breakout stars this season, Juninho has quickly become a favorite of the club's supporters here at The Home Depot Center.

Now is your chance to meet the Galaxy's young Brazilian midfielder as he stops by the Pollo Campero location at 1890 W. Slauson Ave. in Los Angeles. This is also your chance to turn in those coupons for free chicken that Pollo Campero has been giving out for home shutouts this season. Or if you have used those already, try some of the great deals that the restaurant will be putting on during Juninhho's visit.

Juninho will be there from 4:30 until 6 p.m., signing autographs, taking photos with fan and giving away tickets to this weekend's game against the Rapids. Make sure to stop by and say hello!

Ricketts and Buddle Up for Awards

2010-10-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Goal of the Week and Save of the Week nominees have been unveiled and once again the Galaxy have one for each award.

Donovan Ricketts diving save of Sebastien Le Toux's clever back heel is up for the NAPA Save of the Week award, while Buddle's first half header is up for the AT&T Goal of the Week award.

Click here to see all of the Save of the Week nominees and to vote for Donovan and then click here to see all of the Goal of the Week nominees and to vote for Edson.

Rapid Preparations, Part II

2010-10-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

We felt one post wasn't enough, so we took a second look at our camera and realized we had some extra shots from the last two days.

We were going to delete them at first, but on second thought decided to post them here for you guys.

Enjoy!

Rapid Preparations

2010-10-11T15:48:00.001-07:00

After playing a game on Thursday and flying back to LA on Friday, the Galaxy were back at The Home Depot Center training fields the last two days getting ready for Saturday's game against the Colorado Rapids.

A win against Colorado will clinch Supporters' Shield, which goes to the team with the best regular season record, and gives the Galaxy home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Additionally, by winning the Supporters' Shield, the Galaxy would receive an automatic berth into Group Play of next year's CONCACAF Champions League, as opposed to having to play a pair of Preliminary Round games like they did this season.

The Galaxy have claimed the Supporters' Shield two times in their history, 1998 and 2002.

For a more detailed breakdown of how the Galaxy can clinch all of the above, as well as other notes about the club, take a look at the Weekly Update.

After the sessions, we caught up with Bruce and a few of the players to recap last Thursdays win in Philly and look ahead to Saturday's game here at The Home Depot Center.

Here's what they had to say...

Bruce Arena...

Omar Gonzalez...

Sean Franklin...

Chris Birchall...

Below are a few choice action shots from the training sessions...

Postgme Reaction to 1-0 Win at PPL Park

2010-10-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

Here is what David, Donovan and Sean had to say right after the win over Philadelphia. Watch here...

And here is more from Bruce, David, Landon and Edson from the locker room.

LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena

On the game in general:
“Well it was a good win for us. We didn’t play particularly well but a short week and travel across the country having played Sunday night made for a tough week. Give our guys a lot of credit. I think Donovan Ricketts had a really good game for us, I think two pretty big saves in the second half. And I think Knighton had a great save on Donovan to keep them in the game late. Overall, obviously not a great game by any means. I think both teams probably struggled in the passing game tonight, but both teams have played hard, were well organized. One of those games where we certainly know on the road we’re going to try to get off the field 1-0 if we can and we got that accomplished. At this point in the season where points are important for us it was a big win on the road for us. We’re in g”ood position with two games to go. We’d certainly like to finish on top of the West and win the Supporters’ Shield so we have control of those things at this point.”

On the club’s defense:
“They played well, and a couple of the good looks they had I thought Donovan Ricketts came up big for us. I think it was one of those games where it’s just going to be one play. Our defense played well. I think AJ did a wonderful job in the center with Omar, Dunivant, and Franklin, and like I said Donovan Ricketts did a real good job in goal. It was a very good defensive effort. You know, we didn’t produce a lot going forward, but again we did enough to get the goal and keep them on their heels a bit at times. One of those games where we’re going to take the three points on the road.”

On the atmosphere:
“It was good. I’m very impressed with the stadium, I think it was well done. It’s a great setting, I love the bridge in the background and all, but I think just a wonderful stadium. I love the way it was designed with the suites in the one end zone and the supporters in the other endzone. I think very well done. And very impressed with the professionalism of the organization here in Philadelphia. Everything was first class, they did a real good job.”

On A.J. DeLaGarza’s ability to play centerback:
“I’m still concerned about his height (laughs). He’s as smart a player as you can have. His lack of height he makes up for with intelligence at his position. if he was playing basketball , I’d be concerned. But you know, there are a number of very good centerbacks in the world that were his size. Cannavaro was probably 5’8, 5’9. Robert Ayala, the argentine center, you know ideally if we could draw it up we’d like him to be about 6’3, 6’4 but it ain’t gonna happen. But I think he’s invaluable to us in the fact that he can play any position in the back, and he’s pretty solid. Obviously a game where there’s two big strong forwards, we’d probably be at a little bit of a disadvantage, but A.J. understands being good at spots and how to deal with that.”

LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham

On his team’s play at the end of the season:
“We finished the season really well, we then had a dry patch of results and now we are just coming out the last two weeks. We are happy tonight because we knew it would be a tough game to come to Philly and win. But we stuck together, we knew it would be tough tonight, but once we got playing and we put them away.”

On coming to a new place with new fans:
“When you are playing and this is the atmosphere. When you play in Europe, these is what you see and I do kind of enjoy it. Fans at away games are the way they should be.”

On his assist:
“I had my chance on the corner and I knew if I put it in position, it would go in. I knew that if I put it in the right area we would score.”

On his recovery from injury thus far:
“Personally I think that I am always going to fighting. To me, I am still going through pre-season. I am trying to get my fitness and then having certain aches and pains during games during the week. This is my first start and I am happy with that.”

On playing at PPL Park:
“It’s a great stadium and a great atmosphere. You know the way the fans are and they way people are in Philly about sports and how passionate they are. It’s been a good trip for us.”

LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan

On the win:
“We are playing pretty well, we need be a little better with the ball and a little better with our chances. Overall I think we are happy especially when we are on the road.”

On the team’s strong defense:
“From the day Bruce got here he set the standard high defensively and brought in a lot of guys. Our team has been very good defensive. We know every game we are going to get the chances we have been if we stay organized defensively, we are going to be tough to beat.”

LA Galaxy forward Edson Buddle

On his goal:
“We made several runs like that one during the game and this time we put it in.”

On playing at PPL Park for the first time:
“It’s great to see soccer developing in this country and to be a part of that. I have enjoyed it and the fans have been great.”

Galaxy Extend Lead in the Race for Supporters Shield with 1-0 Win at PPL Park

2010-10-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

LA Galaxy 1, Philadelphia Union 0
Thursday, October 7, 2010
PPL Park – Chester, Pa.

Scoring Summary:
LA – Edson Buddle 16 (David Beckham 1) 27’

Misconduct Summary:
LA – Michael Stephens (Yellow Card) 78’
LA – Jovan Kirovski (Yellow Card) 89’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Dunivant; Juninho (Bryan Jordan 86’), Chris Birchall, David Beckham (Jovan Kirovski 76’), Michael Stephens (Mike Magee 92+); Landon Donovan©, Edson Buddle.

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Leonardo, Alex Cazumba, Chris Klein.

Philadelphia Union: Brad Knighton; Sheanon Williams, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Danny Califf©, Jordan Harvey; Andrew Jacobson (Shea Salinas 73’), Stefani Miglioranzi, Justin Mapp (Roger Torres 82’), Fred (Kyle Nakazawa 14’); Danny Mwanga, Sebastien Le Toux.

