The LA Galaxy are onto their next city as part of their 3 game road trip and the next stop is Dallas, Texas. After a not so great performance, but a good result against Real Salt Lake, the Galaxy now have to face arguably the best team in the MLS and it will be more than a good test for them. This will be an interesting matchup as FC Dallas has many talented players with speed that will drive any team crazy. Should be a great one!
FC Dallas has been on a tear this season with a record of 5-2-2, sitting attop the Western Conference with 17 points. They will be coming off a good result against their in-state rivals the Houston Dynamo after a 4-1 win at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. FC Dallas will also be more fresh than the Galaxy as their last match played was last Friday, May 1st. The Galaxy just played on Wednesday at Real Salt Lake.
Some players to watch for FC Dallas are Fabian Castillo, Mauro Diaz, and Blas Pérez who all have had some success against the Galaxy through the years. Fabian Castillo is dynamic in himself in how quick and how great technically he is. Being such a young player, he has an engine that goes on forever. Castillo is also a very smart player, who makes great runs and has great movement on the left wing. With two assists in the last match against the Houston Dynamo, Castillo is tied for the MLS lead with 5 assists. Mauro Diaz plays as their center midfielder and is very good with the ball and is their provider. Last but not least, is Panamanian Blas Pérez who is a very strong forward. He will definitely have good battles with LA Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez throughout the night.
For the Galaxy, after an okay performance in a stormy Sandy, Utah, expect to see the same in Dallas. The entire area is under a severe thunderstorm watch.
The 11 men that Bruce sends on the field is still unknown as Robbie Keane may or may not be in the lineup, but my guess is he won’t be ready as a groin injury isn’t anything to mess around with. Jose Villarreal has already been ruled out for this road trip, Robbie Rogers picked up an injury, and Juninho has been under the weather, even though he was able to play on Wednesday.
My prediction for the LA Galaxy lineup is:
I can definitely see Bruce pulling this lineup out for the match on Saturday. You are probably saying, “Sorto?” and yes I truly believe this will be Sorto’s big day. Also the fact that Bruce brought him with the first team instead of letting him play with Los Dos on Saturday night, is another reason why I say he will start against Dallas. Don’t be surprised if you see some other changes as well. I believe in this team and I believe this game they will finally break the streak and get 3 points on the road, their first win away from StubHub Center since last August.
The Galaxy have had their successes against FC Dallas through the years. With an overall record of 31-21-11, the Galaxy have a favorable amount of wins under their belt against Dallas, but haven’t done so well at Dallas with a record of 8-16-7. This will definitely be another tough test for LA, but lets hope another positive result is coming.
Check out the LA Galaxy vs FC Dallas on Saturday at 5:30 PM PT, on Time Warner Cable Sportsnet and Time Warner Cable Deportes as well as the radio home of the LA Galaxy, Beast 980.