Ricketts and Josh Saunders are each nominated for Save of the Year.

Take a look and rock the vote on this election day.

You can vote for Goal of the Year here.

You can vote for Save of the Year here.

Welcome back to the playoffs!

It has been three long and, to be blunt, disastrous years since the last time the Galaxy played post-season futbol. That year they peaked at the right time after basically backing in to the playoffs and ended up taking the MLS Cup from New England on Pando Ramirez’s only goal of the season.

Now the team is back, completing a version of worst-to-first after having finished tied for the worst record in the West last year and having finished first in the West this year.

It would be hard to overstate how much a team-oriented approach to defending, one that relies on midfield tenacity and backline grit, underlies the Galaxy’s success this year. After giving up 62 goals last year, the team gave up 31 this year. And the team enters the first round of the playoffs with the fewest losses, six, of any team in the league.

But while the defense has improved, the offense has stagnated. Edson Buddle, fighting through another year with injuries, has rarely looked like the striker he was during the first half of 2008. Mike Magee, whom I tagged at the beginning of the year as a player who needed to make an impact, has shown flashes of creativity and spark, but has found it difficult to form a strike partnership with anyone except Landon Donovan. (But, really, I could form a partnership with Donovan.) Bryan Jordon hasn’t developed the kind of ball skills necessary to flourish at this level. Alan Gordon continues to be Alan Gordon. And while Jovan Kirovski is nominally an attacking player, I simply can’t find any evidence of this assertion during any of his years in MLS. Alecko Eskandarian, who does have the skills to make a serious impact, has suffered from head injuries for years and might not be able to come back at all from his latest.

In other words, goals are at a premium, with the team only finding the back of the net 36 times in 30 games, the 3rd worst among playoff teams and 5th worst overall.

Luckily they are playing Chivas USA, which is one of the teams who actually struck for fewer goals (34) than the Galaxy during the course of the season. Chivas also makes its living off of its defense, which has actually been fairly makeshift all season, but has a solid core in Jon Bornstein, Carey Talley, Yamith Cuesta, and Mariano Trujillo. Just like the Galaxy, the defending on Chivas is centered on the skill of its midfield, which has featured disupters like Jesse Marsch and Paulo Nagamura and offensive forces like Sacha Kljestan. Chivas likes to establish possession and then play through Kljestan to connect with the front-runners.

The main reason that Chivas havsn’t scored this year has been the fact that most of its strikers have spent chunks of time injured. None of the five strikers currently listed on the active roster have played more than 25 games or started more than 15. On the other hand, the strikers are now mostly healthy and give Preki a wealth of options to use up top, including the dependable Eduardo Lillingston, the flashy Maicon Santos, and the speedy Maykel Galindo.

A secondary reason the offense has sputtered has been a sub-par season from Kljestan, who has fallen off sharply from the level of play that earned him a starting spot on the U-23 team that competed in the 2008 Olympics.

So enough about season-long issues, let’s get to the match-up.

Galaxy Strengths

Galaxy Weaknesses

Chivas Strengths

Chivas Weaknesses

Given the problems on offense and the generally tough defense on both sides, we might be in for another 0-0 game. But with Chivas bringing in a fit strike corps and with Landon Donovan and David Beckham fully-integrated into the Galaxy scheme, there could be opportunities on both ends of the field.

However, I think this will be a tough game determined in the middle of the park. Both teams are having trouble getting and finishing chances, but both have quality midfield with players willing to give the crunching tackle. I would give the Galaxy the edge in the backline with Rookie of the Year candidate Omar Gonzalez getting it done under the direction of canny veteran Gregg Berhalter and outside backs Sean Franklin and Todd Dunivant providing quality wing play and incisive offensive runs when necessary. The stability in the back gives the Galaxy more to work with than Chivas.

The midfield likewise belongs to the Galaxy because of David Beckham and Landon Donovan, though Chris Birchall has proven his worth and Dema Kovalenko has been an adequate replacement for the injured Stefani Migiloranzi. Chivas can match the Galaxy’s disruptors, but has problems on the offensive side unless Kljestan decides to shake off his funk. Throw in Eddie Lewis and Chris Klein on the Galaxy side and I don’t think the Goats can compete.

