Los Angeles Galaxy vs New England Revolution Match Preview
The Galaxy will be without the services of David Beckham for most of the season due to an achilles tendon tear he suffered while playing for AC Milan. Even when Beckham does return, the injury will likely leave him less mobile than he was before. Is it even possible that Beckham could be less mobile?
The good news is that the Galaxy were a penalty kick away from winning MLS Cup last year, a vast improvement from their horrendous 2008 season that saw them finish dead last.
Landon Donovan is back from his extremely successful loan to Everton and should dominate again in 2010. If Edson Buddle can recapture his 15 goals he scored in 2008, as opposed to the five he scored last year, it should take some pressure off of Donovan.
2009 Rookie of the Year Omar Gonzalez should continue to improve as a strong central defender alongside the proven Gregg Berhalter while keeper Donovan Ricketts should be very reliable again this year.
Coach Bruce Arena brought in three loanees from Brazilian club Sao Paulo in Juninho, Alex Cazumba, and Leonardo. The ability of these three to contribute may be the determining factor in the success of the team this year.
The New England Revolution have made the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons and I see no reason why this will not be number nine. The team will certainly have a different look with Jay Heaps and Steve Ralston gone but coach Steve Nicol has plenty of quality players to choose from.
Sharlie Joseph is an MVP candidate whose attacking ability keeps defenders on their toes. Joseph will need to score plenty of goals this year as the Revolution’s probable strike duo of Kheli Dube and Edgaras Jankauskas can’t be relied upon for steady production on their own.
The Revs are hopeful that Taylor Twellman will return at some point but its just as likely he won’t return at all. He suffered a neck injury and concussion that has kept him out of almost all of 2008 and 2009.
Preston Burpo will start the year at goalkeeper while Matt Reis recovers from shoulder surgery. If Burpo can do an adequate job in Reis’s absence then the Revolution should be tough team to beat this year.
