Los Angeles has a soccer team, and it goes by the name Los Angeles Galaxy. What most people don't know is that they're good. Really good. And they're poised to take the top spot in the Western Division as the season winds down to a close. The Galaxy (9-4-11; 38 pts) ranked second in the West takes on frontrunner Houston Dynamo (11-7-7; 40 pts) on September 12th at Houston. If the Galaxy are able to secure a W, this will give them a 1 point advantage over Houston and will vault LA into first place in the West.
Its incredible to see the Galaxy in this position, especially after last season - ended without a playoff appearance with a dismal record of 8-13-9; 33 pts. Furthermore, that 33 points earned them the dubious honor of sharing last place with rival San Jose Earthquakes. As the 2008 season progressed, things just seemed to get worse and worse. Before the MLS All-Star game in 2008, the Galaxy held a record of (8-11-6). This was up to July 24th. With the playoffs a few months away and a mediocre record, the Galaxy were in control of their own destiny. If they could win out, or at least win the majority, a playoff spot was not too far-fetched a dream. Instead they laid flat on their faces and either lost or tied 11 of their final 13 games (non MLS games included). Very disappointing for LA.
This season has been a complete reversal. Much of the credit goes to Bruce Arena, in his first year as manager/coach with the Galaxy. Under Arena, the Galaxy strove to rebuild its flagging defense putting all priority into making sure the opposing team had no opportunities near the goal. With an emphasis on defense rather than offense, the Galaxy turned games they would have lost last season into ties. For the first half of the season, it seemed like that's all we were going to see from the Galaxy - lots and lots of ties with the occasional win or loss here and there. Enter the month of July: Three straight wins against New England Revolution, Chivas USA, and the New York Red Bulls. Then a 2 - 2 draw against one of the world's premiere teams AC Milan. Fastforward to Aug 1 and a close 2 - 1 decision against the reigning best team in the world FC Barcelona (I was there, read my story). Since Barca the Galaxy are 3-1-1, the most recent win against heated rival Chivas USA concluding the three game Superclasico Series with the Galaxy winning 2 games to 1. We're witnessing a Galaxy team coming into form at the best time possible - leading into the playoffs.
Now a few words about David Beckham. Love him, hate him whatever. You've got to admit, for an aging world class midfielder, the guy does pretty well for himself (understatement). Consider the match against Barca:
Absolutely world class free kick. That's why David Beckham remains one of the best midfielders in the world. His ball placement and control is absolutely legendary. He's lost some speed, sure, since his Man U and Real Madrid days but you cannot deny that off a set piece, or a corner kick, or supporting a striker upfield there aren't many players in the world that can match Beckham's pure talent. I remember seeing that goal go down. Unfortunately for me I was on one of the corners on the Galaxy end so I didn't have the best view but I remember thinking before he kicked it, "wouldn't it be ridiculous if somehow we just scored now before halftime?" This thought was shortly followed by, "WHAT?? NO F*$#ING WAY!!!"
How about this one, against Chivas?
80th minute off a long throw in, riccochets off Chivas USA, Beckham sprints down the center and finishes off of the post, sealing the game against the rivals and putting distance between themselves and the clusterfuck that is third place in the West (3 teams tied for 3rd). Whatever reservations LA had about loaning Beckham to Milan seemed to have subsided. Typical of LA Fans. I for one am fine with Beckham's trip and possible permanent departure to Milan. I am very thankful for his work he's done with the Galaxy and I'm going to be very sad if he decides to leave. He's done a lot of great things for our team, and that's undeniable.
No comments:
Post a Comment