But up front I have to give the advantage to Chivas with a healthy group of four quality strikers to choose from. The Galaxy hasn’t been able to establish any kind of rhythm or partnership up top all year with Edson Buddle turning in an especially disappointing year.

The goalkeeping is basically a wash with Donovan Ricketts and Zach Thornton both playing instrumental roles in their teams’ success this year.

On balance, I think this series goes to the Galaxy. Their defensive fundamentals are so good and their midfield so talented that they can overcome their scoring problems. Putting Donovan on the pitch with Beckham providing service means there will eventually be an offensive break-through over the course of the two games. There is no such guarantee from the Goats.

Prediction: Galaxy 2-1 on aggregate.

What others are saying:

Billy Witz at the New York Times
Andy Firchau at ESPN Soccernet
Martin Rogers at Yahoo Sports
Jim Alexander in the Press-Enterprise
MLSNet Preview
Grahame Jones at the LA Times
Luis Bueno at Goal.com
Jack Bell at the NY Times
Andrea Canales at Goal.com
LA Soccer News
Angel Magana at LAist.com
This Week Inside the LA Galaxy
Nick Green at 100 Percent Soccer

What about you guys? Who’s going to win? Why?

I think we have the edge in today’s match. But don’t count Chivas out. When it’s a derby match, each team can play their best soccer of the season. Today it should be the Galaxy. If Buddle is on his game today, we will be unstoppable.

I’m so nervous/excited that I can’t think of anything else intelligent to say. Who do you think will be in the starting line up? Magee? Birchall? Lewis and Klein as Super Subs? Will Gordo get a chance if Buddle is off his game? Ohhhh, I’m really nervous! Have I said that already?

Many blogs and blurbs I’ve read have our Galaxy going all the way to the finals and winning. I’m knocking on laminate that they are right.

Beckham talks playoffs (video)

Excellent video preview ( I love the *thunk!* of Becks’ goal against Chivas in August)

View From the Booth

100 Percent Soccer

Goal.com

soccerlens.com

NBCLosAngeles

The Official Galaxy Blog

In a fitting display on their home turf, the Los Angeles Galaxy put the finishing touches on a worst-to-first regular season for 2009. After a horrific 2008, the culmination of years of front-office incompetence and on-field underachievement accomplished under the glare of international media, the Galaxy put together a season that culminated in a first-in the West finish and a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. With the defeat of Columbus on Sunday evening by the New England Revolution, the Galaxy finished with the second-best record in the league, one point behind the Supporter’s Shield winning Crew and tied on points with Houston (winning on the head-to-head tie breaker).

The game itself was one of the better displays by a Galaxy team this year. Showing the kind of aggression that a superior team playing on its home field must display, the Galaxy took the game directly to the Earthquakes, dominating the first 20 minutes comprehensively. With a front six of Mike Magee, Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Chris Birchall, and Dema Kovalenko, the Galaxy put one of its better attack-minded line-ups on the field. This resulted in several chances in the first 30 minutes, including a scorching Beckham shot that just missed wide left of the goal. Landon Donovan’s goal in the 27th minute, deflecting off the leg of SJ defender Bobby Burling was typical of the Galaxy attack in the first half – lost of possession, passes to the wings, crosses into the box.

But while the aggression and approach were refreshing for a team that made its mark this year through tough defense and tenacious midfield play, the passing was often less than crisp, almost lazy. The play in the final third was plagued by easy give-aways, poor first touches, and errant passes. Everyone in the attack was at fault at some point in the game, which added a level of frustration to what was otherwise an encouraging show.

That said, it was another solid team effort that built from the back. Once again the backline and goalkeeping was steady as a rock. Todd Dunivant, perhaps the most underrated player on the field, was solid on the left, dealing with a speedy Shea Salinas with aplomb and getting forward into the attack with regularity. Gregg Berhalter did a stand-up job in the middle and in organizing the defense. Omar Gonzalez made several stops as the last defender back, defusing attack after attack. And Sean Franklin had his best game back from injury, playing at full speed without struggling and combining very nicely on the right with Becks and Birchall.

