LA Galaxy @ Chivas USA Saturday, May 19, 7:30 pm PDT at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA TV (English): ESPN2 TV (Spanish): ESPN Deportes Rado (English): AM 1150 Radio (Spanish): AM 1330 Webchat & Audio: LAGalaxy.com Records: LA 11 pts, 3-5-2, GF 12, GA 15, #7 in West, Last 5: W-T-L-L-T CUSA 10 pts, 3-6-1, GF 6, GA 12, #8 in West, Last 5: W-L-L-L-T Remember that thread, at the beginning of the season, when we took bets on when we would break out and bury some hapless team in an avalanche of goals? Ah, innocence, it's death is not pretty. Here's hoping the White House trip motivated the troops! Yep, that is only 6 goals that Chivas has scored, in 10 games. And their record at home is a perfect 0-5-0. We have a lot to lose this week, I shudder to think if Chivas beats us.
These crazy birds have been following me around for two weeks... Ummm.. I hope they like goat b/c I'm not ready to lay down and let this season die just yet. Lakers and Kings Playoff fever, is running rampant right now, and our championship defending season is being lost in between the shadows of obscurity. Winning the Super-Classico will not bring us back to the super team we were last year, but it will get us some much needed points over a playoff rival and get a little pride back. That might be enough to send us on a upward tailspin that will last until we can get some reinforcements that will hopefully help us make the playoffs.
If the Galaxy lose this match I seriously think it is time to consider two things. First Bruce has to go. Second, Landon needs to be stripped of his captaincy. Omar is a fantastic defender, but you can't tell me that he is simply the best player in the history of MLS. The kind of player that by omission takes the team from a winning team (Cup, Shield, Undefeated at home) to a bottom tier team. I love me some Omar, but I am not ready to crown him "that" kind of player. That means that this is a team problem, and the ones responsible for fixing team problems are Bruce and Landon. They aren't getting their job done.
Bruce had an interesting quote when he was in DC and was asked what was troubling the team: “I have a lot of understanding why our issues to date have been what they are, but that’s not anything I will make public right now. I have a very good sense why.” http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...e-house-visit/2012/05/14/gIQAKG40PU_blog.html Saying that "it's not something I will make public right now" implies it is not something obvious like Omar's absence or something tactical that could be changed on the fly or else he would do that and not act like it's a big secret. It sounds like either team chemistry, motivation etc. or he simply thinks some of his players aren't cutting it, but doesn't have anyone better and has to wait until the summer transfer period to rectify the situation. In that last case, talking about it now would drive down value on some players I suppose and likely wouldn't motivate them much.
I want to let it be known that all this putrid display of ncaa quality football we've been dispalying lately can be forgiven. With that said it is absolutely NOT ok, understandable, or any other lame excuse or fault outlined in the threads around here for the LA GALAXY to lose or tie with this bastard club of guadala...it doesn't matter! I cannot and will not forgive a loss or tie to the sh/tvas! I expect a decisive win by any means neccessary simple as that! Even if the reserves were gonna be the starting XI I would still expect them to win against the 1st choice candycanes across the hall! Just win!
Dang I wonder what is going on in the locker room? First guess, Magee was voted most handsome man which angered Beckham. Half the locker room sided with Becks and half with Magee.
Rumors are flying fast, Chivas USA have acquired Califf from Philly and Agudelo from NY. Sounds like they gave up a lot for Agudelo.
Agudelo would barely be unpacked by Saturday. That would be interesting. Actually, that would be slightly worrisome -- sometimes these sudden shakeups energize players and teams, at least in the short-term.
FWIW: When we lost to NY, Agudelo was about the least effective player on NY - came into the game late and promptly disappeared. Califf, on the other hand, does cause me some concern - assuming that trade goes through.
If we can come out and play (the entire game) like we did in the second half against Montreal, I'll be encouraged.
Man, those are some big moves for Chivas. Welcome to the western conference, Agudelo & Califf! Nothing stands still, and we need to get better, too.
Wow. I think this is an overreaction. After 1/3 of a season throwing away years from both? Listen, I may have my problems with Bruce, but firing him 1/3 of the season in just isn't the answer imo. As for the captain, you don't throw away many years of captaincy in 1 go either. That's one way to get the rest of the team pissed. It also means one of your best players is out the door shortly with 2/3 of the season to go. Everton would thank you. My $0.02.
I can't believe Juan is over there now. Wow. My jaw hung open when I read the news. He surely would play for them this weekend, no? Paired up top with JPA? NY ghosts of the past? Bizarre. For USMNT purposes I'm happy. Juan will finally actually get some playing time.
I am also of two minds on this. Sucks he goes to the goats. On the upside it makes the game more competitive, although to be honest with our defensive form he may tear us a new one. I also think it will help hid development. Sitting the pine does not improve his skills. Being match ready week in and week out will. As for the Califf trade, Personally I would have loved to get him here. He is a veteran that knows how to lead a backline. These two players are a true upgrade for them.
Outside of the whole in-town/in-stadium rivalry aspect to this game, this one is really important as far as the direction the team takes over the next month as we lose are DPs potentially to Euros, World Cup Qualifiers and the Olympics. We saw a glimmer of what this team is capable of producing in the second half last week vs. Montreal. But the question is -- can the team build from that and pick up where they left off? In which case we are moving in the right direction and starting our climb up the conference table. Or do we slide right back into our bad habits (mental lapses on D, static longball offense)? In which case we are probably at the panic stage.... Fingers crossed its a game that builds from last week and finally has the team showcasing its true skills...