Archive for the ‘SPORTS’ Category

Summary

Galaxy hold onto 1-0 victory in wild card game

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In a game marked by many questionable yellow and red cards, the Los Angeles Galaxy managed to win at Home Depot Center 1-0 against the visiting Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

After a somewhat frustrating start for both sides, the game opened up for Los Angeles during the 33^rd minute when English midfielder David Beckham took a penalty kick from 25 yards out and connected with the head of Brazil’s Leonardo, knocking the ball beyond the reach of Philadelphia goalkeeper, team captain and Colombian national, Faryd Mondragon.

Shortly into the second half, Philadelphia’s offence opened up. In the 47^th French midfielder Sebastian Le Toux briefly threatened a tie before Galaxy Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made his first serious save of the MLS 2011 season.

Los Angeles looked to increase the lead when Brazilian midfielder Juninho looked for his third goal of the season in the 57^th minute. The Galaxy’s top scorer of the season hit the top crossbar.

Then the citations started to be issued. Los Angeles midfielder Chris Birchall was ejected from the field with a red card after an altercation with former Galaxy top-scorer Carlos Ruiz. The Union forward received a yellow card.

Now playing with 10 men, Los Angeles became more reserved in their play while the increasingly unpopular referee Paul Ward was anything but reserved with the yellow and red cards. In addition to the cards for Ruiz and Birchall, in the 51^st minute a yellow card was issued to Los Angeles’ Miguel Lopez. Ricketts was issued a yellow card for delay of game in the 60^th minute while Beckham essentially asked for one in the 90^th minute and Los Angeles captain Landon Donovan received one in the 92^nd minute. Yellow cards were issued to Philadelphia players Sheanon Williams (64^th minute), Jordan Harvey (78^th minute), and Danny Califf (88^th minute), plus a red card to Jack McInerney (94^th minute).

This was the first lost of the MLS season for Philadelphia, who maintain first place in the Eastern Conference.

Now in second place in the Western Conference with seven points, the Galaxy will face off against Eastern Conference D.C. United for a match Saturday, 4 p.m. PST.

Summary

With more afternoon games

Article

Ready to forget last year’s dismal conclusion, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced their schedule for the 2009 Major League Soccer regular season.

The club will once again play 30 games, 15 at home and 15 on the road, in 2009, starting with their season opener against four-time MLS Cup champion, D.C. United, at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, March 22, noon.

Other highlights include the Galaxy’s first-ever game against the expansion team, Seattle Sounders FC, at Qwest Field on Sunday, May 10, noon; the match against defending MLS Cup Champion Columbus Crew on Sunday, May 17, noon; and the Galaxy’s annual Fourth of July match — this year they go against the New England Revolution (8 p.m. kickoff).

For the second consecutive year, the Galaxy play six matches against their two California rivals, Chivas USA and the San Jose Earthquakes. In 2008, the Galaxy had a combined record of 3-1-2 against these two rivals.

With more afternoon games than usual, the LA Galaxy are now accepting deposits for the 2009 season. A non-refundable deposit of 25% per seat secures your place for each 2009 Galaxy regular season game, plus great benefits including exclusive events with the team, special season seat holder gifts, and much more.

LA GALAXY 2009 MLS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE:

Sunday March 22 vs. D.C. United Noon
Saturday April 4 vs. Colorado 7:30 p.m.
Saturday April 11 vs. Chivas USA 7:30 p.m.
Saturday April 18 at San Jose 7:30 p.m.
Saturday April 25 at Colorado 6:30 p.m.
Saturday May 2 vs. New York 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday May 6 at Real Salt Lake 6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 10 at Seattle Noon
Sunday May 17 vs. Columbus Noon
Saturday May 23 at FC Dallas 5:30 p.m.
Saturday May 30 vs. Kansas City 7:30 p.m.
Saturday June 6 at Toronto FC 12:30 p.m.
Saturday June 13 vs. Real Salt Lake 7:30 p.m.
Saturday June 20 at San Jose 1:00 p.m.
Sunday June 28 vs. Houston 8:00 p.m.
Saturday July 4 vs. New England 8:00 p.m.
Saturday July 11 at Chivas USA 7:30 p.m.
Saturday July 18 at New York 3:00 p.m.
Saturday July 25 at Kansas City 5:30 p.m.
Saturday August 8 at New England 3:00 p.m.
Saturday August 15 vs. Seattle 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 19 at Chicago 6:00 p.m.
Saturday August 22 at D.C. United 4:30 p.m.
Saturday August 29 vs. Chivas USA 8:00 p.m.
Saturday September 12 vs. FC Dallas 7:30 p.m.
Saturday September 19 vs. Toronto FC 7:30 p.m.
Saturday September 26 at Columbus 4:30 p.m.
Friday October 2 vs. Chicago 8:00 p.m.
Sunday October 18 at Houston Noon
Saturday October 24 vs. San Jose 7:30 p.m.

