It's that time again folks, our first playoff game is a single elimination game against a STRUGGLING Whitecaps team who after starting off well really fell off in the second half of the season (almost the complete opposite of us). That being said as we all know the boys really need to bring it because anything can happen in a single game. Whoever makes it through will end up hosting the first game against Supporters Shield winners, the San Jose Earthquakes as their reward. Let's hope we can channel some of the 2005 low seed magic and make a good run of it to the cup. *** UPDATE *** SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, MLS CUP PLAYOFFS VS VANCOUVER WHITECAPS: FREE PARKING & SHUTTLES WILL BE OFFERED FROM FROM 4:30PM-APPROX. 11PM FROM THE SOUTH BAY PAVILION MALL PARKING LOT Parking at this location is FREE. Parking at The Home Depot Center is the same as MLS regular matches. Shuttles wil be running continuous loops between the South Bay Pavilion and The Home Depot Center.
I can't decide on: LD - Keane Magee - Juni - Becks - Sarvas Dunivant - Meyer - Gonzo - Franklin Saunders or LD - Keane Sarvas - Juni - Becks - Wilhemson Dunivant - Meyer - Gonzo - Franklin Saunders I'm thinking actually Willy for this one for the single reason that Vancouver's back line seems slow. Jay Demerit/Bonjour didn't exactly cover themselves in glory the last time we played, and frankly, LD and Keane took them to town, mostly with guile and speed. That's less Magee's game, but it is Willy's. So I'm leaning in his direction. Sarvas is a starter over both Magee and Willy. He's earned it. AJ is not back, so Meyer (cringe!) it is. Juninho needs to provide him cover, and a well rested Beckham (like last night) will run his ass off to help.
Dangerous to look past Vancouver, but the extra game against a struggling opponent is pretty useful in getting additional minutes for Beckham/Landon. I still have very low expectations for this post-season, though I do agree with profiled, there’s a bit of 2005 in the air. On the plus side there’s not a more experienced team in the post-season than LA, and unlike 2010 overconfidence shouldn’t be a problem. Seattle, San Jose and RSL all feel really brittle to me; The Earthquakes haven’t experienced the pressure of a cup run, while RSL and Seattle have that weight of expectation – sort of like we did '96-'02. I wouldn’t say LA is in a no-lose scenario, but the the guys should be able to play a lot more relaxed than those three, and sometimes ('05 Galaxy, '09 RSL, '10 Colorado) that’s all the edge a team needs – something to be wary of playing Vancouver who’s in the same boat.
^This year the teams in the West give me a feel of a gigantic crapshoot. Yes, SJ won the Shield, but they have a pretty leaky defense, which causes problems in the post-season, especially against a team like us. And you bet our DPs will be raising their game, whereas (and yes I'm going to be arrogant here), I think SJ is pretty much playing at the top of their game already. In a match up I'd actually be more concerned going up against RSL or Seattle who I think we have match up issues with. And there's always the plastic in Seattle. But overall, still have a feeling of no one is a favorite. We shouldn't be looking past Vancouver - we all know in football 1 game is a gigantic "who knows?". See our MLS Cup against Houston last year where Adam Cristman nearly scuttled our season. Can't wait though!
I agree, the only team out of the 10 playoff teams that would really surprise me if they won would be Vancouver; every other team left if flawed; San Jose is brittle in the back and far too reliant on late game clutch performances/coming from behind to really be a lock, RSL and Seattle have both shown they're very up or down, and if Eddie Johnson is out for Seattle that's a huge blow for them. We've all seen how flawed we are us a team, through the terrible start to our often times leaky back line, but as others have said, we have a team whose been to 2 of the past 3 MLS Cups, the all time MLS playoff scoring leader, two players who have played in huge pressure European/international games, etc, so there the situation shouldn't get the best of us at any rate.
Agree with this. We may look poor, we may have our backs against the wall, but 60,000 people in Century Link motivate this team, not take them down. Our veterans help us with that. One thing we pretty much never look is nervous.
