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Union-Galaxy Preview

Robbie Keane knows his job is to score for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

He's certainly been a major part of his club's attack in resounding victories over the Philadelphia Union in each of the previous two seasons.

Keane will try to end a four-game MLS goal drought Saturday night at home against a Union defense that is among the worst in the league.

Los Angeles (5-5-7) played without Keane in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Columbus since the forward was on international duty with Ireland.

Keane has struggled with a groin injury this year, scoring twice in seven MLS matches. The reigning MLS MVP was third in the league with 19 in the regular season a year ago and tied for second with 14 assists.

"As a striker, it's always important to score goals," Keane said. "Ultimately, you're judged on scoring no matter what people say. You can do what you want for the team with hard work, but people will look at goals and assists."

Keane turned in a hat trick in his return to the Galaxy in Wednesday's 6-1 victory over semi-professional team PSA Elite in the U.S. Open Cup.

"It was good to get him back on the field again and get some minutes in," coach Bruce Arena said. "We're still moving him forward and trying to get him back into form."

Los Angeles has cruised to 4-1 victories over Philadelphia in each of the last two seasons, improving to 5-1-1 in the series. Keane had a goal and an assist in the 2013 contest and one goal and two assists in last year's meeting.

Philadelphia (4-9-3) is allowing 1.56 goals per game for one of the league's worst marks. The Union have the worst goal difference in MLS at minus-seven and coach Jim Curtin's club is 1-5-2 on the road.

"In an environment where you have to shut down a Robbie Keane, a Gyasi Zardes, and an Omar Gonzalez, it'll be a tough night for us but a challenge that we will be up to," Curtin said.

Zardes could make his first start since May 31 after being away with the United States national team before returning for 30 minutes off the bench last Saturday.

Philadelphia will be without two forwards who have combined for five goals and four assists. Sebastien Le Toux is out with a MCL sprain while Fernando Aristeguieta has an ankle injury.

C.J. Sapong will likely start and seek to add to his team-high four goals by scoring in a third consecutive match for the Union, who have not played an MLS game since a 2-1 defeat to New York City FC on June 6.

The Galaxy will play at home in league play for the first time since having a 23-match unbeaten streak at the StubHub Center snapped with a 1-0 loss June 6 to Vancouver.

"It's going to be a hot day out there in LA," Union midfielder Maurice Edu said. "Obviously they're the home team, they'll have a good home crowd but it's important that we keep our discipline and stay organized."

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