Philadelphia Union (1-3-0) at L.A. Galaxy (4-0-1)
Date: Saturday, May 1, 2010
Time: 10:30pm ET
Location: Home Depot Center; Carson, CA
Where’s Witt Watching: 6abc/Live Well HD Network
The Philadelphia Union will be making their first of two trips to the Home Depot Center on Saturday evening against the first-place and unbeated L.A. Galaxy. By far, the best team in Major League Soccer this season. It will take an unbelievable feat to grab points in this one, after Philadelphia has already lost their last two games on the road, each by a score of 2-1. Not being outplayed, the Union have looked strong in each of those two games, but one mistake here and there have cost them. If they can contain the explosive attack of the L.A. Galaxy and possibly penetrate the stingiest defense in the league, they might have a shot.
With L.A. it all starts up top. Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan are two best forwards in the league, and are on the same team. If the Union can contain both playmakers, it will turn in their favor. The defense for the Union has been pretty strong and the foursome of Califf, Orozco, Harvey and Arrieta have solidified their positions in the starting lineup and are looking better each game. Seitz needs to keep his head. In Hockey, if a goalie is described as “standing on his head”, that’s a compliment saying that the goalie was all over the place, saving pucks. In this case, Seitz needs to keep his head on a swivel, watching both Buddle and Donovan at the same time. He will be called on to make some major saves in this one for sure.
The Union’s offense is at a real disadvantage with LeToux out of the lineup. The Union’s leading goal scorer and third best scorer in the league thus far this season, LeToux’s injury will obviously hurt the Union’s. Who will step up? Mwanga? McInerney? Or will it be someone like Nick Zimmerman who has looked steady so far in his minutes. I think Coach Nowak will go with the more experienced Zimmerman and Moreno to start. It is going to be a loud and intimidating crowd tomorrow night. The Union must capitalize on their chances, as the Galaxy’s defense has been terrific so far this season. Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts has been in top form, while the Galaxy also sport the best goal differential in the league at a +6. Omar Gonzalez, last year’s Rookie of the Year in MLS and his college teammate A.J. DeLaGarza have been impressive so far this season and have anchored the backline for the Galaxy.
Prediction: 4-0 Galaxy
It has the makings of an ugly one for the Union. With LeToux out, I don’t see much from the Union’s offense. Maybe Roger Torres can provide a spark as he has so far this season, but who will finish? The most frustrating element from this team this season has been the lack of finishing. The Galaxy is the best team in the league and will show that dominance once again tomorrow night. Hopefully Coach Nowak won’t run the boys after the game as he did against New York this week. As long as they can learn from their mistakes and move forward as a team, that’s all I can ask at this point.
The Union will be making their first trip to the Home Depot Center