Subs Not Used: Chris Seitz, Amobi Okugo, Nick Zimmerman, Jack McInerney.
Notes:
• With the win, the Galaxy remain in first place in the Western Conference and all of MLS with a 17-6-5 record for 56 points. They are now five points ahead of Real Salt Lake, who play their 28th game of the season on Saturday at New York.
• Given tonight’s result, the only teams that can still catch the Galaxy in the race for the Supporters Shield are Real Salt Lake (51 points with three games left), FC Dallas (49 points with three games left) and New York (47 points with three games left).
• The 17 wins for the Galaxy set a new club record for most wins in a season since the end of the shootout following the 1999 season.
• The Galaxy remain on pace to become the third team in MLS history to record 60 points in a season. With 56 points through 28 games, the Galaxy need either two wins or a win and a draw over their final two games of the year to reach that mark. Only the 1998 Galaxy and 2005 San Jose Earthquakes recorded 60 points in a season in the history of MLS.
• Bruce Arena used the same starting XI as he had used in the 2-1 win over Chivas USA on Sunday.
• The only changes for the Galaxy came on the bench, where Leonardo returned from a quad injury while Bryan Jordan and Chris Klein returned to the 18-man squad. They replaced Yohance Marshall, who is on international duty with Trinidad & Tobago, Eddie Lewis, who is suspended after being sent off against Chivas USA and Tristan Bowen, who made the trip to Philadelphia, but did not dress.
• The Galaxy were once again without Gregg Berhalter (neck strain) and Dema Kovalenko (right adductor strain) who missed their eighth and second straight game respectively.
• Edson Buddle gave the Galaxy the lead in the 27th minute with his MLS-best 16th goal of the season. That goal sets a new career-high for Buddle, who had never scored more than 15 goals in a season before this year.
• Buddle now has three goals and an assist in two games against the Union this season after scoring two and setting up one in LA’s 3-1 win over the Union at The Home Depot Center on May 1.
• The goal also put Buddle alone in seventh place in MLS history with 89 career goals, including 41 in a Galaxy uniform, good for the fourth most in club history.
• Buddle is now three goals ahead of Juan Pablo Angel, Dwayne DeRosario and Sebastien Le Toux in the race for the MLS Budweiser Golden Boot. All three of those players have 13 goals this season.
• David Beckham assisted on the goal, sending a corner kick into the box for Buddle to head home. The assist was Beckham’s first of the season and first in a Galaxy regular season game since a 2-0 win vs. Toronto FC on September 19, 2009.
• LA now have five goals direct from a corner kick this season, with Buddle scoring three of those. The Galaxy last scored directly from a corner kick on September 4 at Chicago, with Omar Gonzalez heading home a Landon Donovan corner in the first minute of second half stoppage time.
• The Galaxy are now a perfect 16-0-0 when scoring first, making them the only team in MLS not to drop a point when scoring the game’s opening goal.
• Donovan Ricketts made three saves for the win. This was his first clean sheet since a 1-0 win at New York on August 14. Ricketts remains on pace to record the lowest single season goals against average in club history.
• With the clean sheet, Ricketts tied Kevin Hartman’s club record for shutouts in a season with 11.
• This was the Galaxy’s 12th shutout in MLS play this season, tying the club record for most shutouts by the team in a single season, a record that they set in 2009.
• Philadelphia were the 11th different team to be shutout by the Galaxy this season.
• Landon Donovan played the 230th game of his MLS career, with 141 of those coming in a Galaxy uniform.
• Jovan Kirovski entered the game in the 76th minute, replacing David Beckham. This was his 20th appearance of the season and the 160th of his MLS career.
• Juninho was not booked in the game, meaning that he is eligible to play in the Galaxy’s next game at home against Colorado on October 16. He remains one caution away from a mandatory one game suspension for yellow card accumulation.
• Bryan Jordan replaced Juninho in the 86th minute of the game, making his first appearance since the 1-1 draw at Chicago on September 4.
• This was the Galaxy’s final road game of the season. They finish the year with an MLS-best 9-3-3 record on the road for 30 of their 56 points.
• This was also the Galaxy’s final game against an Eastern Conference opposition this season. They finish the year with an 8-4-4 record against the East.
• The attendance for today’s game was a sellout crowd of 18,779 at PPL Park, setting a new stadium record.
• The Galaxy are back in action on Saturday, October 16 when they host the Colorado Rapids in the penultimate game of the 2010 regular season That game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and can be seen on tape delay on PrimeTicket starting with Galaxy Live at 8 p.m.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Final Road Test on Tap at PPL Park

2010-10-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Galaxy's final road game of the 2010 MLS regular season is upon us as the Galaxy look to solidify their position at the top of the MLS standings. The Galaxy enter tonight's game two points ahead of second place Real Salt Lake with three games to go on the season and are in search of their first Supporters Shield title since 2002.

Bruce Arena has named an unchanged starting XI for tonight's game, with Landon Donovan again partnering Edson Buddle and David Beckham playing just behind those two. There is still no return for Gregg Berhalter, so A.J. DeLaGarza will once again partner Omar Gonzalez in central defense.

The only changes for LA are on the bench, where Leonardo, Bryan Jordan and Chris Klein return in place of Yohance Marshall, who is with the Trinidad & Tobago National Team for a game against Jamaica on Sunday, Eddie Lewis, who is suspended and Tristan Bowen, who joined the team in Philadelphia but will not dress.

Here is the complete team and formation for the Galaxy...

---------------Donovan-----------Buddle--------------

Stephens---------------Beckham---------------Birchall

------------------------Juninho-------------------------

Dunivant------Gonzalez-------DeLaGarza------Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Leonardo, Cazumba, Klein, Jordan, Kirovski, Magee

And here is how the host Philadelphia Union will line up for head coach Peter Nowak...

----------------Le Toux---------Mwanga----------------

Mapp------------------------------------------------Fred

----------------Miglioranzi-------Jacobson----------------

Harvey--------Califf----------Orozco Fiscal--------Williams

-----------------------Knighton----------------------------

Subs: Seitz, Okugo, Nakazawa, Salinas, Torres, Zimmerman, McInerney

Prepping for Philly

2010-10-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

On a night that history was made by one Philadelphia team, the Galaxy spent their afternoon preparring for another Philadelphia team, the Union.

In the shadow of the famous Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania, the Galaxy went through a 90 minute training session this afternoon ahead of Thursday night's game.

After training just once in LA before heading East, Wednesday's session was slighly longer and more intense than the typical day before a game session. All of the normal training elements were there, games of 6v2 and possession, a bit of fitness and finishing, as well as both attacking and defensive set pieces.

Here are a number of photos from yesterday's training session and be sure to watch the latest episode of This Week Inside the Galaxy to hear what Landon, Edson and Bruce have to say about the game against the Union, which can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes starting at 5 p.m.

Dave Sarachan led the team out for their warmup.

Chris and David set the pace...

... while Juninho raced out to a lead over the rest of his group.

The team then played two games of 6v2, with the young guys in one game...

...and the veterans, along with Michael Stephens, in the other.

After the 6v2, Sean stopped for a quick drink.

In the game of possession, all eyes were on A.J. as he tried to get rid of the ball.

As the session neared its end, David whipped in a corner kick...

...which Omar tried to get on the end of.

Once training was done, A.J. attempted to put a penalty past Sean.

While Landon was successful in putting this spot kick past a much better goalkeeper in Josh...

... before posing for a photo with a number of Penn athletes on his way to the team bus.

And if you want to check out some more images from the session, click here to see a slideshow of shots from the Daily Pennslyvanian.

This Week Inside the Galaxy - Philadelphia Preview

2010-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

With the Galaxy taking on the Philadelphia Union tonight at PPL Park, we're bringing you a special early edition of This Week Inside the Galaxy. Here what Bruce, Landon and Edson had to say about moving on from the SuperClasico win and getting prepared to take to the Union.

You can watch the video below, and be sure to check out the latest from Larry Morgan, examining the team's quick turnaround from Sunday's win to tonight's game.

Dunivant and Klein To Appear On HGTV's Design School

2010-10-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out Friday's episode of HGTV's Design School as it will feature two of our very own players: Todd Dunivant and Chris Klein, pictured above with two of the cast members from the show.

The episode, which also has cameos by players from the LA Lakers, will will center on students working to put together custom designed chairs for the athletes.

Design School airs Fridays at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET on HGTV (Check local listings).

After the show, be sure to check back here on this blog to see photos of the finished products.

Yohance Marshall Gets T&T Call Up

2010-10-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Galaxy will be without defender Yohance Marshall for Thursday night’s game against the Union after the 24-year-old was called into the Trinidad and Tobago National Team for their upcoming friendly against Jamaica on October 10. Marshall was on the bench for the Galaxy on Sunday against Chivas USA, but did not play after starting each of the two previous games, including his MLS debut against D.C. United on September 18.

Marshall, who has played for Trinidad at the U-17, U-20 and U-21 level as well as in a number of qualifiers ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has never played in a full international for his country and could make his full debut on Sunday when the Soca Warriors travel to Kingston, Jamaica to take on the Reggae Boyz. If he is capped in that game, he will become the second Galaxy player to earn his first cap this year, joining Omar Gonzalez, who made his U.S. debut against Brazil on August 10.

Marshall is the only Galaxy player that has been called in for national team duty during the current international window, with the club’s other internationals being allowed to remain with the club this week.

Galaxy Pick up the Pace

2010-10-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

The emphasis of Monday's training session at The Home Depot Center was quickness off the ball and crisp, one-touch passes as the squad looks to Thursday's matchup with the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.

The Galaxy began their only day of training in Los Angeles under grey skies and a light drizzle but the weather did little to impede a competitive and fast-paced training session that saw plenty of scoring and aggressive play.

The team held a series of four-on-four games that saw both Alex Cazumba and Tristan Bowen use their quickness to create scoring chances for their teammates. Another welcome sight at today's training session was the aggresive play and veteran leadership of defender Gregg Berhalter.

While most of the starting eleven did not take part in yesterday's training session, you can still hear what Edson Buddle, Landon Donavan and Head Coach Bruce Arena had to say about Sunday's 2-1 win against Chivas USA and this week's game against the Philadelphia Union.

Edson...

Landon...

Bruce...

The Galaxy departed for Philadelphia this morning and look to sweep the season series after defeating the Union 3-1 at The Home Depot Center on May 1. This is the club's last road trip of the regular season, the Galaxy finish the season with two games at home-- Colorado Rapids on October 16 and FC Dallas on October 24.

Galaxy Raw and Goal of the Week Nominees

2010-10-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

Each of the Galaxy's goals from the 2-1 win over Chivas USA have been nominated for the AT&T Goal of the Week award, with both David and Edson looking to win the award for the first time this season.

You can view both of the goals below along with all the other nominees and click here to vote.

Also, take a look at the latest episode of Galaxy Raw where we take a deeper look at Buddle's opener from Sunday with words directly from the man himself, as well as Michael Stephens whose pinpoint service set up the goal.

Enjoy...

Look Back at Sunday's SuperClasico Clincher

2010-10-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to goals from Edson Buddle and David Beckham, the Honda SuperClasioc will once again remain in the rightful hands of the LA Galaxy. After winning 2-0 in the first leg, Bruce Arena's men finished off the season sweep of their in-stadium rivals with a 2-1 win on Sunday.

Look back on last time at that win.

Locker Room Reaction to SuperClasico Win

2010-10-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here is what Chris Birchall had to say on the field...

And here is what was said in the two locker rooms...

LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena
On the result:
“These games are always fiercely competitive and tonight was no different. I give Chivas a lot of credit. They played really hard. I think it’s a great win for our team. We had to overcome some questionable officiating and hang in there and play hard. No question about that, and we got the three points. Obviously, we played well in the first half, The second half, I think Chivas did a really good job of getting direct in their attack, playing some dangerous balls in the box, and when the linesman can’t call offsides, they are even more dangerous. I don’t know if they can take back a red card, but I believe a player that is jumping to get out of the way of a dangerous tackle, standing out of bounds, can’t be responsible for getting out of the way of the player that is fouling him. I think that’s a questionable card, for sure, But it is what it is, and we had to play with ten players. We played really hard and did what we had to do to get the three points.”

