Galaxy vs New England preview and open thread
By: NathanHJ | July 10th, 2010
It’s all about Edson Buddle. I don’t expect that Landon Donovan will be in the 18 today or if he is to get the start (in fact, I’d be kind of pissed if he plays since he really needs a break and this is a game where the Galaxy don’t need him). So it’s up to Edson to amp up the Galaxy attack. While the two stars have been gone the team has done well, but it is clear that they miss the creativity of Donovan and the up-front play of Buddle. This game, against a struggling New England team devastated by injuries and a lack of new talent to draw on, should provide Buddle ample opportunities and a chance to deepen his partnership with Tristan Bowen.
I expect that the Galaxy midfield will dominate a Revolution midfield missing just about every one of its creative players with the exception of Shalrie Joseph who means everything to this Revs team. Michael Stephens, Juninho, Chris Birchall and whomever replaces Donovan (I’d like to see Eddie Lewis, but it will probably be Alex Cazumba who has had, in my opinion, two mediocre showings in a row) should be able to handle the pressure and clogged midfield that New England will aim to provide.
The defense, missing Omar Gonzalez for the first time in 45 games due to yellow card accumulation, should handle the anemic attack from the home team and have its hands full with Buddle and Bowen. If the team can strike quickly they should be able to put the Revs back on their heels and force them to chase at the same time, which should open the game up wide enough for the Galaxy to put multiple balls in the back of the net.
Here’s who I’d like to see start:
Buddle – Bowen
Lewis – Juninho – Birchall – Stephens
Dunivant – Berhalter – DeLaGarza – Franklin
I’d also be happy with Leonardo in for AJ.
What do you guys expect? Who do you want to see start? Leave your comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter for the game. I’m at @nathanhjb.
And, as always, feel free to comment during the game below.
The game is on Prime Ticket on cable at 4:30 or on the MLS Direct Kick package.
Here are a few other previews.
Mark Rogondino’s View from the Booth
CBSSports.com
Goal.com
MLSSoccer.com
Prost Amerika Soccer
Some Related Galaxy Posts:
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