The second half of the game wasn’t quite as nice as the first, though the team again ran right at San Jose. But Mike Magee’s day was not stellar, just workmanlike and his average touch and creativity was responsible for a number of attacks that fizzled. Buddle’s game was much better than recent games, though he was not instrumental in any of the scoring. What improved the game in the second half was bringing on Eddie Lewis and then Chris Klein, who both brought veteran wiles, decision-making, and crisp passing to go with their fresh legs. They immediately improved the creativity of the Galaxy attack, even as Donovan went up top to play as a withdrawn striker. The epitome of this was the second goal of the evening which started with Beckham lauching a counter to Donovan in the middle of the park who passed wide to Klein who threaded a perfect pass back to Donovan at the top of the 18 where Donovan used his striker’s touch to beat Joe Cannon. It was beautiful.

I wonder if this means that we should start games with one of Lewis or Klein on the field, to increase the creativity on the field. I’m a fan of putting Birchall in the middle and platooning Lewis and Klein on the right (or left with Donovan on the opposite wing). Magee and Buddle up top should be a decent combination, but Magee needs to do better when he has the ball. And while I’m noting what can be better, I’m not that happy with how deep David Beckham often drops to collect the ball – as deep as Shalrie Joseph does often, but David has more offense in him than Joseph does in the normal run of things (though let me say that Joseph has plenty of offense in him). It sometimes takes Becks out of the game when he does this, though with Donovan as the intended target maybe that’s not a problem in the end. But it does make me want more Lewis/Klein on the field.

And that’s important because in order to win the Cup this year the team needs to score consistently and it’s consistently had problems putting the ball in the back of the net. Now that the team is going to be playing the elite teams in the league, offense is the piece that needs the most work. Defense wins championships, but we’ve got that this year. We still need to score. So consider that our charge. The only redeeming factor here, is that the first games of the playoffs are against Chivas, which has been having its own problems scoring lately.

But if the team takes the game to its opponents like it did last night (and playing all games at the HDC will make that easier), then it will be putting itself in the place to win. Add in the fact that the team is probably the healthiest it has been all season and the Galaxy need to be taken seriously as a team to challenge for the cup.

Playoffs for the Galaxy start on Nov. 1, Sunday, at 2PM PST (that’s the day the time change occurs to don’t let that screw you up) at the HDC with the Galaxy as the visiting team. Given the fact that Chivas can’t the stadium up, this is an opportunity for Galaxy fans to come close to parity with Chivas fans and make the game more like a home fixture. Tickets here. Le’ts make it happen.

Man of the Match: Landon Donovan

Official Team Awards
Humanitarian of the Year: Todd Dunivant
Defender of the Year: Donovan Ricketts
Golden Boot: Landon Donovan
MVP: Landon Donovan

What others are saying.

ESPN on Becks getting an ovation after being taken out in the 85th minute.
Ivan Orozco at MLSNet with the San Jose perspective
Larry Morgan at MLSNet with the Galaxy perspective
Larry Morgan at MLSNet with the game recap
Andrea Canales at Goal.com with a story on the Galaxy’s season of redemption
LA Soccer News with the game recap
The Sun (of England) with raunchy snark
AFP with another story on the worst-to-first angle
Joseph D’Hippolito at the San Jose Mercury News
Angel Magana at LAist
Luis Bueno at the Press-Entreprise (complete with podcast)
The AP at the Mercury News
Game recap at the Party Line blog (official LA Galaxy blog)
Locker room quotes from the Party Line blog
Miguel Melendez at the San Bernardino Sun
Nick Green at 100 Percent Soccer
Grahame Jones at the LA Times

Highlights

If the Galaxy wins tonight we will own first place in the Western Conference, regardless of the outcome of the Chivas vs. Houston match being played tomorrow. How awesome would that be?! I still can’t believe the turnaround we’ve had this year. If only we can be in top form for the playoffs . . .