On David Beckham and Edson Buddle’s goals:
“I think the Beckham free kick, when you see the wall, there are a number of players in the wall and I think the goalkeeper is definitely not able to see the ball there, and Beckham hit the open spot. From that position the spot to put the ball is to the goalkeepers left and we said at the bench if he beats the keeper to the left, it is going to be a goal, and it was. It was a great free kick. I think Buddle had a terrific finish, as well. Stephens hit a great ball. He had a couple of chances earlier, especially when Beckham played him through and he hit the crossbar."

On Alan Gordon’s goal:
"Ricketts at our end had to make some big saves. I think he would tell you that on the goal they were offsides on, that he should have been better and probably tipped that ball over the crossbar. Needless to say, the linesman has to put his flag up there. That is such an obvious offsides. I’m disappointed with the level of officiating in this game tonight. You have to get that call right. Obviously, there is a lot of emotion, which there always is. But we are moving forward, getting some of our players back. It’s going to take some time, but that is part of the plan in the last month of the season. We are 27 weeks in and it hasn’t been perfect, but we have been in first place for 27 weeks.”

On the play of A.J. DeLaGarza:
“I though A.J. played well. Chivas attempted to make sure they had a mismatch on the back post with A.J. at times. A.J.’s positioning was pretty good. We have enough confidence in A.J.; he is a smart player and can deal with the mismatch. In all fairness, I think Alan [Gordon] had a couple of good headers.”

On the Galaxy’s dominance over Chivas in the last three years:
“It’s great, but Chivas will win their share of games in this rivalry. Hopefully, I’m in a nursing home at that point. They are rebuilding their team. They have a plan. You can see that they are making progress, and sometimes it’s not as obvious in the table, but I think they are moving forward in trying to get their kind of players and their kind of style. They are going to win some games before the end of the year and they are going to have their moments in this rivalry, as well."

On the play of Michael Stephens:
“I thought he played well. He gave us a lot of energy in the midfield. If I am not mistaken, that was his ball to Buddle on the first goal. It was and excellent ball. He did well. He showed a lot of energy.”

On the play of David Beckham:
“David Beckham was sick this week. He was a question mark until yesterday, and he hung in there, but he was a little bit under the weather. I think David did a really fine job given the circumstances.”

On playing Landon Donovan at forward:
“That has been the plan for a while, but we had to wait to see if we could get David back, get him some more minutes and get him right before we did that. Landon will play both positions, forward and midfield, but I would think that we are going to see a little bit more of Edson and Landon together as we finish up the season.”

LA Galaxy Forward Landon Donovan:
On tonight’s result:
“Obviously, they have had a bad year. It has been a good year for us. It is always difficult to play them, but I think we showed that we still wanted it just as badly, and tonight was a really good win for us.”

On the importance of winning tonight:
“We had real pressure on us. Salt Lake won, so we were in second [place]. Winning the Supporters Shield is really important to us. This was a big game for us. It is always going to be difficult against Chivas, whether they have 20 points or they have 50 points. It is always a hard game. We are still happy we won.”

On the two Galaxy goals:
“We were a little unlucky not to score earlier. They had some decent chances too early, but Edson was unlucky hitting the crossbar, and then a fantastic finish. It was a great ball from [Michael Stephens] and absolutely a world class finish. That is a goal anywhere. And then on David’s, we did a good job of blinding Zach [Thornton] and David hit it perfect. There are not many goalies that are going to save that.”

On the importance of scoring first:
“It is pretty obvious now. We have to score first. That is going to be a big emphasis going forward and into the playoffs.”

On Eddie Lewis’ red card:
“It is hard to know what Eddie’s intent was coming down. It looked pretty innocuous to me. I am still trying to figure out how the other guy didn’t get a red card for a tackle like that.”

LA Galaxy Forward Edson Buddle:
On his goal:
“It was a good ball from Michael Stephens. Chivas had a high line and left a lot of space behind. I made eye contact with Stephens and he played the right weighted pass. It bounced perfectly, that’s why I was able to hit it first time and I got it on target to the back post. It was all about the bounce. Maybe if it would have skipped, I would have had to take a touch to get a good angle to shoot, but it bounced perfectly.”

On remaining the leading scorer in MLS:
“The season is not over yet, but guys have had hat tricks the last couple of weeks, so it is still not over yet. As long as we’re winning games, I’m happy.”

On the importance of tonight’s game:
“We have taken some losses from teams that are not so high in the standings. We know in this league, you can lose to the teams that are struggling to get points and fighting for jobs, so it was a game we knew we had to win and we weren’t going to take lightly.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham
On the result:
“It was a big game for us tonight, so another good performance from us. It was a bit difficult at the end, obviously with 10 men, but it was a big game so it was important that we won.”

On his fitness level:
“My fitness is good. I played 90 minutes last week, 40 minutes the week before, 25 minutes the week before and we’ve got another game on Thursday which is one of the reasons why I came off early today. So, no problems, fitness is feeling good and confidence is good”

On his goal:
“I always say with my free kicks, it’s something I practice week in and week out and if they go in, it proves that when you practice, you get rewards from it. Tonight was a good night for myself with the goal but it was more important that the team won. Three points were important.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder Michael Stephens
On his assist to set up Edson Buddle’s goal:
“I think that those balls were on all half. In the first half there was a lot of space behind them and I thought when we did hit those balls that we were going to be successful because they were a little bit stretched. I was lucky to fins it over the top and Edson took it first time, so it was a really good finish.”

On being back in the team:
“It was good. I think I needed a little bit of a breather, I was getting a little tired but I feel refreshed now and ready to go through this late push and into the playoffs. I feel good, happy to be back playing.

LA Galaxy Defender A.J. DeLaGarza
On playing in central defense next to Omar Gonzalez:
“Obviously we’ve played there for quite a bit now, earlier in this year, and we know pretty well so it makes it easier on the both of us. I think we’re both comfortable with that and I thought we did well tonight. Whatever I need to do I’m going to be there whether it’s a support player in the middle or on the outside. Whatever they need me, I’ll be there.”

On being a target of the Chivas USA attack:
“Well they targeted me because I’m 5’8” and they have 6’4” guys. It’s their game plan I guess. You just have to put a body on them and not let them get their head on the ball cleanly. Obviously, they got a goal but we’ll look at and see what happened.

LA Galaxy Defender Sean Franklin
On the defensive effort tonight:
“We just wanted to make sure that the outside backs are tucking in if A.J. was going up for a header or Omar is. We knew they were going to try to flick balls on and even though there was a slight [height] disadvantage, A.J. against Gordo or Braun, everyone was in pretty good spots to help out. I think the back line and the whole team did a pretty good job tonight.”

On the Galaxy supporters:
“It was nice, a great turnout. It’s always nice when our fans are cheering for us and it’s nice to bring the cup to our locker room and for the fans, so it was a good night.”

LA Galaxy Defender Todd Dunivant
On the performance of the back four tonight:
“The times when they did get behind us in the first half, it was midfielders running through and our coordination with Juninho and the guys running through wasn’t quite good enough but A.J. and Omar were fantastic. Alan Gordon is a big target up top and they did a good job of managing him, and in then Braun in the second half, but A.J. held his own. We broke up plays and didn’t give up many chances and that’s what it’s all about.”

Chivas USA Head Coach Martín Vásquez
On the match:
“I’m disappointed with the result, but pleased with the second half, the effort especially. The response after being 2-0 down [was] we came out with a lot of energy, we created some chances… All season, they have been relying on Landon [Donovan], [Edson] Buddle and now David [Beckham], and when you allow them space or let them get behind the line of defense, you’re going to be punished.”

On the team moving forward:
“We’re going to take it one game at a time. There’s still a lot to play for, and we’re going to try to finish strong. I think to talk about next year right now it too soon. We have to focus on the next game, and after these last four games we’ve got to sit down, evaluate, and analyze, and talk about next year.”

Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein
On the match:
“In the first half, we dug ourselves into a hole, which we didn’t want to do. We even had some chances before that; it was one of those games where both teams had some stuff going for them in the first half, it was kind of back-and-forth. The second half was way better for us. We were able to control the ball quite a bit. We got down the flanks, we had some success out there, and then got some crosses in and had some good header looks, but we just didn’t put them away. It was a little too little too late in the end, and the final goes 2-1.”

On what the team is playing for after being eliminated from the playoffs:
“I think more than anything, you’re always playing for pride. Obviously, it’s a blow when you know you’re mathematically out of the playoff race – it’s something you shoot the whole year. We are going to try to work on the things [that we] messed up in the rest of the year. More than anything it’s for pride. You just want to go out winning.”

Chivas USA midfielder Paulo Nagamura
On the team’s performance:
“I think we were the better team on the field. We dominated most of the game, we created a lot of chances, but we could not put the chances away. Like I said before, they had two or three chances and they scored two goals. It’s very difficult to recover from 2-0 down.”

On the play of the young players on the team:
“They did a pretty good job. I think even Ben [Zemanski] and [Michael] Lahoud did a very good job in the middle of the park. Like I said, we had possession of the ball, we created chances, but we could not put chances away. I’m disappointed with the result, but to be honest, I’m happy with the attitude the guys [showed] tonight. Even we were two down, we fought back and we almost got the tie in the end.”

On the team’s goals going forward:
“We’ve got to keep working. We do not know what’s going to happen next, so we’ve got to take one game at a time, and work game by game. We’ve got to get results, and let’s hope that next week we can get a win here at home against Toronto.”

