Galaxy-Union Preview
The Philadelphia Union haven't fared well in past meetings with the Los Angeles Galaxy, but they should have two factors working in their favor in this one.
While the soaring Galaxy make a cross-country trip off a short layoff, the Union will be well-rested as they attempt to remain unbeaten at home in Wednesday night's intriguing matchup.
Both clubs rank among the best in their respective conferences, with the star-laden Galaxy's 2 points per game tied with Colorado atop the West and surprising Philadelphia (4-3-1) leading the East at 1.63. The series' recent history has been far more one-sided, with Los Angeles (5-1-3) outscoring the Union 13-3 in winning three straight encounters.
The Galaxy routed Philadelphia 5-1 at home last June and enter Wednesday's match mostly healthy and near top form. Boosted by the returns of Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard, they extended their unbeaten streak to seven games with Sunday's 4-2 victory over New England.
Keane, back from a five-game absence recovering from knee surgery, scored twice to help build a 3-0 halftime lead, while Gerrard added a late goal off the bench after missing Los Angeles' previous match with a groin injury.
"It's good to get both of those players back," coach Bruce Arena said. "Obviously they give us quality and experience. We know what those two players offer and it would certainly be nice to get (Nigel) de Jong back at some point and start getting our team a little bit better assembled as we continue to move forward in the season."
The Galaxy were fielding the league's most potent offense even with Keane sidelined. They lead MLS with 22 goals and their plus-12 differential is easily the league's best.
"Obviously, they're confident right now, they're scoring a ton of goals," Union coach Jim Curtin told the team's official site.
Los Angeles hasn't been as prolific on the road, netting five goals in four games - with four coming against Houston on April 15. Philadelphia has yielded only two in going 5-0-1 at home since Sept. 20.
"It starts with us trying to keep a zero at home," Curtin said. 'That's the key, because if you get into an end-to-end track meet with them you're going to lose, that's the bottom line on that."
The Union are coming off a disappointing result in their last outing, however. Up a goal and a man against visiting San Jose on April 30, they ended with a 1-all draw when the Earthquakes' Simon Dawkins scored in the 83rd minute.
Philadelphia was without two starting defenders in Fabinho (suspension) and Ken Tribbett, both of whom Curtin expects to be available following the week off.
The Union will need all their resources to contend with Keane, who's amassed two goals and five assists in four career meetings, as well as Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes. Dos Santos has five goals over the last four games and Zardes two with four assists over that span.