Summary

A full day of Los Angeles Galaxy soccer for one low price

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Die hard Los Angeles Galaxy fans who cannot get enough of that cosmic soccer stuff at home can follow their team up north to cheer the players on as they challenge California rivals, San Jose Earthquakes, Saturday June 14, 7 p.m.

For $65 per person, fans can purchase the Away Game Travel Package. The Package generously includes one ticket to the game, round trip transportation from The Home Depot Center to McAfee Coliseum and admittance to a special Galaxy Travel Package Tailgate.

All fans who purchase their tickets to the game through this special promotion will be seated alongside fellow Galaxy fans, allowing for support strength in numbers as they cheer their club toward their second victory against San Jose this year 400 miles away from the first one, which was played on Galaxy turf.

You rise-and-shine supporters need to arrive at The Home Depot Center and park in Lot #11 at 8:30 a.m., with all buses departing the stadium at 9 a.m.

The buses are scheduled to arrive at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland at 4 p.m. where fans can get ready for the game with complimentary Chipolte burritos (chicken, carne or vegetarian), chips with salsa and guacamole, along with soda and Budweiser. The tailgate party will be held in the parking lot of McAfee Coliseum until the 7 p.m. kickoff.

Following the game, buses will depart from McAfee Coliseum at 10:30 p.m. and are scheduled to arrive back at The Home Depot Center at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, less than nine hours prior to the start if the U.S. National Team’s inaugural 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Barbados, which begins at 2 p.m. at The Home Depot Center.

I wish I could go.

To sign up go to http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/t106/pdf/2008/galaxy_sanjose.pdf  for an order form.  The form must be faxed to 310/630-2251 by Tuesday, June 10. For more information go to www.lagalaxy.com.

Summary

Galaxy suffers first lost at home this season

Article

While approximately 20,00 Los Angeles Galaxy fans were frustrated by a domineering home soccer team that failed to pass enough balls behind the goal line of Toronto FC, nobody was more visibly frustrated than striker Landon Donovan as the Galaxy picked up its first loss at Home Depot Center this season.

Around the 10th minute of play David Beckham hit an early ball from the right flank that found Donovan en route to the netted poles. Donovan got a piece of it but a goal was denied by Toronto’s sizeable goalie, Greg Sutton.

Before the 30-minute mark Donovan received another invitation to score from Beckham. Donovan met Beckham’s ball and took it to the goal where the lurching keeper again aborted Donavan’s mission.  It was the second score Donovan should have had and the anguish displayed across Donovan’s 26-year-old visage illustrated self-contempt.

However anger would not be an energy Donovan could use just yet. Shy of the 40-minute mark, the Beckham-Donovan duo bedazzled Toronto’s defense resulting in nothing between Donovan, the ball, and the net. Uncharacteristically in such situations, Donovan blasted the ball into un-netted orbit.

If this were not annoying enough for Galaxy fans, players and Donovan alike, Toronto picked up the first score of the game minutes shy of halftime with Danny Dichio drilling a low blow for a goal.

However, entering halftime down a goal was not an option for Donovan. One minute later Chris Klein launched the ball to Donovan who then willed the ball past Marco Velez and Sutton from 27 yards out. Donovan seemed to respond with more self-vindication than congratulation, slowly recognizing kudos from his teammates.

The score was 1-1 at halftime.

From the first seconds of the second half it appeared the Galaxy was still in control of the game. And when Donovan went down a few steps shy of the penalty box it was time to put Beckham’s famous right foot into action. Beckham stepped up and proceeded to take his worse free kick as a Galaxy player hitherto, flubbing the ball directly into TFC’s wall.

To everyone’s surprise and dismay Toronto took the lead once again during the 53rd minute when Jarrod Smith earned his first MLS cap with an unassisted goal against the Galaxy’s unimpressive goalkeeper, Steve Cronin.

A handful of minutes later Donovan earned his third goal of the season on a penalty kick, making the score 2-2. It would be a brief release before more missed chances.

