Los Angeles Galaxy vs Real Salt Lake Match Preview
In a rematch of last years MLS Cup final the Galaxy host RSL this week at the Home Depot Center. The Galaxy are the best team in MLS at this moment, no doubt about it. They have won all three of their games without the league’s best player, Landon Donovan, having scored a goal yet.
Donovan is playing fantastic, no question about it, but the real story this year in LA is the resurgence of Edson Buddle. Buddle has scored all five of the Galaxy’s goals this year. That means this year Buddle has scored five goals in three games. In 2009, Buddle scored five goals in 23 games. This is good news for Galaxy fans.
Coach Bruce Arena deserves much of the credit. He has had a positive affect on the the club since the day he took over as coach.
With Donovan distributing the ball all over the field and Buddle scoring like crazy the Galaxy are the team to beat.
RSL scored a last-gasp goal to draw against the Sounders 2-2 at home last week in the 234th minute of stoppage time, as noted in the Sounders preview above. RSL showed much grit and determination when fighting back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits against Seattle. That is why they are the reigning champions.
Robbie Findley is still looking for his first goal of the season and if he is to score this week it will be against a tough Galaxy defense, led by last years top rookie, Omar Gonzalez.
Super-sub Alvaro Saborio scored a brilliant header last week and I maintain that, despite only one goal between them this far, he and Findley will be a devastating duo up front.
Defensive midfielder Kyle Beckerman will be tasked with stopping Donovan. Good luck, Kyle. I see the Galaxy avenging last year's defeat in the final and winning 3-1.
