By Toby Dunkelberg
The Los Angeles Galaxy are the shinning example of how to run a MLS organization. Over the last seven seasons they’ve been the best team in the league. Headlined by superstars like Beckham and Donovan they have a tendency to overshadow the rest of the league. So the Sounders being the second best team over the same time , while no surprise to dedicated followers, is news to the rest of the American sports sphere.
Likewise when the words “MLS darby” are mentioned it’s the likes of Seattle v Portland, Red Bulls v DC United and San Jose v LA Galaxy that jump to mind. But if you ask Sounders and Galaxy executives it’s clear that they hold each other in the highest of regards. The LA v Seattle matchup is the battle between MLS and western conference heavyweights. More times than not it ends up having huge implications on the standings and playoff picture.
Today is no different. A win for the Galaxy would keep them in contention with the New York Red Bulls for the Supporters Shield and go a long way to solidifying the number one seed in the west. Three points for Seattle would put them five clear of missing the playoffs and put them near the top of the pack in ensuring the one game playoff round on their home field. With only three games left there’s no time for missed opportunities and the sides are going to be feeling the extra pressure.
In that regard Seattle has the distinct advantage of playing in front of a full stadium of screaming rave green. With 55,000+ expected LA’s task gets a little tougher as the Sounders record in such full stadium matches isn’t kind to the opponents. Across their roster the Sounders tend to step up for big home matches. There’s the obvious pairing of Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey but even the defense gets a boost. Zach Scott in particular relishes the large crowds and has yet to put in a below average performance in his seven seasons as an MLS Sounder.
With Chad Marshall suffering a neck sprain and Roman Torres out with a season ending knee injury Scott will get the start with Brad Evans as his partner. To add insult to injury, Oneil Fisher is also expected to miss the match due to a minor injury. Seattle has a veteran substitute in Leo Gonzalez but he was a clear cut second choice because he’s slower and doesn’t offer as much going forward. Up against the likes of Keane, Zardes, Gerrard, and Dos Santos, it’ll take a truly special performance to keep LA off the scoreline.
While Seattle’s defense is plagued with injury, LA looks to be at a fully healthy lineup. The only question for them is if coach Bruce Arena’s finally figured out how to get them to win on the road. The Galaxy have the third worst road record in all of MLS at 2-8-5, a paltry 0.73 PPG. Their -14 road goal is good for second worst in all of MLS. Simply put, LA is atrocious on the road.
Still, Seattle’s back four is down three of their preferred and even a team that struggles on the road is capable of exploiting that. In addition Bruce Arena and the Galaxy seem to have Schmid’s and Seattle’s number, nocking them out of the playoff’s year after year. Robbie Keane in particular excels within the confines of CenturyLink Field so the Galaxy won’t go quietly.
But if you add in Seattle’s history of winning when large crowds are behind them along with Martins and Dempsey looking to rebound after a poor performance against SKC last week and it becomes clear that Seattle’s going to score goals. When that duo is actually on the field together they don’t stay quiet. And with another week for Valdez and Ivanschitz to gel with the rest of the Seattle attack and it looks unlikely that they’ll disappoint.
With both offenses looking especially dangerous it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see four or even fives goals on Sunday. High scoring goals play into Seattle’s strategy. Seattle’s team is based around Martins and Dempsey and as such when it comes down to a purely offensive matchup they almost always win, and with 55,000+ watching in person there’s no reason to think otherwise.
SCORE PREDICTION
Seattle Sounders 3 – 2 LA Galaxy
Valdez (Ivanschitz) 31′
Keane (Gerrard) 42′
Martins (Dempsey) 55′
Dempsey(Martins) 70′
Zardes (Dos Santos) 80′
Sounders FC
LA Galaxy
