After a scorching performance in July, the Los Angeles Galaxy look to defeat the Seattle Sounders on August 5 at CenturyLink field. Like the Galaxy, the Sounders have also snapped out of their slump. Now both teams are riding a five-game unbeaten streak. Still, there are three reasons why I think the Galaxy will win tonight.
They Are a Different Team
When the Galaxy last played the Sounders in May, they were without starting goalkeeper Josh Saunders, 2011 MLS Defender of the Year Omar Gonzalez and Designated Players Robbie Keane and David Beckham. In addition to missing some of their starting lineup, the attitude of the team was entirely different. The Galaxy-Sounders game was near the beginning of a seven-game winless streak that started with the 1-1 draw against FC Dallas on April 28 and culminated with the Galaxy's 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on June 17. During that streak, Los Angeles often looked unorganized and uninspired. However, after our three Designated Players started performing, everything else fell into place. Seattle has also had its fair share of woes this season. The Sounders broke their nine-game winless streak with a 2-1 victory at home over the Colorado Rapids. Two weeks later, they defeated the Rapids again on the road.
Donovan-Keane Dynamic Duo
For some time, the Galaxy struggled to find the back of the net. However, when summer hit, this all changed. After coming back from international stints, both Donovan and Keane were in fine form. The two played together for 25 minutes in the 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on July 8. Donovan provided the assist for Robbie Keane's second goal in the 78th minute. He assisted Keane again for L.A.'s fourth goal in their 5-3 rout of the Portland Timbers on July 14. On July 21, Keane returned the favor in the 3-1 victory over Chivas USA when he assisted one of Donovan's two goals that night. Overall, the two DPs have nine goals each. Yet, the Sounders have a few weapons of their own. For example, Mauro Rosales and Eddie Johnson have been a lethal combination. Rosales has assisted five of Johnson's nine goals in 2012.
Red-Hot in July
In the month of July, L.A. won three out of four of their away games. With 20 goals on the road, the Galaxy lead the league in this category. Our three DPs combined for 11 goals and 11 assists. Rookie Bryan Gaul has been performing well. Keane just won July's MLS Player of the Month Award. Beckham is back from his Olympic role in London. With our entire team in good form, I imagine they will perform well against the Sounders.
See who comes out on top at 6 p.m. PT in this Western Conference clash.
Melissa Matters is a long time Los Angeles resident and devoted Los Angeles Galaxy fan.
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