Looking for a hatrick, Donovan took one in the head from Mike Randolph in the 74-75th minute but his #1 Canadian goal foe of the day made a smart save and Donovan was denied a threesome.

Instead of passing it off, in the 83rd minute Beckham decided to take one from about 30 yards out, coming within feet of the goal.

With the final moments counting down, Beckham once again crossed the ball to Donovan whose header this time went to Ely Allen. Allen failed to capitalize.

As Galaxy fans in the seats grumbled over the possibility of a tie to a team that should have been a minimal challenge to the Galaxy, Toronto’s Jeff Cunningham found victory for the Reds in the 89th minute of the game.

The game was marked by unusual April heat that saw the field sometimes approaching the 100s and some shoddy referring that created quite a few hotter heads in the stands.

Toronto wins 3-2.

The LA Galaxy (1-2-0) will play defending MLS Cup Champions, Houston Dynamo (0-1-2), at Home Depot Center, April 20, 7:30 p.m.

Summary

Mirror, mirror on the ball, thank you for Pau Gasol

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Whether it’s due to injuries or key trades, it seems that reporting on the Los Angeles Lakers is just inevitable. After our last update in which we reported on the newest Laker star, Andrew Bynum, it took only a week to see the young center fall due to a major knee injury. Laker fans knew it was just too good to be true and that the cards would soon come tumbling down. Tumble they did, as that same weekend Trevor Ariza, a critical bench player, was also placed on the IR with a broken right foot. It was all too similar to last year’s plot, where the Lakers started red-hot, only to suffer detrimental injuries that would result in first-round playoff elimination.

Boy were we wrong! In a blockbuster trade by the Lakers last Friday morning, the team obtained seven-foot center/power forward from Spain, Pau Gasol, who averages a double/double every time he steps out on the court.

The Rookie of the Year in 2002 and all-star in 2006, Pau Gasol was the only reason the Memphis Grizzlies were even in the league. What did the Lakers give to Memphis to obtain the big man? Not much; Kwame Brown, who was the bane placed on all Laker fans, was gladly handed over along with rookie Javaris Crittenton, two other players and some draft picks that aren’t even going to matter for this reemerging dynasty. The Lakers are now the best looking team in the league (on paper anyway) until Bynum and Ariza return. With a star-studded starting five and one of the league’s most productive benches, the Lakers are now easily favored to get out of the West.

This recent move now has other Western Conference foes scrambling to physically match up with the Lakers. This morning divisional rivals Phoenix Suns picked up ex-Laker star and has-been talent, Shaquille O’Neal, which proves one thing: nobody wants to face the Lakers. Last night was Gasol’s debut, as the Lakers took on the New Jersey Nets on the road. Let’s just say that if last night was a sign of things to come, Lakers fans can expect to be in the Staples Center during June 2008 when the NBA Finals are played. Putting up an impressive 24 points and collecting 12 rebounds, Gasol helped the Lakers brush off the Nets by a final score of 105-90. Moreover, once Gasol learns the offense and adjusts to his new teammates, he should be even more lethal.

The Lakers are 3-1 on their current trip and with five games remaining, all against mediocre teams, they can easily return home 8-1 and with a 36-16 record. Mitch Kupchak, once enemy of the state, had Kobe Bryant exclaiming last night that “There is a God!” Good point KB.

Summary

Oh happy days! Is showtime really back in LA?

Article

It was a preseason filled with nothing but rumors and dissent, bringing the “dysfunctional family” concept to mind when referring to the Los Angeles Lakers. Team captain and the face of the organization, Kobe Bryant, allegedly wanted out; coach Phil Jackson’s tenure with the team uncertain; and a general manager insistent on hanging on to certain mediocre players.

All of that becomes a moot point as we look back on the Lakers’ 22-11 start, going 8-2 in their last ten games.

There is just something different about this season and the Laker faithful and rest of the league certainly sense it. Sure, the Lakers started off last season in a similar, dominant fashion only to see critical injuries impede their progress and ultimately serve detrimental to their success. However, this season brings us something we haven’t seen in quite a while — all of the Laker starters playing a major role and a bench that has been continually stepping up. There is not one reason for it, but if the first thirty-two games of the season serve as any indicator, the LA Lakers and their fans have a lot to look forward in 2008. Winning their games by an average of 13.5 points, the Lakers are showing consistent play from start to finish. Granted they have fallen twice now to the new Eastern Conference and league powerhouse Boston Celtics, the Lakers have been nothing short of impressive against Western Conference foes, such as the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns, among many others.

