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First Thoughts
After seeing their four-match unbeaten run come to an end last weekend, the Vancouver Whitecaps will face a stern test on the road against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday. While Vancouver is currently undefeated on the road with a pair of draws to date, the club has not surprisingly looked like a better side when playing at home at BC Place.
While the Galaxy currently sit below the Whitecaps in the Western Conference table, Los Angeles has only played three matches, with two of those coming against a very tough Real Salt Lake side in a home and away set of matches to start the 2014 MLS season.
Keep Thinking
Fresh off their first win of the season, the Galaxy come into this match with the momentum. Los Angeles looked like their usual dominant selves in defeating Chivas USA 3-0 in their last match at the StubHub Center.
Vancouver, on the other hand, suffered something of letdown last weekend, losing 2-1 to Colorado Rapids.
In terms of the all-time record between the two teams, Los Angeles has dominated the Whitecaps in the past, with 6 wins and a draw compared to Vancouver’s solitary win against their fellow West coast side. Add in the fact that the Galaxy are the side that ended Vancouver only sojourn to the postseason to date and it is not a stretch to surmise that LA has the psychological edge heading into this one.
While much has been made in recent weeks of the offensive potential of a Whitecaps attack lead by Kenny Miller, Darren Mattocks and Pedro Morales, Los Angeles boasts a an overall solid squad with probably the league’s best one-two offensive punch in Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan.
Playing away from home, it will be a major test for the Whitecaps to contain a Galaxy attack that is cohesive and multidimensional. Donovan and his Galaxy teammates should also be particularly motivated for this match given the fact that the U.S. International is one goal away from setting a new MLS record for career goals scored.
Shutting down the Galaxy will be a particularly tough challenge for Vancouver given the fact that Designated Player defensive midfielder Matias Laba is suspended for Saturday’s match. The Argentine midfielder has been a key defensive cog for the Whitecaps to date and his absence will require another player to step up significantly to fill the hole left by his absence. That said, one positive piece of news for Whitecaps fans is that midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker should be fit to go following two games out with a concussion.
Final Thoughts
If one thing has been clear this season, it has been that Vancouver is still very much putting it all together with a new Head Coach in Carl Robinson and a multitude of roster changes made over the offseason. Los Angeles has all of the advantages for this match – a more cohesive squad, more MLS experience, one of the top coaches in league history going up against a rookie gaffer and home field advantage.
Prediction
Vancouver Whitecaps 0-2 Los Angeles Galaxy
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