Galaxy Claim Third Straight SuperClasico with 2-1 Win Over Chivas USA

2010-10-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

LA Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 1
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
LA – Edson Buddle 15 (Michael Stephens 8) 24’
LA – David Beckham 1 (Unassisted) 39’
CHV – Alan Gordon 2 (Jonathan Bornstein 2) 63’

Misconduct Summary:
CHV – Carlos Borja (Yellow Card) 38’
LA – Eddie Lewis (Red Card) 76’
CHV – Rodolfo Espinoza (Yellow Card) 76’
LA – Michael Stephens (Yellow Card 88’)

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Dunivant; Juninho, Chris Birchall (Alex Cazumba 85’), David Beckham (Eddie Lewis 64’/Sent Off 76’), Michael Stephens; Landon Donovan©, Edson Buddle (Tristan Bowen 90’).

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Yohance Marshall, Jovan Kirovski, Mike Magee.

Chivas USA: Zach Thornton; Mariano Trujillo, Carlos Borja (Sal Zizzo 77’), Ante Jazic, Jonathan Bornstein©; Paulo Nagamura, Ben Zemanski (Rodolfo Espinoza 46’), Michael Lahoud, Justin Braun; Alan Gordon, Giancarlo Maldonado (Jorge Flores 46’).

Subs Not Used: Kevin Guppy, Yamith Cuesta, Marcelo Saragosa, Jesus Padilla.
Notes:
• With the win, the Galaxy move back into first place in the Western Conference and all of MLS with a 16-6-5 record for 53 points. They are now two points ahead of Real Salt Lake with each team having three games remaining on the schedule.
• This was the Galaxy’s first game this season in which they were not the best team in MLS entering the game. Real Salt Lake defeated New England 2-1 on Saturday night, moving them into first place ahead of the Galaxy.
• The win gives the Galaxy their third consecutive Honda SuperClasico title and their fifth in the six year history of the competition. The Galaxy swept the season series against their in-stadium rivals this season, also winning 2-0 as the home team on April 1.
• The Galaxy are now 12-3-5 all-time against Chivas USA in the regular season and are unbeaten in the last eight meetings between the sides.
• The win for LA also eliminated Chivas USA from postseason contention.
• Bruce Arena made four changes to the team that lost 2-0 to the New York Red Bulls at The Home Depot Center last week. Omar Gonzalez, and A.J. DeLaGarza returned in central defense, replacing Leonardo and Yohance Marshall, while Chris Birchall and Michael Stephens were brought back into the midfield in place of Jovan Kirovski and Dema Kovalenko.
• Leonardo and Kovalenko each missed the game through injury, as did central defender Gregg Berhalter, who did not dress for the seventh straight game because of a neck strain.
• Edson Buddle gave the Galaxy the lead in the 24th minute with his 15th goal of the season. That goal tied his career-high for goals in a season, a record that he set in 2008 as a member of the Galaxy.
• Buddle now has three goals in the two games against Chivas USA this season and has four goals in his last five regular season games against them.
• With his goal, Buddle became the first player in MLS history to score 40 or more goals for two different teams. He had 42 goals in 106 career regular season games with the Columbus Crew and now has 40 goals in 84 regular season games with the Galaxy.
• Michael Stephens collected his eighth assist of the season on the goal, making him the first Galaxy player other than David Beckham or Landon Donovan to record eight or more assists in a season since Cobi Jones did so in 2003.
• Stephens was making his first appearance for the Galaxy since Auguest 28 vs. Chivas USA. He has appeared in every game of the season up to that point but did not play in any of the previous four games before tonight.
• The Galaxy are now 15-0-0 when scoring first, making them the only team in MLS not to drop a point when scoring the game’s opening goal.
• David Beckham gave the Galaxy a 2-0 lead just before halftime with his first goal of the season. Prior to that, Beckham last scored in an LA uniform on September 19, 2009 vs. Toronto FC.
• Beckham has now scored in each of his last two games against Chivas USA. Both of those goals turned out to be the game-winners.
• The goal came directly from a freekick, the first such goal LA has scored this season. The last time LA scored directly from a freekick was in May 2008 when Beckham did so against Real Salt Lake.
• Alan Gordon’s goal for Chivas USA in the 63rd minute was the first goal allowed by the Galaxy against Chivas USA since the 2008 season, snapping a string of four consecutive clean sheets for LA against Chivas.
• LA remain one clean sheet shy of tying the club’s all-time record of 12, which was set last season, while Donovan Ricketts remains one shutout shy of tying Kevin Hartman’s record for the most clean sheets by a Galaxy goalkeeper in a single season.
• Eddie Lewis was sent off in the 76th minute, becoming the first LA player to be shown a red card this season. Four players have been sent off against LA.
• Ricketts made four saves in the game and remains on pace to record the lowest single season goals against average in Galaxy history.
• Juninho was not booked in the game, meaning that he is eligible to play in the Galaxy’s next game at Philadelphia on September 7. He remains one caution away from a mandatory one game suspension for yellow card accumulation.
• The attendance for today’s game was a sellout crowd of 24,283.
• The Galaxy are back in action on Thursday, October 7 when they play their final road game of the season at PPL Park against the Philadelphia Union. That game kicks off at 5 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

SuperClasico Title On the Line

2010-10-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

The LA Galaxy go in search of their third consecutive Honda SuperClasico title this evening at The Home Depot Center in their second and final game of the year against Chivas USA. The Galaxy won the first leg 2-0 back on April 1, meaning that a win or draw would give the Galaxy the title and eliminate Chivas USA from postseason contention.

The only way that Chivas USA can win the SuperClasico is to win by more than two goals, something that they have only ever done twice in 19 all-time regular season meetings between the two sides. If Chivas win 2-0, the series and all tiebreakers will be level all the way down to caution points, a stat that Chivas have the advantage in after the first leg thanks to the Galaxy's four cards in the first leg compared to just one for Martin Vasquez's team.

Here is the lineup with four changes from last week, that Bruce Arena will use for today's game, which is shown live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

---------------Donovan-----------Buddle--------------

Stephens---------------Juninho---------------Beckham

------------------------Birchall-------------------------

Dunivant------Gonzalez-------DeLaGarza------Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Marshall, Lewis, Cazumba, Kirovski, Bowen, Magee

And here is how Chivas USA will line up their squad...

-------------Gordon----------Maldonado----------------

Braun--------------------------------------------Lahoud

----------------Zemanski----Nagamura-----------------

Bornstein-------Jazic---------Borja--------------Trujillo

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

Subs: Guppy, Cuesta, Saragosa, Flores, Padilla, Zizzo, Espinoza

This Week Inside the Galaxy - SuperClasico Special

2010-10-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

It's all about the Honda SuperClasico in the latest edition of This Week Inside the Galaxy as we visit with the guys in the days leading up to the game and then attend Friday's press conference with Omar and Edson.

Take a look...

Edson and Omar Address the Press Ahead of Sunday SuperClasico

2010-10-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

After training on Friday, Edson Buddle and Omar Gonzalez participated in a press conference with Rodolfo Espinoza and Ante Jazic from Chivas USA to preview tomorrow's Honda SuperClasico.
The event was emceed by Adrian Garcia Marquez from Univision and in addition to the players on stage, the star of the event was the SuperClasico trophy, which the Galaxy can claim for the third straight season and the fifth time in six years with a win or a draw.
Here is what Edson and Omar had to say.

Edson...

Omar...

Here is the complete audio of the press conference in its entirity...

Two Days Away from SuperClasico Sunday

2010-10-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Crossing and finishing was the name of the game as the Galaxy completed their final complete training session of the week on Friday afternoon at The Home Depot Center.

Even in the club's extensive 6v6 games, guys were trying to get the ball out onto the flanks before whipping balls into the box for players like Edson Buddle to get on the end of.

The tactic also set up a number of fun to watch one-on-one matchups like the one between BJ and Omar below.
Once completed with the 6v6, a number of the guys continued to work on their crossing and finishing, with wide players like Chris Klein and Todd Dunivant hitting crosses for Edson, Magee, Birchall and others.

Be sure to scroll below the photos to hear what Bruce, Landon and Todd had to say about Sunday's game.

Bruce...

Landon...

Todd...

Additionally, earlier in the week, Omar Gonzalez stopped by a local Best Buy along with Jonathan Bornstein from Chivas USA to test out the new FIFA '11 from EA Sports. Somewhat of a SuperClasico before the real SuperClasico, take a look at what went down in Downey.

Off the Field with Edson Buddle

2010-10-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

It's not often that you see Edson Buddle in the media outside the sports pages. But after a breakout season in MLS and a spot on the U.S. World Cup team this summer in South Africa, Buddle's public persona has grown immensely.

As a result, he was selected to appear in the latest issue of LA Confidential, entitled The Man Issue. Featuring Kobe Bryant on the cover, Buddle appears alongside celebrity chefs, real estate moguls, publicists, photographers and a number of others on their list of the magazine's favorite men in Los Angeles.

Click here to read the complete article and see Edson styling in some true designer duds.

Landon Hangs Out with Steve Nash

2010-09-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash stopped by one of the Galaxy's training sessions last month to spend some time with Landon Donovan ahead of the launch of FIFA '11 from EA Sports.

The final product of their collaboration is not yet ready for public consumption, but here is a sneak peek into what was going on behind the scenes as well as Nash's thoughts on the arrival of his Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS next season.

Take a look...

National Team Trio to Miss Upcoming Friendlies

2010-09-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

U.S. Soccer announced their roster for the upcoming friendlies against Poland and Colombia this afternoon and no Galaxy players were included in Bob Bradley's 20 man squad.