Our household has come down with everything but swine flu so I’m just going to link you to other previews and try to get some rest. I’ll see you in the comments later. Go Galaxy!

View From the Booth

Fox Sports preview

Nick Green’s 100 Percent Soccer

Basic AP run down on Yahoo Sports

I’m still miffed that he was left off the All-Star team – at least the one that suited up. I seem to recall that he made the All-Star roster that counts for salary incentives. Yet one more bit of byzantine MLS rules and regulation implementation for you there.

But I digress.

Good thing staying focused is what Ricketts does. As you can see in the save that is up for the weekly award.

Did I mention that you have to vote for him to win? Well, let me be very plain spoken and upfront about this. You. Have. To. Vote. For. Him. For. Him. To. Win. So go do it!

Today they, the ubiquitous they who say many things and say them often, have awarded the Galaxy’s own Landon Donovan the 2009 Honda Player of the Year award. This is given away annually (hence the “of the year” part) to the best player for the year on the US Men’s National Team. Not really surprised by this, like I was by Tim Howard’s loss last year. Landon was involved in 12 of the US’ 19 goals this year, not to mention his tracking back and help on defense.

This year the competiton was between Donovan, Tim Howard, and Jozy Altidore and Donovan won it walking away. (Ives has more. So does the Party Line.) I’m of the opinion that Howard should have won it last year (did I mention this already? That I think Tim Howard should have won last year? Did I? No? I think Tim Howard should have won last year. I know! Me too!), but I can’t seen how Donovan could have lost to anyone in the player pool this year. He’s elevated his game and become the player that we all hoped he would be when he had an great 2002 World Cup.

Oh wait, I’m getting a news update in my ear. It says that Landon Donovan was also named “Honda Player of the Decade”. When did they start that award? Player of the Decade? Really? Of course, it’s no surprise that Donovan would get that since he’s won HPOTY six times since 2002. But, really, how many other players have come close to the same number of appearances in the Deuce-Aughts as Donovan? Umm, let’s see… yeah, no one. Why even give out this award?

Why don’t we do this instead: Name the freakin’ award after Donovan and ban him from ever winning again. The Landon Donovan-Honda Player of the Year.

But none of this should take away from an award well deserved. Well done Landon Donovan.

Or it could be seven words: This team is nothing without Landon Donovan.

So let’s start with the positive: shutting out Houston at home in front of a sell-out crowd and forcing Pat Onstad to actually make some saves. Once again Donovan Ricketts proves his worth making a busload of saves and the backline bends but doesn’t break. Though I saw a huge cord’s worth of kindling just waiting to burst into existence with one final blow from the Dynamo attack.

And let’s count the hinderances: David Beckham and Landon Donovan both coming off of World Cup Qualifying experiences and all the travelling that requires (not to mention the emotions that the USMNT went through on Wednesday). Starting right back and central midfielder both coming back from injuries. Playing away to one of the two best teams in the league. A ridiculously narrow field. Chronic anemia on the offensive side of things. Not starting Donovan for the aforementioned reason.

In the face of those challenges and a diciplined and fluid Dynamo team, the Galaxy came away with a point.

So why am I so frustrated? Because at this point in the season, having qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2005, I want to team to look sharp and dangerous, taking the game to the opposition, even if that opposition is Houston, rather than chasing and surviving on a stellar goalkeeping performance. I want my keeper bored to death and the forwards going for hat tricks.

Alas, that is not the Galaxy team with which we have been blessed. To be clear, this Galaxy team is worlds away from the disastrous embarrassments of the past two years. But it is worrisome that the team has only scored once in the last two games and that Edson Buddle has looked out of sorts over the same time period, which includes a bye week. It was especially worrisome today when the team included Buddle, Mike Magee, Chris Birchall, Beckham, Eddie Lewis and Dema Kovalenko but couldn’t put any sustained offensive threats together. That’s not a half-bad front six, but it wasn’t really giving Houston any problems.