It may be the addition of veteran guard Derek Fisher (thank you, Utah), or the drastically improved play of center Andrew Bynum — which now makes Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak look like a genius. Perhaps it is some of the pressure taken off Kobe Bryant’s shoulders thanks to Lamar Odom, or watching bench players like Jordan Farmar and midseason addition, Trevor Ariza, rack up valuable playing minutes with their impressive play. Or it could just be that the Lakers are getting from their players what they should have gotten in previous years and always expected to get. Nonetheless, the Lakers are one of the teams to watch this season, as it all seems to be coming together for them. Strong play on the offensive side of the ball coupled with relentless defensive efforts has helped establish the Lakers as the team that you don’t want to play. Those who doubt that should ask the Phoenix Suns who once enjoyed playing the Lakers, but have lost both meetings with the Lakers this season by a combined 28 points.

The bandwagon is once again, slowly, but surely filling up. Laker pride seems to be taking over the city again, as they are the hot ticket in town. All of this certainly begs the question, “Is Showtime really back in LA?” Like the shaky boyfriend-girlfriend relationship the Lakers have with their fans, let’s not question or try to label things; rather, let’s just take it one day at a time!

Summary

LA Galaxy left searching for a new coach

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After a losing season where they missed the playoffs for the second straight season, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced late Monday afternoon that they have also lost their head coach, Frank Yallop. Upon the completion of the regular season, the Galaxy received a phone call from the San Jose Earthquakes, a 2008-09 Major League Season expansion team, requesting to speak to their head coach. Out of respect for Coach Yallop permission was granted and that marked the beginning of the end between the Galaxy and Yallop; an agreement was reached between both parties and Coach Yallop was contractually released from the Galaxy. According to team President and General Manager, Alexi Lalas, this move by Yallop was not expected at all, but supported by the Galaxy.

“It was ultimately the best move for him and his family,” said Lalas. As some form of compensation for their coach, the San Jose Earthquakes gave the Galaxy a third round draft pick in the upcoming MLS Super Draft.

When referring to Yallop’s replacement, Lalas stated, “This is an opportunity to push the envelope and do something not seen in the MLS.” When asked if there were possible candidates available for the position, Lalas said there were none, but the Galaxy will search for a “sexy-type candidate.” Lalas described this as someone interesting, creative, and one that would bring something new to the Galaxy organization.

With the head coach switching sides, we are sure to see a renewed rivalry between the Galaxy and Quakes beginning next season. Despite losing their coach, the Galaxy still have the most recognizable athlete in the world in David Beckham, and can now potentially bring another high-profile figure to the MLS. The search now begins for Lalas and the Galaxy, as they seek to fill the void sooner, rather than later.

Summary

Act I – Laker Kobe Bryant up for trade

Article

In the city often dubbed as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” it is certainly not of any shock that recently the Los Angeles Lakers also felt the need to play a role in all its drama. Well, why wouldn’t they? They certainly have the necessary ingredients: large and often undeserved salaries, over-dramatized media hype and, most importantly, lead characters followed by his or her supporting cast.

In the saga that is Kobe Bryant (in this case he’s also our lead character), the next chapter reluctantly brought us to rumors and the speculation surrounding whether or not Bryant wanted to be traded out of Los Angeles. Upon the completion of the 2005-2006 Western Conference Quarterfinals, in which the Lakers were naturally/routinely eliminated by the Phoenix Suns, rumors surfaced claiming that either the Los Angeles Lakers organization would have to make major personnel changes, or Bryant would be walking (meaning he would be flying away in his personal jet). In fact, for once in this city where plastic surgery is as commonplace as getting a haircut, these rumors had some merit and truth behind them. Bryant had, indeed, gone on ESPN Radio with NBA Analyst, Stephen A. Smith, and demanded that he be traded if the Lakers didn’t surround him with some sort of talent.

They were strong words from the captain of the team and face of the organization. Nonetheless, the stage had officially been set for a summer-long series featuring all the usual players: Bryant, Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson, and the antagonists, Lakers’ General Manager Mitch Kupchak and owner, Dr. Jerry Buss.