After each featuring in the last game that the U.S. played, against Brazil on August 10, Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez were not named to the squad for these two games with Bradley electing to allow the players to remain with the Galaxy during this important final month of the season. Only two MLS players (Heath Pearce and Brek Shea of FC Dallas) were called into the squad, though neither will be available for the game against Poland in Chicago on October 9 because of Dallas' game in Colorado that same night.

“We understand this is a critical point in the season for teams in MLS,” said Bradley. “Given the circumstances, we felt it was important that the MLS players be given as much opportunity as possible to remain with their clubs and continue to make important contributions as the playoffs approach.”

As a result, the trio are all expected to be available for selection for all four of the Galaxy's regular season games this month starting with Sunday's second leg of the Honda SuperClasico against Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center. That game kicks off at 5 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

LA Galaxy Go Pink

2010-09-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

The LA Galaxy and MLS announced today details of a league-wide campaign to help in the fight against breast cancer. All 16 MLS clubs will conduct one night of local activation to raise awareness and funds for the cause throughout the month of October-- the Galaxy will do so on Oct. 16, when they take on the Colorado Rapids.

Part of how the league and club will raise awareness is by playing the game with a pink adidas Jabulani match ball, which the guys used in yesterday training session (see photo above). Click here for photos of yesterday's training session.

Limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness adidas products, including scarves, sweat bands, hats, t-shirts and replica balls will be available for purchase at select stadiums and retailers. A portion of the proceeds from these sales will benefit Susan G. Komen for a Cure.

For more details click here.

Center Backs to Return?

2010-09-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

As we told you yesterday, Gregg Berhalter and Omar Gonzalez (pictured above) are back at training and may play together on Sunday. Today, after training, we caught up with Berhalter, Gonzalez and Todd Dunivant to get their thoughts ahead of Sunday's second leg of the Honda SuperClaisco.

Here's what they had to say...

Omar...

Gregg...

Todd...

Below are a few more shots from today's training session...

Hot Hot Heat

2010-09-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

This time one week ago, the Galaxy were training under dark, grey skies with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees.

The last two days, the sun has been shining brightly over The Home Depot Center, with temperatures in the triple digits.

But despite those differences, there is one constant between this week and last.

The Galaxy have the best record in MLS.

With just one month remaining in the regular season, Bruce Arena's squad sit two points ahead of Real Salt Lake for the league's best record, despite falling at home to New York on Friday night. Salt Lake are in action on Saturday night in New England while the Galaxy play just over 24 hours later when they take on Chivas USA in the second leg of the Honda SuperClasico.

A win or a draw will give the Galaxy their third straight SuperClasico title and their fifth in the six year history of the competition while also eliminating their rivals from postseason contention.

While that would be an nice ancillary benefit, the Galaxy players and coaches are focused instead on just playing better and moving past last week's loss to the Red Bulls.

With that goal in mind, the squad has gone through two full days of training and fitness work despite the heatwave that has hit the region. Two of the players that have been on the field each of the last two days are Gregg Berhalter and Omar Gonzalez, each of who missed the loss to New York.

Gonzalez was suspended for that game while Berhalter missed his sixth straight game because of a neck strain. Berhalter returned to training last week and could be in the squad for the first time since August 14, while Gonzalez is almost a certainty to be back in the starting lineup, a place that he has been for every league game that he has been eligible for since joining the Galaxy last season. In the four games that Gonzalez has missed this season in all competitions (two in the league because of suspension, one in the Open Cup and one in the Champions League where he was an unused substitute), LA are 1-3-0 and have been outscored 8-3.With Gonzalez once again returning and Berhalter on the road to recovery, Bruce Arena could have his full squad at his disposal on Sunday evening for the first time all season. As a result, the intensity has been as high as the temperatures over the last two days as guys look to catch the eye of the coaches and get themselves into the 18-man squad against Chivas USA.
Luckily for Bruce, the game is still five days (and three training sessions) away, giving him more than enough time to decide who will be in and who will be out come Sunday.

A Final Look at 2-0 Defeat to New York

2010-09-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

David Beckham was in the starting lineup for the first time this season, but goals from Dane Richards and Juan Pablo Angel on either side of halftime condemed the Galaxy to a 2-0 defeat to the Red Bulls at The Home Depot Center on Friday night.

Here are some of the highlights from the night...

Postgame Reaction to New York Defeat

2010-09-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

Here is what Sean Franklin had to say on the field after the game...

And here is more from both locker rooms

LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena
On the result:
“We didn’t deserve to win the game tonight. They outplayed us in the first half. No question about that. Their midfield dominated us.”

On the play of his team:
“The first half was very disappointing. We put no pressure on the ball and gave them too much time. Our team shape was poor. That’s all on me. Our effort was not what it needed to be and that’s on our players. I’m very disappointed in the way our guys came out and played in the first 45 minutes. I thought the second half was better.”

On the play of the center backs:
“They are young. One of those players was playing in the [USSF Division 2 Pro League] a couple weeks ago. It’s not surprising there is a mistake or two, obviously, and there was. Those were the options that we had.”

On playing David Beckham for 90 minutes:
“I would have preferred that he played less than 90 minutes tonight. Obviously, the change we had to make at halftime and the Kovalenko injury hurt us. He felt he could play 90 minutes. In a perfect world, he would not have played that long. He showed tremendous character and quality in the last 20 minutes when by all rights, he should have been off the field.”

On the play of Yohance Marshall:
“For the most part it was solid. He is an inexperienced player. I think it is his second MLS game. Our organization in the back in the first half wasn’t good enough, and obviously, a mistake on the penalty kick. For us to expect that those guys would come in a not make any mistakes, we would have to be kidding ourselves. I think for the most part, he has played well in these two games. We have to be realistic. We had to put those guys in some tough spots. It’s all part of it, injuries happen. He played well for the most part.”

On the play of New York’s players:
“I think Tchani played well in the first half. For some reason, we didn’t do a good job getting around him. I thought he was a key player in the first half for them. I thought Lindpere had a very good game, as well. They played better than us over 90 minutes, but especially in the first half. The last 20 minutes of the fist half, they were pretty good.”

On his team’s play over 90 minutes:
“I think that in the first half, we did a really poor job with our shape. Over the last 20 minutes, we just gave them too much time over the ball. The second half, we changed that around and had the game more on our terms. The second goal put us in a really difficult position to try to get a result out of the game. Their center backs played well. I thought Ream just cut off every cross we sent in. Maybe it had something to do with the quality of our service, but he seemed to be in the right spot all night dealing with our crosses.”

Los Angeles Galaxy Forward Landon Donovan
On the play of Mehdi Ballouchy:
“He did well tonight. He is a guy who has always showed flashes during his time in Colorado but wasn’t all that efficient. He seems like he is fitting in well with New York and he had a good game tonight.”

On the play of the Red Bulls:
“They are a good team there is no question and they are missing arguably their best player. They are going to be a tough team come playoff time and if we face them again we have to be a lot better.”

On New York missing Henry:
“We played a little different but we actually didn’t play to use that as an advantage. We were too deep the whole night. We allowed too much space in the midfield. We probably should have played a little bit higher and put them under more pressure.”

On the team’s performance in the first half:
“We were all over the place. Once they broke us down a few times, we missed a few tackles and they got through. It was kind of disheartening and it seemed like it broke our sprit a little bit.”

On the Galaxy back line:
“We have a center back pairing that has played a combined [12] games for us. That is going to hurt you. To some extent they did okay but they made two mistakes and it led to two goals. That is how you learn. They are still good players but they are going to get better.”

Los Angeles Galaxy Forward Edson Buddle
On tonight’s game:
“Overall they did a good job getting a goal first. They did a good job holding on to the lead. We were dangerous some times but we didn’t test [Bouna] Coundoul as much. Technically we should have been sharper in the final third.”

Los Angeles Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham
On playing ninety minutes:
“I discussed with Bruce [Arena] during the week that I could play 65 -70 [minutes]. I felt pretty good. There were some stages where I felt tired and I felt my lungs a little bit. We had a few players pull up due to injuries so I had to stay on in the end but it was good to get 90.”

On the team’s struggles offensively:
“Usually the first half sets the tone for the game. The first half wasn’t good for us. We didn’t start well and we didn’t pressure well. They kept the ball and we didn’t press them. When you start games like that it is tough going on from that.”

On the loss:
“We are disappointed with the loss. We don’t want to lose any games here. We were disappointed with our first half performance more than anything. In the second half we came out fighting a little bit more but first half was how we lost the game.”

On the young back four:
“We know the back four could play. It doesn’t matter how young they are or how inexperienced they are. They are good players. There just a few mistakes tonight. In the first half we didn’t play like we should play especially when we are at home. We should be in control of the game when we are at home and we weren’t.”

On the hype surrounding the game:
“Obviously there was a bit more hype and buzz around this game because it was New York and the rivalry. With the players that they brought, [Rafa] Marquez and Thierry [Henry], who did not play tonight, there was more hype around the game and a full stadium. There was a certain buzz around leading up to it but once you start the game it like any other game.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder Dema Kovalenko
On a tough battle in the midfield:
“It was not a tough battle, they outplayed us. They controlled the ball and we couldn’t get to the ball. We just didn’t adjust, I guess. They had too much room, too much space and that’s where the game is won, in the midfield. It was a bit frustrating. It’s communication. We lose as a team and win as a team. We don’t want to point any fingers. We didn’t do well, they were the better team. The effort was not there, it was just like we didn’t want to be there. The second half was better, we came out and we put pressure and they couldn’t really do anything but then they scored another goal. We couldn’t adjust to the way they played and that was the difference.”