I favor our odds against any of the teams in the Western conference, but no game at this point is going to be easy. My biggest concern is the durability of the team. We have too many games close together, older players and lots of injuries. The team I want to avoid is Seattle, just because of their pitch.
ok great!!! found a link for that http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/10/29/galaxy-wont-have-usual-attendance-capper-caps-clash
Just repeating what I said in the Seattle thread since it's more appropriate here: Those of you who are talking about Vancouver like they are just a formality are scaring me. We need to have our very best lineup out there against them. Nothing can be taking for granted and they are certainly capable of beating us if a couple breaks go their way.
I disagree. I think Sarvas is great in the middle of the park. I might even take him over Becks at certain times. However, I think he's not nearly as good as Magee on the wing. Mike's combination play and touch is better. He's a MUCH better finisher. Sarvas is dogged in the midfield and has a killer motor. He has a nice touch, but tends to look to goal too often and not see the quick combo play as well as Mike. To be honest, I'd like to see: ------Keane----------------- ----------------LD---------- Magee------------Chippen ------Junhi--Becks-------- -----D E F E N S E-------- Then you can bring Buddle and Sarvas off the bench for Chippen/Magee and Becks (respectively).
what vancouver says about LA http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/10/24/five-facts-about-the-la-galaxy/ bunch of BS
I also agree that he's earned it, but Magee has been our Mr. October/November over the last couple of post-seasons. I can't picture him not being on the field in critical games. Don't want to look past anyone, but there has to be some player management with the SJ game just a few days away. I think we'll see Sarvas come in for Beckham to save his legs for Sunday, and Buddle for Donovan in the second half as well. It would be nice to give Keane a rest as well!!
Is any of that actually inaccurate? I didn't take any issue with it. We certainly aren't an unbeatable juggernaut this year and have had some struggles, particularly on the defensive end. Do I think that we will lose? No. Should Vancouver look at this as a chance to come in, play a great game, and beat the defending champs who aren't quite as strong as last year? Absolutely.
adding bullet point #6 Galaxy have scored 59 goals this season (the Whitecaps have scored 35). adding bullet point #7 Whitecaps have never scored against the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center in MLS history, suffering three shutout losses (3-0 on June 23, 2012; 2-0 on Sept. 1, 2012; and 3-0 on Sept. 17, 2011).
I have a feeling that if the Galaxy score first Vancouver will be done. The wild card is if they get some goofy goal off of a boneheaded play (we've had plenty of those all year) and then bunker in and try to hold on. They aren't half bad at bunkering, but they are pretty crappy at chasing a game.
Magee doesn't play as good defense as Sarvas and isn't as creative. He's a better finisher - but with LD/Keane upfront, don't think that's as necessary. I just don't believe Mike's combination play/touch is better than Marcelo's. I also think Willy + Magee on both wings is a defensive liability. Both are crappy at standing up to their man and preventing crosses - as we saw again on Sunday.
I don't disagree with you guys about Magee - and he ABSOLUTELY has a role. But based on defensive responsibility and Vancouver's general lack of pace, I think Sarvas + Willy is a better combo. Could be totally wrong and hope if Magee starts he scores a hattrick. This one I'm less vehement about than Buddle starting - which I think is a giant mistake.
My issue is with Sarvas playing on the wing. If they are vying for playing time in the center, I take Sarvas 100% of the time. However, his combination play, runs off the ball, and finishing in the attacking third from the wing position aren't anywhere near Magee's. Since the spot they are vying for is on the wing. I would take Magee in any circumstance UNLESS we are playing a team that is significantly better than we are and we need to play bunker and counter. If we take that strategy on Thursday... Of course, what do I know?
Anybody know if AJ will be back? Although we did get a clean sheet against Seattle, we seriously need him.
Anyone here hoping for a half way decent referee? It could be the twelf man for those mothercanuckers. I just hope it ain't mini howard webb or marufo they suck donkey Dck! GAmes cannot come down to a stupid call so I hope they mind their antics speaking of our guys.