After a sizzling match in Canada last weekend, the Loons are back on friendly turf as they take on the legendary Los Angeles Galaxy at TCF Bank Stadium this Sunday.
The Galaxy are perhaps the most well-known name in Major League Soccer. After managing to attract one of the brightest stars in world soccer in David Beckham, the Galaxy became the very definition of a powerhouse. In a league that values parity above all else, LA has managed an absurd nine appearances in the MLS Cup and taken home the top prize a staggering five times.
But Beckham and a record trophy count are things of the past. This year’s Galaxy squad struggled mightily early in the season, seeking any kind of consistency in form. Today, they sit tied for points with Minnesota with a 3-5-2 record. While the Galaxy has played 10 matches to United’s 11, their out-of-the-playoffs standing cannot be pleasing to an LA side used to fighting for a top spot.
“We know it’s going to be tough against a really good club,” said head coach Adrian Heath. “They’ve had a difficult start but they look as though they’re suddenly getting it all together. [Giovani] Dos Santos, Alessandrini, they’ve got quality players. Ashley Cole still is probably as good as any left back in the country. We expect it to be difficult, but we’ve proved we can play at this level and I’m confident if we play to our best, that we’re more than enough to get a result this weekend.”
Another factor working in the Loons’ favor is a brutal four-game road stream that has LA traveling from coast to coast. Hopefully, the time on the road takes its toll and a friendly home crowd turns out in force to give United all the help they can get.
With that said, there are always tactical adjustments a coach and captain can make to best set their team up for success. Here are a few ideas I’d take into the locker room before the big game on Sunday.
Stifle Romain Alessandrini
This probably goes without saying but to have a fair shake at winning this thing, United need to stick to Romain Alessandrini like glue. For all their inconsistency this season, Alessandrini – one of LA’s Designated Players – is still the lightning rod for the Galaxy’s attack.
Alessandrini is top of the list for both goals and assists on this LA squad, meaning that the attack very much flows through his midfield play. Alessandrini has also featured in all 10 games that LA have played so far.
Take Advantage of a Depleted Midfield
Wait a second, you may be thinking, didn’t you just say that midfielder Romain Alessandrini is probably the most dangerous piece of LA’s squad?
Yes, yes I did. But as lethal as Alessandrini may be, don’t let it fool you into thinking the entire Galaxy midfield will be stacked come Sunday evening. Suffering from a pair of injured starters in Jermaine Jones and Sebastian Lletget will undoubtedly have an impact on what LA can do.
That said, this is not a crippled side. Most importantly, LA have had a number of weeks to cope and adjust since Lletget and Jones went down, meaning they’ll try to produce small tactical adjustments that cover for missing starters.
Fire First and Fire Often
The soccer media is slowly but surely coming around to realize the real threat of Minnesota’s attacking corps. Forward Christian Ramirez was an early standout, even as the Loons’ defense was in shambles.
But fast forward a few weeks and you should have real hope for a goal anytime Kevin Molino, Miguel Ibarra or even rookie Abu Dunladi have the ball in their opponent’s half.
Another small but not insignificant factor that will work in United’s favor will be the absence of starting goalkeeper Clement Diop. While Diop and backup keeper Brian Rowe have effectively split netminding duty this season with five games played each, Diop is still their top dog with 18 saves on 29 shots faced, and one shutout.
This week’s match is again shaping up to be tough but winnable. After such a close 90 minutes and a wrenching loss in Toronto last week, it would be a breath of fresh air for fans and club alike to notch a win over LA this week.
Minnesota United kick off against LA Galaxy this Sunday at 4 pm at TCF Bank Stadium. The match will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN 1500.