On the differences between the two games against New York this season:
“I think they were the same. In New York, we came out and took the game to them. We put pressure on the ball and didn’t let them do anything like they did today and that was the difference. We made a mistake on a goal and it’s tough but this happens. We didn’t respond well enough after that goal and we didn’t play well. We’re going to watch the tape on Monday and correct our mistakes. This is a good lesson for us and it can’t happen again.”

New York Red Bulls Head Coach Hans Backe
On the result:
“It is a massive on the road win for us, of course. We deserved this victory I would say. The first half, after the first three or four minutes, we controlled the game. Our buildup was excellent, the passing game, the possession. LA had huge problems to defend against [Rafa] Marquez, Carlos Mendes, and Tim Ream when we would build up from the back four with three players and push the full backs. In the second half, they got some chances, but I would say it was one of the best performances so far from this team.”

On the play of Mehdi Ballouchy:
“Man of the match. Absolutely outstanding. I’m surprised that he is that good. He is all over the pitch. His passing game, he is so composed on the ball, wants the ball all of the time, gets our game going, set up strikers and wide players. He was definitely the man of the match.”

On the play of Rafael Marquez:
“It was good. We decided at halftime to play him maximum 65 minutes because he has been fatigued and he is still fatigued and we didn’t want to take any risks with picking up a stupid injury at this stage in the season. He was the guy at the beginning of the first half that started our buildup. He is so precise in the passing game.”

On the result:
“I think the last five or six weeks we have looked very consistent and strong, defending very well. Everyone has been ready to do the dirty work in these games, even the strikers. So I’m not really that surprised. I’m surprised of course to win away against the best team in MLS. When everything works like it did today, the shape and the right attitude, you can win games like this.”

On pressuring the Galaxy’s young center backs:
“When we had the team talk, we said we have to try to press the center backs, make it hard for them as much as possible. We didn’t drop to defend. We closed down every goal kick. Ballouchy and Angel tried to press them as much as possible.”

Red Bulls Forward Juan Pablo Angel
On the result:
“I think we kept possession very well during the game and I think we won the battle in the midfield and that was probably the difference between the two teams. Also, there were two teams with different necessities. They are already qualified for the playoffs and we needed to win a game in order for us to make it. I think it was a great game, a great win and now we can look forward to the playoffs.”

On the rivalry between the east and west:
“I think it phenomenal for the league, it is important for the business in general and I think it was a very entertaining game.”

New York Red Bulls Midfielder Dane Richards
On his goal:
“It was just being in the right place at the right time. Joel [Lindpere] took the shot and it came off the post. Coach always tells me to follow up on rebounds. I was in the box at the right place at the right time.”

Homestand Ends on Sour Note with 2-0 loss to Red Bulls

2010-09-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

LA Galaxy 0, New York Red Bulls 2
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
NY – Dane Richards 3 (Unassisted) 36’
NY – Juan Pablo Angel 13 (Penalty Kick) 60’

Misconduct Summary:
LA – A.J. DeLaGarza (Yellow Card) 56’
LA – Yohance Marshall (Yellow Card) 59’
LA – David Beckham (Yellow Card) 87’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, Yohance Marshall, Leonardo (A.J. DeLaGarza 46’), Todd Dunivant; Dema Kovalenko (Tristan Bowen 76’), David Beckham, Juninho, Landon Donovan©; Jovan Kirovski (Eddie Lewis 67’), Edson Buddle.

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Alex Cazumba, Chris Birchall, Mike Magee.

New York Red Bulls: Bouna Coundoul; Carey Talley (Mike Petke 40’), Carlos Mendes, Tim Ream, Roy Miller; Rafael Marquez (Carl Robinson 69’), Tony Tschani (Salou Ibrahim 71’), Dane Richards, Mehdi Ballouchy, Joel Lindpere; Juan Pablo Angel©.

Subs Not Used: Greg Sutton, Austin Da Luz, Danleigh Borman, Sinisa Ubiparipovic.
Notes:
• Despite the loss, the Galaxy remain in first place in the Western Conference and all of MLS with a 15-6-5 record for 50 points. They remain three points ahead of Real Salt Lake for first place, with RSL hosting Colorado on Saturday.
• Tonight’s game was the third and final game of the Galaxy’s three game homestand. They finished 2-1-0 in those three games, taking six of a possible nine points.
• Bruce Arena made two changes to the team that came from behind to defeat D.C. United 2-1 at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night. Leonardo returned to the starting XI in central defense in place of the suspended Omar Gonzalez, while David Beckham made his first start of the season in midfield, replacing Alex Cazumba, who began the game on the bench.
• Joining Cazumba on the bench was A.J. DeLaGarza, who had not dressed for either of the last two games because of a left knee strain.
• While the club welcomed DeLaGarza back to the lineup, they were once again without defender Gregg Berhalter and A.J. DeLaGarza, who missed his sixth straight game with a neck strain, though Berhalter did return to training earlier this week.
• This was the first time in all competitions that the Galaxy had used the central defense pairing of Yohance Marshall and Leonardo.
• After missing last weekend’s game with left quad fatigue, Leonardo played the opening 45 minutes before being replaced by A.J. DeLaGarza.
• David Beckham played the full 90 minutes for the Galaxy after making his first start of the season. This was Beckham’s first start in a Galaxy uniform since MLS Cup 2009 in Seattle on November 22, 2009.
• Dane Richards gave the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute. That was the fifth time in the last six games that the Galaxy allowed the opening goal.
• LA is now 1-6-2 when allowing the game’s opening goals.
• Juan Pablo Angel doubled the New York lead in the 60th with a penalty kick for his 13th goal of the season. Only the Galaxy’s Edson Buddle has more goals than Angel with 14.
• The penalty kick was Angel’s third attempt against the Galaxy in the last three meetings. He scored on two of the three and had one saved by Donovan Ricketts at Giants Stadium last season.
• Angel’s penalty kick, which was came from a Yohance Marshall foul on Dane Richards, was the first penalty given up by the Galaxy this season.
• The Galaxy have now allowed a goal in eight straight regular season home games, dating back to May 15. LA has kept a clean sheet in just three of their 13 home games so far this season.
• This was the eighth time this season that the Galaxy were shutout, with three of those coming at home.
• Of the eight times that LA was shutout this season, six have come against Eastern Conference opposition.
• Juninho was not booked in the game, meaning that he is eligible to play in the Galaxy’s next game against Chivas USA on September 3. He remains one caution away from a mandatory one game suspension for yellow card accumulation.
• This was the final game of the season between the Galaxy and New York. The two teams split the season series, with LA winning 1-0 at Red Bull Arena on August 14.
• New York’s win snapped a four-game unbeaten streak for LA against the Red Bulls dating back to the 2008 season.
• The attendance for today’s game was a sellout crowd of 27,000. This was the Galaxy’s second sellout of the season.
• The Galaxy are back in action on Sunday, October 3 when they play the second and final leg of the Honda SuperClasico against Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center. That game kicks off at 5 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

THE Game is Set to Go

2010-09-24T18:59:00.001-07:00

It's almost game time here at The Home Depot Center where the Galaxy will play the New York Red Bulls in the season's most high profile game. The Galaxy look to win their third game in a row at home and sweep the season series with New York. Tonight also marks the first time that David Beckham will start for the Galaxy since the 2009 MLS Cup in Seattle nearly 10 months ago. Yohance Marshall will start again in defense, this time alongside Leonardo starts in place of the susepended Omar Gonzalez.

The game features a Red Bull squad without Thierry Henry but still has a formidable attack led by Juan Pablo Angel, the second leading scorer in MLS.

Here is the complete Galaxy squad...

----------Buddle----------Kirovski-------------

Donovan------------Juninho--------------Beckham

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

Dunivant-----Leonardo-----Marshall-----Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, DeLaGarza, Lewis, Cazumba, Birchall, Magee, Bowen.

And here is how the visitors, New York Red Bulls will lineup for Head Coach Hans Backe...

-----------------Angel-----------------------

Lindpere-------------Ballouchy--------Richards

-----------Tchani-----------Marquez-----------

Miller-------Ream--------Mendes----------Talley

--------------------Coundoul------------------

Subs: Sutton, Petke, Borman, da Luz, Robinson, Ubiparipovic, Ibrahim.

Galaxy vs. Red Bulls in the Press

2010-09-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Tonight's game against the New York Red Bulls at The Home Depot Center has been dubbed the Game of the Season by many and there is no shortage of game previews, player match-ups and team profiles to help you get ready for the game.

There has been plenty written about this game or said about it, so this is your spot to get it all in one full serving, of course starting with the latest episode of This Week Inside the Galaxy.

A match-up of MLS stars, tonight's game could be a preview of MLS Cup in Toronto. For a game preview, click here. Mark Rogondino thinks that this could be just that in his latest View from the Booth.

If you are looking for a positional breakdown and which Galaxy players will give the team the edge over the Red Bulls, click here to see the latest for tonight's game.

How will the Galaxy clamp down on Red Bulls star Rafa Marquez? Click here to find out.

While tonight's game is this season's best, it might also be a glimpse into the future of MLS.

MLS also has you covered with video about tonight's game. Check it out in The Daily EXTRA.

If that's not enough for you, see what Bruce Arena and a few Galaxy players have to say about the top match-ups for tonight's game.

And here is more from Bruce and New York head coach Hans Backe.

If you missed David Beckham on ESPN's Sportscenter from Los Angeles last night, check out what he had to say about the Galaxy right here.

The game of the season will be played before a sell-out crowd and airs live on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. Hope to see you all tonight at The HDC.

This Week Inside the Galaxy - Ready for the Red Bulls

2010-09-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

In the latest episode of This Week Inside the Galaxy, check in with a few of the Galaxy Academy's top stars ahead of the start of the Development Academy season and look ahead to tonight's high profile meeting with the New York Red Bulls at The Home Depot Center.

Take a look...

