UPDATED – The Mediocrity Bowl — Galaxy vs. Crew Preview

What do I keep saying in each preview? “Hey! We can win this one!”

I’m beginning to think we’re snatching draws from the jaws of victory. And that was definitely true for last week’s Sounders match.

But as a lifelong L.A. Galaxy fan, only last year’s season can make this year look so good!

Last year’s MLS Champions, the Columbus Crew, have a crap record of 1-2-5 with a total of 8 points for the season. They are tied with New York for last in the Eastern Conference. But then, they’ve had a tougher schedule than ours, already having played Chivas (loss), Houston (tie), and Toronto(tie).

There are no significant Galaxy injuries to report. We can expect a healthy starting XI, with players like Buddle, Lewis, and Klein getting a rest on Wednesday’s match against Seattle (they came in as subs and didn’t play the full 90). I also expect Mike Magee to start as his game is improving exponentially each time he steps on the field.

There’s not much attention being paid to this game in the news and blogosphere. The only other link I have for a preview is this mlsnet report. As others become available I’ll post them as well.

Nathanhj Update: Jen’s point about the Columbus schedule to date is echoed over at the Covering the Crew blog. Shawn Mitchell says that,

It’s early, for sure, but the standings are starting to take on some meaning. They show that the seven teams the Crew has played are a combined 24-15-18 (.579). The seven teams it has yet to face are a combined 14-22-21 (.430). I’d say that’s a pretty good indicator that the Crew has faced some of its stiffest tests in the first eight games.

As Jen says, we can definitely win this, but the Crew is also pretty hungry for wins. Unlike the Galaxy, their lapses in concentration have led to losses not to ties and they are still the defedning MLS Cup champion. If you’ve watched Schelotto play, then you know that any team he’s on is dangerous to the very end.

On the other hand, the Galaxy can play with a game-fit Edson Buddle, a game-fit Todd Dunivant and an improving Mike Magee. Sean Franklin, who sat out last game with a slight tweak in his hamstring is expected to start again at right back. And this game is at the Home Depot Center, where the Galaxy is always better. Unlike their recent home games, I would expect them to come out strong, pressing for an early goal and trying to put an unexpected shaky Crew defense on its heels. They will be aided by Will Hesmer’s continuing injury to his back. Andy Gruenbaum will be making his fourth straight start. I’d always like to go up against a back-up keeper any day of the week, but Gruenbaum isn’t really on the level of a Josh Saunders or a Josh Wicks – he’s much stronger and the Galaxy will have to be sharp taking him on.

The defense will face one of its stiffest tests of the season in veterans Guillermo Barros Schellotto and Alejandro Moreno playing in front of one of the deeper midfields around. I don’t know if it was luck or fate for the past 8 games, but the Galaxy have yet to face a first class offense firing on all cylanders. Well, this is the test. It’s not the Crew haven’t been scoring goals, its that they’ve been giving up leads, so the G’s will need Gregg Berhalter and Omar Gonzalez to really step up on Sunday. Donovan Ricketts will need to have another one of his superior games.

On offense, Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle will need to play well off each other, while the midfielders will have to finally find another dimension to their games, especially Eddie Lewis. If Dunivant and Franklin can make dangerous runs down the flanks, then there’s a very good chance that the high-scoring offense from last year could finally be reclaimed.

Here’s one more preview, from the Associated Press, via Yahoo Canada.

What about you guys? What are you looking for? Are we finally going to take a win after so many ties? Can we take the defending champs? Who needs to step up? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Category: 2009 Season, Game Previews