Though, of course, it’s not like Houston sucks or anything. Not only have they put together their customary solid MLS run, they are still alive in the CONCACAF Champions League after a 2-1 defeat of Monterrey. And they’re pretty deep as well – losing Eddie Robinson, Craig Waibel, Cory Ashe and Wade Barrett to injuries and Cam Weaver to a red card. And did I mention they had three call-ups to the last round of World Cup qualifying? So, yeah, not slouches. And it showed on the field.

Having said that, it was also clear that the Galaxy had nothing going forward without Landon Donovan. The whole attack changed when he finally came on in the 55th minute. Buddle was out of sorts. I can’t tell you how many times his passes were off or he dribbled into trouble or made a bad decision ending in a turnover. For once taking him out for Alan Gordon wasn’t a serious downgrade in skill and offensive threat. Becks couldn’t dominate the middle with his passing game and the team kept getting trapped along the sides of the narrow field without any safe outlet passes of a means to switch fields. Magee’s creativity was absent.

Donovan brought calm, better vision, and a quicker touch to the game, opening up more space and providing more chances for the team as a whole. I don’t know if he would have had enough in the tank for 90 minutes, but I wonder what would have happened with an extra 10.

Final piece of disappointment: Not totally dominating the last ten minutes of the match after Brian Ching got sent off for headbutting someone. The Galaxy took it to Houston for half that time, but then the other half was spent giving the Dynamo a batch of corner kicks and scrambling to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

On the backline, I was consistently not happy with Sean Franklin. He’s still, it seems, trying to adjust back to the speed of game play and he seems very consistently to be a step late and off on many of his passes. With one game remaining and the playoffs looming, I’d love to get AJ Delagarza back on the field, if he’s fit to go. And for the first time all season, Omar Gonzalez didn’t have the 18 yard box on lockdown. All I can say is thank god the team was able to pull off 8 offsides traps. If they hadn’t I bet the Dynamo would have put two or three past a helpless Ricketts. Todd Dunivant was his usual steady self. Gregg Berhalter was his usual calming presence. Ricketts played the kind of game that The Bruce brought him in to play and that’s what allowed an out-played Galaxy team to walk off the Robertson Stadium pitch with a point.

One game left. Three teams tied for first in the West with 45 points (Chivas, LA, Houston). Chivas has a game in hand, but has to visit Chicago and then host Houston. The Galaxy hosts San Jose. Galaxy could win the West still if Chivas takes three or fewer points from those two games. The team needs to make a statement next week. They need to display an offense while avoiding another FC Dallas meltdown.

While it didn’t work well today, I’m still intrigued about a front six that has Magee and Buddle up top, Landon on the left, Birchall in the d-mid spot, Becks in the middle, and Klein/Lewis platooning on the right. I think that puts your fittest, sharpest, most creative players all on the field at the same time. One game left to see it in action. What do you guys think?

Man of the Match: Donovan Ricketts

What others are saying:

Zac Lee Rigg at Goal.com
The AP at Newsday
Andrew Ferraro at MLSNet.com with the game summary
Jeremy Rakes with the Galaxy perspective at MLSNet.com
Andrew Ferraro with the Dynamo Perspective at MLSNet.com
“Staff and Wire Reports” at the LA Times
Game Summary at the official LA Galaxy blog
Player reactions at the official LA Galaxy blog

Ahh, this is looking to be quite the match up!

The Galaxy, Dynamo, and Chivas are all tied for first in the Western Conference with 44 points each. So this match will likely determine the first place team in the Western Conference. Only two games remain for our Galaxy — they play the Earthquakes at home next Saturday to end the regular season. Wins in both games will most certainly assure us home field advantage for the upcoming playoffs.

Playoffs?? WHAT? Yeah baby! We are in the playoffs and have the potential to go all the way. What a welcome change from the past three years. It’s good to be a Galaxy fan!

Catch the game Sunday at noon on Telefutura.

What the others are saying:

MLS.net

Jeremy at the Dynamo offside page

View From the Booth

Houston Chronicle

And a groan-worthy headline and article by Grahame Jones on Becks facial hair (I know you were waiting for me to link you up to this one!)

Give me your best caption. The winner gets, um, something. But I know you guys will make me laugh.