Los Angeles Galaxy Vs Toronto FC

Posted Friday, May 14, 2010 by Goal.com

Preki returns to the City of Angels for the first time.

Los Angles Galaxy by Jonathan Vera: Los Angeles have dawned another nickname to their arsenal of aliases: hex busters. In an impressive two game road trip the Galaxy achieved victory in a deuce of parks that they have never won in. Dick's Sporting Good Park in Colorado where the, not so roaring, Rapids swim; and Qwest Field in Seattle where the Sounders were rendered speechless. The Edson Buddle Show has taken a short hiatus, a move that's opened up the time slot for forward Alan Gordon, defenders Todd Dunivant and Omar Gonzalez, midfielder Jovan Kirovski, and captain Landon Donovan to send some into the net.

Toronto FC by Mike Beauvais: Last Saturday’s match with the Fire was easily TFC’s most complete effort of the season, from the backline out. The Chad Barrett – O’Brian White strike partnership is really beginning to click, fuelled by terrific service from the midfield, namely Dwayne De Rosario. The club’s overall pace is starting to become more than a handful for some clubs, as witnessed by Chicago’s shell-shocked response to any counter, and the defence is now doing its best to keep scoring chances at a minimum and ensure that the opposition is only getting off low-percentage shots from distance. There was very little to complain about in the Reds’ last performance.

Off Target

Los Angeles Galaxy: Off target? hmm, that's difficult. Pinpointing Galaxy's folly right now is like finding a needle in a haystack. They've been in the zone so far and look to continue riding this freight train over their opponents. However, if you ask manager Bruce Arena, typical him, he'll say passing, and execution could be better.

Toronto FC: It’s no secret that away points come at a premium in this league, but the discrepancy between TFC’s home form versus on the road is massive and will likely be the telling factor in whether or not this team sees the post-season for the first time at year’s end. While much of the Reds’ loss away to RSL a fortnight ago was due to a tactical gamble that simply didn’t pay off, there appears to be some defeatism at play for Toronto outside of BMO. That whole mindset has to go if a result at the Home Depot Center is expected.

Tactics

Los Angeles Galaxy: This Saturday marks the farewell send-off of Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan as they depart for the US National Team camp and South Africa for the FIFA World Cup, so expect them to give one last hurrah for the LA faithful. However, regardless of how much the home crowd wants to see Buddle and Donovan play, it would be wise of Arena to sub them out for the likes of Clint Mathis, or Tristan Bowen; seeing as how they will be filling the void of EB and LD. At the net, Donovan Ricketts, with Omar Gonzales, Todd Dunivant, Bryan Jordan, and Gregg Berhalter enforcing the defense. In the middle: Landon Donovan, Juninho, Michael Stephens, and Chris Birchall. In the front: Edson Buddle and Alan Gordon.

Toronto FC: Preki’s faced with a bit of a catch-22 here in regards to how he wants his away XI to shape up in Carson City. His overtly defensive make-up (one without stalwarts De Rosario and Julian de Guzman in the midfield) in the first half of the Real match was an abject failure, so it’s highly doubtful that he would go back to that. On the flip side, he can’t field a completely offence-first side when he’s dealing with an undefeated Galaxy who’ve only conceded 2 goals through 8 matches. He’s going to have to find a happy medium, one that shouldn’t disrupt the burgeoning chemistry of the Barrett – White strikeforce, but with one enough of a defensive edge in the midfield to deal with the nightmare that is Landon Donovan.

Intangibles

Los Angles Galaxy: Buddle may be on the top of the charts with nine goals, but Toronto FC's midfielder Dwayne De Rosario is creeping up behind the Galaxy phenom with six in the net. Rosario also has a trifecta of assists for the Reds. The burden is on the defenses' shoulders to shut down Rosario's game.

Toronto FC: his is nothing short of a massive match for the Reds. After coming off what was their best match of the season, they can ill-afford to lay in egg in their next and completely derail the momentum and positivity that they have going for them right now. A 1-0 road victory Wednesday night in Montreal in the Canadian Championships was a good sign that the club aims to keep moving forward, but that can all change with a bad 90 minutes against a very good LA side. TFC’s intent for the rest of the season will be signaled on Saturday night.

Prediction

Los Angeles Galaxy: Donovan and Buddle are going give the home crowd a show to remember as they are sent off to South Africa. Expect everyone to be on their A game as they continue mowing over the opposition and use that momentum next week with the dynamic duo. Galaxy fleece Toronto FC 3-0.

Toronto FC: Taking anything away from the Galaxy is an enormous endeavor, but there is an impetuousness behind the team right now and a good result is possible. Take a 1-1 draw.