Gameday: Galaxy Vs. Chicago Fire

By: NathanHJ | September 25th, 2008

Tonight the Galaxy tries to keep its flickering post-season hopes alive in a must-win showdown in Bridgeview, IL against the Chicago Fire. Chicago has been struggling of late, losing the last two games by a combined score of 6-1, but the legendarily leaky Galaxy defense might be just what they need to get back on their game.

With last Saturday’s shredding of DC United still fresh in their minds, the Galaxy is looking to build on what was right and minimize what was wrong. They are lucky to have a relatively full-strength squad at their disposal because, despite the thrashing FC Dallas put on Chicago last week, it’s no easy thing to come into Toyota Park and walk away with three points. And the Galaxy hasn’t exactly held its own on the road.

Key starters for the Galaxy are: Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Eddie Lewis, Edson Buddle, and Sean Franklin. For the Fire, they run on Cuauhtemoc Blanco energizing a cadre of offensive players like Brian McBride, Chris Rolfe, and Justin Mapp (though Mapp has been in the doghouse recently). Their defense is anchored by Wilman Conde and Bakary Soumare.

This is the game where Beckham needs to break out of the mini-slump he has been in. Not only are his corners and free kicks below his standards, but his passing and crossing has been off lately as well. With Lewis now filling a gaping hole on the left side, Becks should have the luxury of switching fields regularly and should have some of the pressure taken off of his shoulders. He needs to use this breathing space to spark the deadly Galaxy attack and keep it hitting on all cylanders for 90 minutes.

If he can do this, then the combo of Donovan and Buddle should be able to find some space in behind the two big Fire central defenders, or create opportunities for Lewis or Chris Klein. The key, as it has been all season, is controlling the midfield. If the Galaxy can’t shut down Blanco, then Conde and Soumare will stone the attack, and launch quick counters, which is where the Galaxy is weakest (well, that and set pieces).

The Fire is looking to regain form and take three points at home. The Galaxy need these three points to even consider post-season play. It should be a dog fight. I would love to see a 2-0 Galaxy win, but I think the defense is too shaky. 2-1 Fire and I hope I’m wrong.

The game is on ESPN2 at 6PM PDT.

Who do you want to see start? What is your prediction for the final score? Use this posting to follow along while you watch the game.