Currently riding a three game unbeaten streak, the LA Galaxy face an extremely difficult road test this weekend, needing a result against red-hot D.C. United to keep that streak alive.
After one of the worst starts in franchise history, United has gone unbeaten in their last five matches, notching four wins during that run. The sudden switch in form is thanks in large part to the reemergence of Luciano Emilio, last season's Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player.
After getting off to a slow start, the Brazilian has launched himself towards the top of the MLS scoring chart. The only two players in the league with more goals than Emilio are Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle of the Galaxy. LA is the highest scoring team in MLS thanks to their dynamic duo. In second is the recently high-flying and high-scoring United. As a result, people are expecting an exciting match.
"I think they'll be some chances on both sides," Galaxy defender Ante Jazic said. "I think the weather is going to be a factor. I think we'll score with the talent that we have. Hopefully we can shut out DC, but we're always good for a couple of goals."
Donovan, who picked up his torrid scoring rate again last weekend with two against Columbus, agreed that both clubs may be in for a high-scoring affair on Sunday.
"We'll see what happens," Donovan said. "In theory, there should be a lot of chances. If guys are sharp on the day, there will be a lot of goals too."
While Donovan will undoubtedly by a focal point for the United defense, Emilio will hold a similar position in the Galaxy's preparations.
"I don't know if you can totally slow them down," Galaxy midfielder Chris Klein said. "Emilio's been hot lately, so he's a guy that you always have to be aware of. He's one of those pure goal scorers that you may not see him then boom, he's scored two goals. He's someone you need to be aware of, but really it's the creativity around him that makes him go."
Included in that creativity for United is MLS all-time leading scorer Jaime Moreno, and D.C.'s designated player, midfielder Marcelo Gallardo. Those three players are the engine that has driven United to their current run of good form and will be critical for the Galaxy to stop if they want to get any sort of result.
"Number one is Luciano," Donovan said. "You've got to know where he is at all times. He seems to kind of sneak away and find a spot, then bam, he strikes. He's number one. Two is Jaime (Moreno). If you don't have a hold of him, it makes it easier for Luciano and also Gallardo. Those are the three main keys. You'd like to think if you shut them down you have a pretty good chance to win."
Shutting down all those weapons is easier said than done. LA knows a little bit about that, considering the number of weapons they possess offensively as well. In order to even slow down the United attack, Los Angeles will need an entire team effort.
"I think overall we're going to have to have a much better effort defensively as a unit," Jazic said. "The entire eleven players on the pitch, we have to make it difficult for them and not give them too much space, because they have players who are good going forward."
Sunday's game will be featured on ABC right before the Euro 2008 finals. It's a marquee match showcasing two of the league's most entertaining clubs. Both teams have plenty to play for too, as the Galaxy are hoping to maintain there position atop the West and United look to continue their climb in the East.
"For me it's two quality teams going head to head," Klein said. "Both teams are kind of hot right now. D.C. has been on a run as of late. They started very poorly and now they are the D.C. United that everyone expected them to be. For us, it's going to be a good test."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
