FC Dallas-Galaxy Preview
The Los Angeles Galaxy finally found the net in their latest game, but they're still waiting to do so in a game that counts in the MLS standings.
The Galaxy will try to end their scoreless drought in league play Sunday night while adding to FC Dallas' recent road woes.
Alan Gordon scored in the 82nd minute in a 1-all draw in Trinidad on Wednesday that clinched a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. That tally also snapped the team's drought in all competitions at 361 minutes, but the Galaxy (13-9-8) still have a 279-minute streak in MLS after their 3-0 loss at Real Salt Lake last weekend.
Los Angeles hasn't been shut out in four consecutive league games since a franchise-worst five-game dry spell in 2006.
"Teams get up to play against us. We're the Galaxy," defender Omar Gonzalez told the team's official website. "Every game for them is like a playoff game and we have to match that energy."
Despite its scoring woes, Los Angeles is still within striking distance in the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield races. The Galaxy, though, face a team level on points and with one more victory.
FC Dallas (14-9-5) had a fine push going with a three-game win streak but that ended with a 3-1 loss at Sporting Kansas City on Sept. 18. The club has lost three of four on the road and is 2-6-2 in its last 10 away from home in league play.
Dallas has lost in each of its last four visits to the Galaxy and is 0-5-1 in its last six. Los Angeles is 30-1-7 in its last 38 home contests across all competitions and unbeaten in its past 10 (9-0-1) after a scoreless draw Sept. 12 versus Montreal.
"It's going to be a difficult game, a tough game," FCD forward David Texeira said. "They have a good players, but we're just thinking about ourselves and doing our job.
"It's like revenge for us because they came here and they won. We're trying to go there and trying to do our best and get three points to keep up in the standings."
FC Dallas might get Mauro Diaz back in the lineup for the first time since Aug. 2. The midfielder, who has five goals and six assists, has been out with an injured quad.
Diaz assisted on each of Dallas' two goals in the final 13 minutes of a 2-1 victory against Los Angeles on May 9. The club took a 2-1 loss in the most recent matchup Aug. 15, with Robbie Keane netting both of the Galaxy's goals in the second half.