Galaxy vs. FC Dallas Preview

By: jen | September 12th, 2009

Our Galaxy (9-4-11) host FC Dallas (6-11-6) tonight at the Home Depot Center at 7:30 Pacific (FSN-PT and Direct Kick). The Galaxy is only 2 points out of first place in the Western Conference, while FC Dallas is in second to last place in the West. FC Dallas is all but certain to miss the playoffs with a minimum 10 point deficit to overcome for a wild card spot. The late signing of USMNT defender, Heath Pierce, in unlikely to help them this season.

In addition, FC Dallas has lost their last three games while the Galaxy have shut out their opponents in the last three games. They will start tonight’s match with a completely different look than the last time the two teams met. “Head coach Schellas Hyndman will likely have only three players in his first 11 from that game in the starting lineup for this weekend — midfielder David Ferreira, defender Pablo Ricchetti and midfielder Dave van den Bergh.” And with a weekend of rest behind the Galaxy, the pendulum swings in their favor.

As a Galaxy fan I have to keep pinching myself — what a difference a year makes! I have to admit that I still worry a bit about games like tonight’s, games that we should win. We have played better this season when we’ve played strong opponents. Still, this match should be a beauty to watch, what with Landon and Becks returning buoyed by World Cup qualifying match wins.

My primary worry for the remainder of the season is offense. Eskandarian has been placed on the dl for the rest of the season, and Buddle needs to heal and play. I’ve been happy for the most part with Magee up top, but I still wince when Kirovski touches the ball. He has moments of great play, but so often he just seems to screw up the momentum and chances on offense. But if Buddle doesn’t heal and break into the line up soon then I worry about our post season chances. And what about Gordon? (I can’t believe I’m writing this.) I think he is a better choice to start up top than Kirovski. Please, Jovan, prove me wrong.

What others are saying:

Mark Rogondino’s View From the Booth

The Daily Breeze’s Phil Collin with more on Mike Magee

FC Dallas’ mls site, with Dave van den Bergh saying of the Galaxy, “(They’re) a tough team to beat, they just don’t get beaten at all really.” (You gotta love it when opponents’ key players are defeatist.)

Nick Green’s 100 Percent Soccer