P/I/P: Playoffs - Leg #2 Home - LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders 11/07/10 6:00 PM PT

I like that predicted line up. It can attack and defend. This is a game where we are going to need to press for a goal and hold them off. If they get a late equalizer and the game ends in a draw then cool. However if we can open up and score at will on this team then that would be even the better.

 

This is going to be a very tough game, but I think we got it, based on having our one-goal lead. We'll be playing fairly cautious but not bunker ball. If we try to just defend for 90 minutes, obviously we're screwed, but we're in so much better of a position now with a goal than if we had to come out with guns firing.

 

considering our home vs. away record and the fact Bruce has tipped his hand strategically, this is going to be a tough game. i'd settle for 0-0

 

thank you Ts3

 

Mind you though that Sigi had absolutely no answer for this strategy. That team is built to attack from the wings, and their central midfield essentially sh*ts their pants at the sight of #21.

One change I would definitely make is to have Tristen play up front with Buddle, but I get the feeling that Bruce likes to keep him on the bench as a viable RW option should DB run out of gas. Magee has been useless though.

 

The only thing I could see Sigi doing differently is starting Nate Jaqua over Blaise. He wouldn't present a speed challenge to AJ but he would present a height challenge if AJ starts. However if Omar locks in on Nate and AJ on Montero we will be fine.

 

I'm gonna say we go at them attack them and attack them often. This is our home and for all the pundits who say this is not a fortress, how many playoff games have we lost at home?? (seriously I have no idea)

 

Bring 'em on. Seattle is going to be hungry and we cannot afford to be looking past this one. I'm actually glad we only won by 1 goal, because I could see us getting lazy if we had managed a 2-0 win. Nah, screw that I'd take the 2-0. It'll be interesting to see how offensive we go from the start. I have a feeling Bruce may pack it in soon after half time even if we don't get another goal, so we better get it done in the first half.

 

We need Dema in there. He scared the piss out of Alonso last game and that totally took him out of the game.

If we use Becks and Landon just like we did last time they would be exhausted by the next game should we win. How about 4-5-1 with Dema and Birchall side by side. I mean having Magee in there is essentially playing 4-4-1 anyways.

 

Predictions for Sunday approx 8pm.

1 - So Cal Sound bragging about how they stand and cheer for 90+ and they are 'better' fans

2 - Sigi in his post-game press conference stating that he is proud of his guys and how he thought they outplayed us

3 - Galaxy begin preparing for the FCD match on the 14th

 

This is from the Galaxy twitter.

FACT: lagalaxy are 19-2-1 at home in #MLS Cup Playoffs, outscoring opponents 55-16. Last loss at home in 1998 to Chicago Fire

 

Thanks,

Now with that knowledge, We may not be a fortress during the reg season but try and win during the playoffs.

Come get some seattle, we already slapped you around at your house now you wanna come here???

 

Did you see Simon Borg on the MLS Daily video? Before last weekend he predicted a 3-0 Seattle victory. On Monday he went on about how vulnerable LA is at home without even acknowledging his earlier prediction. The guy is a complete idiot.

 

Yeah the guy is a tool. he is the new Shep Messing. Hate LA because we are LA.

 

I'm not really into this line up. I think we need to see Becks in the middle this time and let Birchall roam the wing for a change. Birch got more legs and energy, plus Becks already confessed that the turf and the way he played in the last game has put some toll on his healing ankle. It was sore very bad after the game.

With Becks in the middle and Juninho behind him, at least we can see some fluency of the ball through the midfield and help more with attack. We need to attack more this time coz Seattle for sure gonna change their game a bit. Remember the Open Cup? Just a few days after they lost to us 3-1? At least with our possession in the middle and speed on the wings we can surely control the game again much, much more and perhaps got more goals to win!

 

I was thinking about Becks' comments re his sore ankle, and was thinking that if Stevens is healthy, I wouldn't mind seeing him start in place of Becks. We're upa goal and Mikey's a good player with one hell of a motor. He's also got a good soccer IQ.

Also... as I posted in last week's thread, I don't want to see bowen start. He's too raw and inconsistent. I like having him on the bench. Despite all the hate for Magee, I think he's a tactically safe guy to start. He's not going to do anything brilliant, but he's more likely to make the smart play.

I wouldn't be hurt to see this lineup:
[LINEUP-4-4-2]Buddle, Magee, Donovan, Juninho, Dema, Stevens/Birchall, Lewis/Dunivant, AJ, Gonzo, Franklin, Rickets[/LINEUP-4-4-2]
We can create offense with that lineup, and if we give up a goal we have Becks and Bowen to bring in off the bench.

 

No offense but, Beckham can't sit on the most important game of the year. He's a big game player and we need him on the pitch whether its 90 or 120 minutes. I can't see Bowen starting just given his lack of games recently, but I would consider Kirovski for Magee. To be honest, Kirovski is the lesser of two evils for me. I'd just like to see more control in the midfield and see Franklin pushing up, albeit, selectively to create some passing channels. I'd also likr to see Juni slightly more up the pitch attacking. Can't wait.

 

I should clarify... this is only if Becks is having issues with his ankle. I'd rather have him rest it and be ready for later games. If he's OK, then he needs to be in there.

 

Just WIN, dammit, WIN!!

 

I feel the same way--if his ankle/achilles is really bothering him, granted it's an important game, but if not going 90 minutes will help avert another major injury, we should give him the rest. We're going to need him next year, too. Granted that he's one of our best players, but we should be able to win this without him. We've done it against SSFC twice already this season.

YES!

 

Calling 2-1 to the G's, 3-1 win on agg.

 

I want a shutout!!!!!

 

speaking of a pollo campero night, did we ever hear what happened about the coupons we were supposed to get after we beat Dallas?