With 37 points, the Los Angeles Galaxy may be in 4th place in the West. However, the Vancouver Whitecaps also have 37 points. Furthermore, with several recent wins, FC Dallas suddenly have 32 points. If the Galaxy don't get some more points soon, they could be knocked out of playoff contention.
The Galaxy's Ascent
A few months ago, I wasn't even sure if the Galaxy would go to the playoffs. At one point, they were last in the Western Conference. Yet, slowly but surely, the Los Angeles team started creeping up in the standings. After a five-game unbeaten streak in July, the Galaxy appeared to have a secure spot in the playoffs. However, things have changed very quickly.
FC Dallas
For most of the season, FC Dallas have been at the bottom of the standings. However, with three wins and a draw in August, FCD have earned 10 points. As a result, they are just five points away from the Galaxy and the Whitecaps. With David Ferreira performing well, they are definitely a threat to our team. LAG will face off against Dallas on August 26 at the Home Depot Center. The result of this match may be an indicator who will make it to the postseason.
More Victories in our Future
Despite their 4-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders on August 5, the Galaxy have been in good form for most of the summer. In their last ten games, they are 5-3-2. Furthermore, they have scored 44 goals, the second most in the league. With 11 assists, Landon Donovan is tied with Graham Zusi for the most assists in the league. Furthermore, the Galaxy captain recently had four assists against Chivas USA. Robbie Keane has 11 goals with several multi-goal games.
The Home Stretch
With only eight games left in the regular season, the Galaxy need as many points as possible to stay in the playoff zone. Along with regular season games, Los Angeles kick off their 2012-2013 CONCACAF Champions League campaign against Isidro Metapan on August 23. With four games in 10 days, the Galaxy will be very busy until the beginning of September. Since they will be facing some top teams, like the San Jose Earthquakes and the Sounders in October, I would hope they have separated themselves further from the teams below them.
FC Dallas may make it into the postseason. However, I don't think it will be the Galaxy that will be bumped out of the playoffs.
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