Galaxy vs. Wizards Pregame

By: jen | May 30th, 2009

Hey, good news!

Wizards starting midfielder Santiago Hirsig and forward Josh Wolff won’t be playing, having been sent off during last week’s match against Chivas USA. Even the Wizards’ own article admits the team is in trouble against L.A. They even say our record is “deceiving.” Muahahaha!

The other good news? We’ve got Landon! It is his last game before heading off for international duty. Let’s hope he goes out with a bang.

I’m hoping that Arena’s emphasis on defense first will take a bit of a backseat this time. With Omar Gonzalez and Gregg Berhalter in increasingly top form — and defending a crippled Wizards attack — perhaps Arena will stress offense for the entire 90.

We’ve been the better looking team on paper before. Hopefully the home crowd and an increasingly motivated and skilled team will propel us to victory.

My prediction? Galaxy 2, Wizards 0

Rogo’s View From The Booth

Kansas City Kansan — more shaking in their boots

ESPN’s preview

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: 2009 Season, Game Previews

« No! Franklin is Out for the Season | Home | Game Highlights — Wizards, Galaxy »

jen

"The Mark Wahlberg look-alike?"

Ha-ha-ha!! Colin!

I was playing in my Sunday game today and a friend missed the goal, over the crossbar, from the six yard box. I said, "Hey! I didn't know Alan Gordon was playing!" She didn't get it, but I chuckled to myself anyway.

The shots that "almost" went in were making me crazy. Buddle needs to get match fit and then take Gordon's place when Landon returns.
Colin

We should have won last night 3-1, at least. I agree about the comments regarding Gordon's lack of quality, and I'd prefer to see Donovan play alone up top and put another mid in like Klein. It's truly suprising that Gordon isn't getting his head on every cross/corner that comes in his vicinity. Who was going to guard him last night? The Mark Wahlberg look-alike?
Limey

David, i think your right about Buddle and his injury but i'd rather have anyone than Gordon.

Shouldn't be too negative though the team is waaay better than last year, props to Ricketts, he is outstanding. I'm actually pretty excited about Beckham coming back, the team is almost there i think he can be the turning point.
David

I think Buddle is still recovering from injury which is why isn't starting.

I find Gordon frustrating and have for many years. He has talent and the occasional great play. But more often his great asset is just his height, not his skill. Furthermore, he seems lazy to me, often failing to chase down balls I think he should go after or failing to hustle into good position.

Why play him? Because the alternative is Jordan or Kirovski. Both have some value, but neither is really better (at least not yet).
Limey

Why is Arena playing Gordon?

I've watched most of the Galaxy home games in the last three years and Gordan is not good enough to play in MLS. Maybe i'm missing something but here is what i see him do, he wins the ball in air with his back to goal (hold up play)but his second touch is almost always off and he gives the ball away. He cannot win the ball in air on crosses, corners, set pieces, even though he is tall and physical. He focuses on battling the player in one on one situations, trying to niggle the defender not trying to win the ball. But the biggest issue i have is he cannot shoot, his miss last noght was a perfect example. Most center forwards would have scored that goal, but he got it all wrong basic stuff, opened his body up, head not over the ball it was pathetic.

Let's play Buddle and sit Gordon please!
Glen

Watched some of the highlights and we had some chances but didn't put them away, Gordon off the crossbar in the 1st half and another player in the 2nd half . some great balls went over the goal when they should have been in the back of the net. I can't believe Berhalter got another red card, what's that 2 in like 6 games now, that's has to be a MLS record :)

Klein had a great shot on goal but was saved by Hartman. What a soft goal from the Wizards, but a goal is a goal. Nice through ball from Donovan to set up Buddle and great finish by him. We need Buddle and Donovan out there for the full 90 to have any offense at all. Magee/Gordon just don't get it done. I'm looking forward to when Beckham comes back and put some great crosses in for Donovan and Buddle.
Dustin Edwards

Come on Berhalter, if you're going to get a red for something silly at least tackle him big!
Glen

just read what happened in the game, another draw. it looked like they scored in the 84th minute and Buddle got one back for us for the draw in the 87th minute, crazy how we manage to get the goal back in every game. damn, we need a win- these one point gains are not getting us anywhere. Is it possible we can go all season with draws in every game? at least that would be some sort of record :)
David

Buddle proving again that we only start playing once scored against. 1-1.
David

Beauty of a shot by Klein. Great save by blondie.

Now KC scores. Ugh.
David

Now Klein in for Lewis. Not entirely sure why Lewis but I'm glad to see Klein.
David

Buddle in for Gordon.
David

Berhalter red again. I couldn't see why. Think he held the attacker and was the last man. Horrible.

Sanneh in for Magee.
jen

Apart from the score, that was a GREAT first half! Much, much better. Now, to put one in . . .
David

Starting IX:

Ricketts
De la garza -- Gonzalez -- Berhalter -- dunivant
Kovalenko -- Tudela -- Magee -- Lewis
Donovan -- Gordon

They are creating chances but the lack of midfield strength is showing. No real contol in the center.
jen

I saw that article, Glen. That is going to be my post tomorrow (or later tonight). Had to get the preview done first. :)

I'm thinking having Beckham this year will be more productive than last year. We have a better defense, and we are making progress (by bringing in new players especially) in the midfield. I think that with Franklin out, I'd like to see Klein at right back again. I know that's probably not a popular idea -- but with a better defense to support his runs upfield, Klein can be a huge offensive threat. And remember how well he and Becks work together? They've got soccer telepathy those two.
Glen

It's nice to hear Santiago Hirsig and Josh Wolff will be out for this game. I'm with you Jen, I want to see some offense minded soccer. I wonder what the starting lineup will be, hopefully Buddle/Landon combo up top.

Here's an interview from Beckham, interesting parts about MLS and his return to the Galaxy. I hope he returns with the players/fans happy to have him back 'cause we sure could use his crosses into Buddle/Landon/Gordon. With our defense/goalie much improved this could be the spark needed to move us along.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/...