Both Donovan's Up for Awards

2010-09-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Could this be the week that the Galaxy get back to winning some awards?

Landon Donovan's game-winning goal against D.C. United is up for the AT&T Goal of the Week award while Donovan Ricketts' second half save off a Pablo Hernandez shot is up for the NAPA Save of the Week award.

The Galaxy have won just one Goal of the Week award this season (Juninho for his goal against Seattle on July 4) and one Save of the Week award (Ricketts for his leaping save to stop a Steven Lenhart header at Columbus on May 29) but all that could change this week.

Click here to see all of the Goal of the Week nominees and to vote for Landon's header, and then click here to vote for Donovan's diving save that kept the score 1-0 and gave LA a chance to come back and earn the win.

Yohance Ready to Marshal LA Defense

2010-09-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

To say that last week was a wild one for Yohance Marshall would be an understatement. He returned from his loan spell in Austin on Monday and made his MLS debut on Saturday, helping the Galaxy earn their second straight win.

We caught up with the Galaxy's young Trinidadian defender to discuss his debut and the challenge that will be presented on Friday night by Juan Pablo Angel and the Red Bulls.

Take Another Look at 2-1 Victory Over D.C. United

2010-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Re-live the Galaxy's come from behind victory over D.C. United from Saturday night at The Home Depot Center. Trailing 1-0 with 10 minutes remaining, Landon Donovan scored twice to give the Galaxy their first come from behind win in nearly two years and stay three points clear of Real Salt Lake at the top of the standings.

Watch as Landon, Bruce and David share their thoughts on the victory during postgame interviews.

Last Hours to Vote for Edson's Pepsi Refresh Project

2010-09-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Only a few hours remain for you to vote for the LA Galaxy and Edson Buddle's Pepsi Refresh Project and help the club win a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant!

The Galaxy's project will look to refresh communities by empowering, encouraging and educating children through the building of a soccer-themed playroom at a local children's hospital and conducting soccer camps focused on fitness and health in the LA area. In addition, the club will look to provide aid, equipment and soccer instruction in Haiti for kids affected by January's earthquake through the Galaxy Foundation's Haitian Initiative.

Don't miss your chance to help Edson and the Galaxy give back to community!

Fans can cast their vote up to 25 times per day at www.MLSsoccer.com/PepsiRefresh/LA for the Galaxy until tonight at 8:59 p.m.

Postgame Reaction to Comeback Win Over D.C. United

2010-09-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

Here is what Todd Dunivant had to say on the field after the game...

And what more of the guys had to say in the locker rooms...

LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena:
On the result:
“I thought we played hard tonight and D.C. United played incredibly hard. Getting the first goal didn’t make it easy for us. We had to fight and scrap, and that’s one of the few times this year we’ve been in that kind of position and come out with three points. That in itself is very pleasing and there is a lot of credit to our team for getting three point tonight. I though our players in the second half that came in, Beckham and Lewis and Bowen, they did their jobs. We just had to fight hard. I think the story tonight for us is that we didn’t deliver the last pass well. We had a bunch of opportunities tonight during this game when we got behind them in good spots in the final third of the field and we really didn’t deliver a good pass. Obviously at the end, we managed to do that. I think at times we moved the ball and got behind them and created some potentially good goal scoring opportunities, but didn’t deliver the right ball at the right time. That obviously kept us off the scoreboard for a lot of minutes in this game. Overall, we are leaving here with three points and at this time of year those are critical points. Give our team a lot of credit. My hat is off to D.C. United. That was a fabulous effort on the part of their players and their coaches did a great job of getting their team ready to play.”

On the play of Yohance Marshall:
“I think he did very well. He played with a lot of confidence to start the game which was good to see. He is obviously confident from getting a number of games under his belt this year at Austin, and he played with us earlier this year against Boca and we could see that he was a player with a lot more confidence. We needed him tonight and he did a really good job.”

On the play of David Beckham:
“I think he did well. Again, we need to appreciate that this is a player who six months ago tore his Achilles tendon. To be back this quickly and to be able to contribute what he has in the last two games, I think it is very impressive. He is ahead of schedule, and again, out goal is to get him completely match fit by playoff time. I think we are ahead of the curve. We are about four week away from the playoffs and if everything goes well and there are no setbacks, he should be on schedule.”

On the play of Tristan Bowen:
“He is a young kid and he has worked real hard in the last couple of weeks to have a little bit of a better tactical understanding of how to play that position and be dangerous and deliver some balls. He was active tonight and he did some things that we haven’t seen yet. He is a very promising player, still a young player. He hasn’t played a lot of games at a high level and to see him come in a react the way he did tonight is a real positive. I am pleased for Tristan.”

On the season so far:
“We have seven points in our last three games. This is week 25 of the season, and we have been in first place for 25 weeks. It hasn’t been that bad. We didn’t expect the season to be perfect. We managed to play 23 of our games without David Beckham, and we’ve dealt with our issues. To date, I am pleased with our team. I know if we don’t get better, we’re not going to have a chance to win MLS Cup. I understand that completely. We certainly realize that we need to get better. It is part of sport, and the character of teams and athletes comes out in these situations. It is the part of sport that is challenging. There are five difficult games ahead of us, and we probably need to win four to win the Supporters Shield and home field advantage. It’s not going to be easy.”

On next week’s match against the New York Red Bulls:
“It will be a good game. I think when the envisioned this league, they probably wanted to have something like this. Two big cities, getting after each other a little bit. Give New York a lot of credit. That has been a fabulous ownership group to really get that situation right. They have one of the finest soccer stadiums in the country. They have invested deeply in that team and have done a great job. The acquisitions of Henry and Marquez, along with Angel and others, they have the star power for sure. It is a great game for the league. I am happy we are at this point in the season with the league and have this kind of opportunity. This league is moving forward at the right pace and I think next Friday will mean a lot to both teams. It is going an evening to celebrate where this league has come. I think it will be a fabulous night for MLS. Our team has to play at its very best to win the game.”

LA Galaxy Forward Landon Donovan
On the game:
“We didn’t play well tonight. I don’t know what the deal was. I don’t know why. I wish I had an answer for it. We didn’t compete like we have the last few weeks. We didn’t pass the ball well, our final decision in front of the goal was poor, and we had a bunch of really not good performances. We were fortunate to get something out of the game.”

On the play of D.C. United:
“D.C. played well. You have to give them a lot of credit. Not only did they played loose and relaxed and aggressively, but they actually played well, they passed the ball well, they moved well. But that doesn’t matter. We need to be a lot better. We can’t have that many poor performances around the field. At the end of the day, there weren’t many places where we can say we won the match up. We were pretty fortunate to get out of it with a win.”

On finding a way to win:
“Our effort was ok. Our quality was just not good. Everything could have been sharper and better. That being said, good teams find ways to win. You are not always going to play well. You have to find a way to win. Before the game this week, I was thinking a lot about wanting to finish at the top of the league, and I want to be MVP again. I wanted to make a statement tonight.”

On the play of Andy Najar:
"I'm really impressed with that kid. Really impressed. He's scored twice against us this year. He's competetive, technically he is very good. He plays much more mature than a 17-year-old, and he scores goals. I don't care how good you are, it is not easy to score goals in this league. He has found a way to score quite a few goals this year and I think he is a good player."

On surpassing Cobi Jones as the Galaxy’s all-time leading scorer:
“Cobi’s is the guy I have watched the most throughout my career, not only when I was young, but also since I have been in MLS and especially since I have been with the Galaxy. I have a lot of respect for what he has done and it is nice to join that company.”

LA Galaxy Defender Yohance Marshall
On the backline’s performance:
“They have some pacey guys up top. I think we stayed compact and talked to each other and we did pretty well tonight.”

On being called back to the Galaxy:
“It was a bit sudden, but this is my mother club so I was happy to come back.”

On finding out he was starting:
“Leonardo got a couple of knocks so coach came up to me and said that I was probably going to be going in.”

On pregame nerves:
“I think every player is nervous to play so of course I was a little nervous but it is part of the game so you have to go on with it. Fight the nerves and go out and play to the best of your ability.”

On being out on loan:
“The game is funny. I was just trying to get as much experience as I could. I knew they needed me so I came back and I think I had an alright performance.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham
On his playing time:
“I spoke about it with Bruce [Arena], about getting more minutes on the field and I think it was just under 40 minutes so it was a good work out for myself. I was puffing a little bit more than I was last week, but it was more minutes on the field and that is what I need.”

On his recovery process:
“I just have to do my work during the week. When match days come I just hope for the best. When you have been out for six months with this kind of injury it is hard to actually do too much work while you are rehabbing it. For four months I probably didn’t do hardly anything, now I am trying to step it up so it’s going to take a while to get my match fitness and tonight helps”.

On coming from behind to win:
“It felt great to be part of that because I know we haven’t done it this season. It is important to do that because we can’t expect to win every game easily. D.C. came here tonight and they played with the freedom that they’ve got this season and they made it a hard night enough for us. We could tell after five minutes that it was going to be frustrating because I don’t think our passing was great. Our final ball wasn’t right and when you do that during games you are going to struggle. We kept it going. The character came through at the end and we have to prove that we got that character. We know it within the locker room but we have to prove it to people.”

On Landon Donovan’s ability to change the game:
“When you have some one like Landon who has the pace to capitalize on the mistakes that teams make, you need that. It was a great help for us tonight of course.”

LA Galaxy Defender Todd Dunivant
On tonight’s game:
“It was a great game. They came in here and made it really tough on us. They were definitely up for this game. They were coming off a big win against Toronto. They played a great game you really have to tip your hats to them. They made it tough on us. Donovan came in with a huge save on a breakaway when the game was still in doubt and Landon made a couple of great plays.”

