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Whitecaps-Galaxy preview

The Vancouver Whitecaps ended the Los Angeles Galaxy's 29-match home unbeaten streak just over a year ago. The Galaxy will try to avenge that loss Monday when the Whitecaps come to the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., for an Independence Day showdown.

Vancouver (7-7-3) is fourth in Major League Soccer's Western Conference with 24 points. The Whitecaps hit the midway point of their MLS schedule with a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Union last weekend, but they are coming off a crushing loss to Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship Final.

Entering Sunday's action, Los Angeles (5-3-8) was tied for fifth in the Western Conference with 23 points, just one point behind Vancouver. The Galaxy is unbeaten at home this season with a 4-0-4 record at the StubHub Center, but the team has struggled in recent weeks, going winless in its last seven MLS matches, including a 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.

Los Angeles features the high-profile duo of Giovani dos Santos and Steven Gerrard. Dos Santos leads the team with seven goals. Gerrard has a team-high five assists. The Galaxy's attack should be bolstered by the return of Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes, who are expected back after going away for international competition.

Los Angeles will be shorthanded in the back. Jelle Van Damme and Ashley Cole are serving suspensions. Robbie Rogers has an ankle injury.

Vancouver is led by Pedro Morales, who has team highs of six goals and four assists this season. Christian Bolanos is tied for second with five goals and two assists. Kekuta Manneh also has five goals and two assists.

The Whitecaps should be stronger defensively with the return of Kendall Waston, who is coming back from a two-game suspension.

This is the second of three meetings between Los Angeles and Vancouver this season. The Whitecaps and Galaxy played to a scoreless draw in April at BC Place in Vancouver, B.C. The Whitecaps played much of that match with 10 men after Matias Laba was ejected in the 28th minute.

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