Naturally, the Lakers’ brass was quick to downplay the situation and assured its audience (sorry, we mean “fans”), that Bryant would be a Laker next season. After meeting with his now therapist/coach Jackson, Bryant retracted his original position and claimed his words were fueled by frustration and not reason. Basically, he wouldn’t mind sitting back and waiting to see how his needs would be fulfilled (sounds like a lead actor in Hollywood to us). However, just when it seemed as though this highly volatile situation had been alleviated, came the infamous, “Kobe Video.”

Filmed using a cellular phone outside a Newport Beach shopping plaza, the video was a twenty second monologue featuring Bryant venting his frustration once again with the Lakers organization and certain players, most notably Andrew Bynum. Bryant didn’t hold anything back as he even used certain expletives, clearly making this series an R-rated one.

So Bryant did his part, and now we expected the Lakers organization to do its part by telling its loyal followers that everything would be okay, and so on and so forth. However, a quick improvisation on its behalf, a change to the script if you will, and suddenly we heard trade talks involving Bryant, the Dallas Mavericks, and Chicago Bulls, among others. Suddenly Dr. Buss and Kupchak had changed their stance and were entertaining offers of shipping away Bryant for less talented, less experienced and less marketable players. Not shocking, considering these two were the ones solely responsible for getting rid of the most dominant athlete in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal. We saw how well that worked out, at least for Miami.

However, nothing came of the trade talks and it seemed the Lakers would be dealing with all and any issues strictly behind closed doors. This was a good idea, considering that the preseason, which would kickoff in Hawaii, was just around the corner. But everyone loves a good car wreck and that’s just what Dr. Buss gave us. For no reason and quite ill-timed, Dr. Buss was reported telling Lakers Public Relations reporters that “Kobe Bryant is still tradable” and that he would still entertain trade offers. Adding salt to the wound, fuel to the fire, (create your own or pick one that you like), but Dr. Buss did just that. At a time when team unity and chemistry is essential, once again Bryant was forced to react. Last week reports came out that Bryant’s locker had been cleaned out and he had sat out of practice due to a minor knee injury. When interviewed and asked whether or not he would be a Laker at the start of the season, Bryant stated he would play if he was a Laker and that he didn’t clean out his locker. We have gone through an entire summer with uncertainty; the season started with a Laker loss so we still wonder: “Kobe or not Kobe?”

Summary

An interview with Chris Carlisle, the head strength and conditioning coach of USC’s Football

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The season is upon us and me blood is gurgling in me arteries ol’ chap to again watch the real “football?!

Yes, this weekend is the start of college football. Teams from across the nation will compete for months ahead until the NCAA Championship in January 2008. So where better to get some insider views on what it takes to produce superb players than at a program that has competed for the national championship four times in the last five years and produced three Heisman trophy winners in as many years? I am talking about the University of Southern California Trojans football team, stationed right here in Los Angeles. Saturday the top-ranked Trojans will start there season against the University of Idaho Vandals. .

Getting the boys in shape is Chris Carlisle, the head strength and conditioning coach of USC. No stranger to staying in shape for the long-term goals ahead Carlisle has seen many trials himself. Carlisle had worked his way up from coaching at Blytheville High in Arkansas to the University of Tennessee Volunteers before arriving at USC. Off the field Carlisle also had to battle Hodgkin’s disease during his first coaching months at USC. His attitude, persistence and creating and positive tempo for workouts appeared to have worked well for his personal life as well. Carlisle exudes strength, character, and a zest for what he does. However he is quick to point the finger at others for what has gone “right.” For example, Carlisle cites his wife and how her support was so important, and though it was difficult for her to leave her home state of Arkansas, she was always supportive and willing to talk things over. Carlisle then details the coaching staff that USC coach Pete Carroll has assembled, and how the chemistry of teamwork is readily felt at practices and in the games. As an example of Carlisle’s “others first attitude,” when it was photo time, Carlisle insisted his assistant trainers be in the photo, too. Man, could Hollywood take a lesson from this guy.

With incoming recruits, Carlisle uses a technique I learned years ago when preparing people for a job or trip they may not be fully prepared for mentally or emotionally. He tells the recruits not to come to USC if they are afraid of competing, working hard and winning. The players must understand that they will be competing with the best and will have to achieve very high standards while in the USC program.

As you watch the practice drills, you note the high tempo of the routines, players, and coaches. The coaches are running in-between the players, coach Carroll races (slightly humped over) ahead of the players for the next drill, coaches “high-five” players, players stretch and clap in rhythm, Coach Carlisle is blowing the whistle for the next drill, Coach Carroll is laughing with a player and bumping him on the arm. (I could even run a little faster with coaching like this, although not as fast as the slowest player.)

