This weekend, the Galaxy will face the Vancouver Whitecaps. Keep reading, you’re not looking at last weeks preview – it’s a new game for a new week facing the same opponent. This Saturday’s trip to Vancouver will mark the end of a strange schedule that has seen the Galaxy play teams back-to-back three times in a row. Variety is arriving soon, but this Saturday the Galaxy needs to repeat the performance it gave against Vancouver last week. Fast, fluid, and attacking will be the key to a Los Angeles victory in Canada.
MORE OF THE SAME
After two games of testing the new “diamond” formation has proved to be a welcome departure from the traditional 4-4-2 the Galaxy has favored over the years and has introduced the team to what seems an offensively effective groove. The Galaxy dominated nearly every single aspect of last week’s game. Specifically, passing was impressive for LA as the Galaxy completed almost 200 more passes than Vancouver while maintaining 59.3% of the ball possession. As a result, we should expect to see the same formation put on the field by Bruce Arena. If the Galaxy can remain potent offensively, this should be another victory.
IT COMES DOWN TO DEFENSE
Vancouver will know how to face the Galaxy this time around and will be better prepared for the fluid midfield they had to face last Saturday. Adding to things Galaxy fans should be worried about are the four good chances Vancouver had on goal last week in the StubHub Center. Importantly, the Whitecaps have something that can be very effective against the Galaxy’s current setup: speed. With the speedy attacking capabilities of Darren Mattocks and Kekuta Manneh, Galaxy fans found themselves relieved to see their defense shutdown these player’s attempts at putting the ball behind Jaime Penedo. It is pretty simple: if the defense plays solid, the Galaxy should be able to walk away with a victory from this trip up north.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kenny Miller – Leading scorer with a very possible chance to return to Vancouver’s starting lineup for this game.
Darren Mattocks – Contains the speed necessary to break through the high line of the Galaxy’s current formation.
Nigel Reo-Coker – Midfielder who seems likely to return from injury. Can provide Vancouver’s forwards with the service they need to crack LA’s defense.
ONWARD, ANGELENOS!
For the first time this season, I feel a true confidence going into a game – we know what we can expect now from this team and more improvement is the only thing that makes sense at this point. If the defense remains dependable and the attacking power of Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan, and Stefan Ishizaki continues to live up to its promise, the Galaxy will leave the grassless land of Vancouver with three points.
LA GALAXY VS VANCOUVER WHITECAPS HIGHLIGHTS (LEG 1)
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