On Yohance Marshall:
“He has been out all year. He comes in steps in and does a great job. He didn’t miss a beat. He played simple, played smart, played hard and did his job. It was perfect.”

On injuries to the backline:
“We are thin. Leonardo is close and A.J. [De La Garza] is close. We are going to need some center backs for next week. Omar is going to be gone, but Sean [Franklin] can play center back. We are going to have to make adjustments. That is what it is all about and we are going to get guys healthy.”

D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen
On the game:
“Overall we were pretty good tonight and I’m just gutted for the guys because they put so much effort into it and they want it so bad. At the end of the day, whether it’s a defensive lapse or, let’s face it, we’ve got some chances to kill that game off. So it’s not just a defensive display, it’s both side of the play. Making sure we’re finishing the game off and making the plays that matter down the stretch.”

On the team’s play over the final weeks of the season:
“I’m not looking for much more than we had out there. Take out a defensive lapse or two and put the ball away. I’m not worried about the way we play or the way we fight, that’s there. We’ve got to figure out that it’s every play that matters. I’m proud of the guys. They fought again and they did everything and they are gutted in there. I’ve got guys in there that are so disappointed right now. They do care.”

On his roster:
“We’ve got talent, we’ve got guys that we believe in. I really like this team, I like the way they’ve responded. But again, it’s not always enough to play hard, we’ve got to be smart and we’ve got to be clinical and we’ve got to get cutthroat when we’ve got the chances to do so.”

D.C. United Midfielder Santino Quaranta
On the result:
“This one hurts a lot and I think that we should have won the game. I think we put enough into it and we were good enough on a night to win. Unfortunately, we made a couple of mistakes and we got punished for it.”

On United’s ability to attack the Galaxy:
“We had some good players going forward and that was our plan coming in, to exploit them. They attack very aggressively on the outsides and I think our counter going forward was pretty good and I think we should have gotten more out of it.”

On what his team can take away from tonight’s game:
“Continue to play like that and we’ll win games. It’s kind of been a theme all year but they’re the best team in our league and I think we should have won this game tonight. Our record and our points don’t show what kind of team we are.”

On his team’s play:
“I thought we were better, plain and simple. I thought we should have won the game. We’ve said this all year but tonight really hurts because for 80 minutes we fight hard and then seven or eight minutes of letdowns and that’s the end of that.”

Donovan Double Gives LA 2-1 Win

2010-09-18T21:35:00.001-07:00

LA Galaxy 2, D.C. United 1
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
DC – Andy Najar 4 (Unassisted) 60’
LA – Landon Donovan 6 (Unassisted) 81’
LA – Landon Donovan 7 (Tristan Bowen 2, Sean Franklin 6) 86’

Misconduct Summary:
LA – Omar Gonzalez (Yellow Card) 39’
LA – Yohance Marshall (Yellow Card) 62’
LA – Landon Donovan (Yellow Card) 88’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Yohance Marshall, Todd Dunivant; Dema Kovalenko, Landon Donovan©, Juninho (Tristan Bowen 78’), Alex Cazumba (Eddie Lewis 63’); Jovan Kirovski (David Beckham 53’), Edson Buddle.

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Chris Birchall, Michael Stephens, Mike Magee.

D.C. United: Troy Perkins; Jordan Graye, Julius James, Dejan Jakovic, Jed Zayner; Andy Najar, Kurt Morsink (Carlos Varela 90’), Stephen King (Branko Boskovic 46’), Santino Quaranta©; Danny Allsopp (Clyde Simms 78’), Pablo Hernandez.

Subs Not Used: Chase Harrison, Junior Carreiro, Devon McTavish.
Notes:
• With the win, the Galaxy improve to 15-5-5 on the season and remain in sole possession of first place in the Western Conference with 50 points. They remain three points ahead of Real Salt Lake for first place in the Western Conference and the best record in MLS, with five games left in the season.
• LA are now six points ahead of the Eastern Conference leading Columbus Crew, who lost 4-0 to Seattle earlier today.
• The Galaxy are now unbeaten in their last three games, giving them their first three-game unbeaten streak since opening the year without a loss in their first 12 games. They are 2-0-1 in those games.
• Bruce Arena made one change to the team that defeated Columbus 3-1 at The Home Depot Center last weekend, giving Yohance Marshall his MLS debut in central defense in place of Leonardo, who missed the game because of right quad fatigue.
• In addition to Leonardo, the Galaxy were without defenders Gregg Berhalter and A.J. DeLaGarza, who missed their fifth and second straight game respectively.
• Marshall was recalled from his loan assignment with the Austin Aztex of the USSF Division 2 Pro League on Monday. He had been with the Aztex since April, appearing in 24 games for the club, scoring three times and helping them reach the postseason for the first time ever.
• The only other time that Marshall was in the Galaxy’s 18-man squad for a league game this season was on May 20 at FC Dallas, when he was an unused substitute. He did play the final 45 minutes of the 1-0 friendly win over Boca Juniors at The Home Depot Center a few days later on May 23 before returning to Austin.
• Marshall played the full 90 minutes and was booked in the second half.
• Omar Gonzalez was booked in the 39th minute for a foul on Pablo Hernandez. That was his team-high eighth yellow card of the season, earning him a mandatory one-game suspension. Gonzalez will now miss next week’s game against the New York Red Bulls.
• Andy Najar gave D.C. United a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute. He scored in each of the two games this season between the Galaxy and D.C.
• Landon Donovan equalized for the Galaxy in the 81st minute with his sixth goal of the season.
• That goal was Donovan’s 70th as a member of the Galaxy, tying him with Cobi Jones for the most regular season goals in club history.
• He became the club’s all-time leading scorer with his second goal of the game five minutes later, scoring the game winning goal.
• This was his second multi-goal game of the season, with both coming at The Home Depot Center.
• Sean Franklin and Tristan Bowen each assisted on the game-winning goal. For Franklin it was his sixth assist of the season and Bowen’s second.
• Both of Bowen’s assists this season have come on game-winning goals.
• Franklin has assisted on the game-winning goal in each of LA’s last two games.
• LA got the full three points after allowing the game’s first goal for the first time this season, They are now 1-5-2 when allowing the first goal. Prior to tonight, the last time LA won after allowing the opening goal was September 20, 2008 when Landon Donovan had a hat trick in a 5-2 win over D.C. United.
• This was the first time this season that D.C. did not win when scoring the game’s opening goal. They are now 4-0-1 when doing so.
• LA have now come back to earn a point in each of the last two games in which they have allowed the game’s first goal.
• Donovan Ricketts made five saves in the game and allowed just one goal for the third straight game. He claimed his MLS-best 15th win of the season in the game.
• This was the final game of the season between the Galaxy and D.C. United, with LA sweeping the season series after also winning 2-1 at RFK Stadium earlier this year.
• Juninho was not booked in the game, meaning that he is eligible to play in the Galaxy’s next game against New York. He remains one caution away from a mandatory one game suspension for yellow card accumulation.
• As a result of tonight’s win and Chicago’s loss at Real Salt Lake, the Galaxy can become the first team to qualify for this year’s MLS Cup Playoffs with a Chivas USA win over Kansas City on Sunday.
• The attendance for today’s game was 20,094.
• The Galaxy are back in action on Friday, September 24 when they complete their three game homestand against the New York Red Bulls. That game kicks off at 8 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Galaxy Aiming for Second Straight Win Against D.C. United

2010-09-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's game night again here at The Home Depot Center as the LA Galaxy host a struggling D.C. United squad that has scored just 16 goals on the season. However, despite United being all but eliminated from the postseason, the Galaxy still cannot overlook the four-time MLS Cup champs, especially following Real Salt Lake's win over Chicago earlier this afternoon, a result that pulled RSL into a first place tie with the Galaxy in the Western Conference.

Bruce Arena makes one change to the team that defeated Columbus last weekend, giving the newly recalled Yohance Marshall his MLS debut in central defense alongside Omar Gonzalez. He replaces Leonardo, who is rested for the game because of right quad fatigue.

Here is the complete Galaxy squad...

----------Buddle----------Kirovski-------------

Cazumba--------Juninho--------------Donovan

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

Dunivant-----Marshall---Gonzalez----Franklin

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

Subs: Saunders, Lewis, Birchall, Beckham, Stephens, Magee, Bowen

And here is how the visitors, D.C. United will lineup for Interim Head Coach Ben Olsen...

-----------Hernandez---- Allsopp------------

Quaranta--------------------------------Najar

--------------King--------Morsink------------

Zayner------Jakovic-------James-------Graye

--------------------Perkins--------------------

Subs: Harrison, Boskovic, Carreiro, McTavish, Simms, Varela

This Week Inside the Galaxy: 2010 - Episode 22

2010-09-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend's win over Columbus was special for the Galaxy's Landon Donovan, not just because he helped to set up two of his team's three goals, setting a new career-high with 14 assists, but because he was able to do it in front of 10-year-old Gerardo from the Make a Wish program.

Learn more about Gerardo's visit and look ahead to Saturday's battle with D.C. United, This Week Inside the Galaxy.

United Against D.C.

2010-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

The LA Galaxy wrapped up preparations for Saturday's game against D.C. United this morning here at The Home Depot Center.

Below are a few shots from training over the last two days...

Juninho

Landon Donovan

Josh Saunders

David Beckham

Shooting Drill

Edson Buddle with MMA Legend Royce Gracie and his family

As you can see from the photo above, MMA legend Royce Gracie was recently out at training. Gracie posed for a few photos with the players and even showed David Beckham how apply a chokehold.

On Thursday, after training, we caught up with a few of the players and coaches to get their thoughts on Saturday's game against United. Listen below.

Beckham talking with the media

Bruce Arena...

Landon Donovan...

David Beckham...

Edson Buddle......