Uniqueness and willingness to stretch the envelope is a big part of this program. Carlisle designed a program many criticized, saying it would not build the type of players that could win the big games, the ones against the large meat eaters of the Midwest region. Well, I guess you need to review recent football footage of the Arkansas slaughters, Oklahoma whooosers, Notre Dames overrates, Michigan, and the many others who have fallen to the team work of a man who created a new strength and conditioning program and a head coach with a vision.

Los Angeles Journal: How did you design your training program to fit coach Carroll’s ideas?

Chris Carlisle: Coach Carroll draws a mural, a clear picture of what he wants. Improve athleticism. So I worked to reduce the body fat percentage; fat slows a person down. Most of these linemen have 15 percent or less body fat, they don’t have the large belly rolls you see on kids at other schools. One lineman ended the 2006 season at 250 lbs, he then beefed up to 270 during the winter; at 6’5” he needed to keep the weigh but lean out to muscle. We now have him still at 270 but not with a belly, and he has more power and is quicker than last year when he was 20 pounds lighter. I believe Michelangelo said, “When my material got better, my work got better.” The success of the training and conditioning I “blame” on coach Carroll and my staff. They support what I do.

LAJ: With coaching there is a desire to succeed and then to move forward or upward in the coaching ranks. Coach Carroll has been offered temptations in the past, what about you?

CC: I have coached for 23 years, started in small schools and now run the program here. I am made to be here. The Mona Lisa doesn’t have a hat on because it doesn’t fit. Working here we are challenged, but coach Carroll makes it seem easy, he builds on staff chemistry. Why would I want to leave this? I have reached a pinnacle here. This is the best program in the U.S. and we have the best players.

LAJ: Tell me a little about how your program works: the success ingredients without spilling the secret recipe.

CC: A lot is about attitude. Creating a “What do we get to do today’ versus “What do I have to do attitude?” The idea it is a privilege to work and play here. The players are evaluated every day during practice on their performance. I talk to the coaches about what does the player needs to improve to the next level. If it is quickness then I design specific routines to develop that area, which may mean getting the player to be more flexible so he can turn quicker or maybe losing some fat weight and developing some more muscle.

LAJ: What do you do about the star high school recruit who thinks he is the best and that he will not have to work that hard?

CC: Their attitude will change by seeing the best guys working the hardest. They begin to think, “If I work a little more, I can close the gap

LAJ: The hours are long and I suspect the stress is high, especially in a program of this caliber and the associated expectations. What do you do to relax?

CC: I read a lot for relaxation.

For more information log onto http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/usc-m-footbl-body.html.

Summary

LA Galaxy Head Coach Frank Yallop looks for much need victory tonight

Article

Los Angeles Galaxy Head Coach Frank Yallop has a big day ahead of him. Tonight the Los Angeles Galaxy (2-5-3) face the Chicago Fire (4-6-3) before one of the largest pyrotechnic displays in the country.

Currently the team is deep in last place in the Western Conference with Real Salt Lake (9 points) — behind the third-place Colorado Rapids (16 points). Their first of two regular matches this season, both Chicago and Los Angeles have only won once since May.

“We’re ready to go,” said Yallop, about the team’s 11^th MLS game of the season, the fewest of any MLS team. “We lost the last one and won the one before that so we’re set to go. We need to get back on track and a win tonight would really lift us.”

Since their recent defeat to the Columbus Crew the Galaxy went through at least four additions and departures. Notably on the offensive, Carlos Pavon, the tremendous scorer from the Honduran International team will be eligible to play tonight for the Galaxy yet his groin injury may delay his inaugural appearance. On the much needed defensive side — post-Chris Albright’s injury – Kelly Gray, recently acquired from the Houston Dynamo will be in the line-up.

“Expect to see a few new players the fans haven’t seen yet,” said Gallop, who is still playing around with the players. “We may see right winger Chris Klein in the right fullback spot. He can play it. We’re just trying to get as many people as we can on the field and move forward.”

As the team searches for its soccer symphony, on the horizon international David Beckham arrives on July 13. A major change for MLS and making quite a lot of hoopla surrounding his arrival, the Galaxy want to prove they can do it without him.

“It’s been a distraction, to be honest,” said Yallop. “It’s no one’s fault. Our players who have not been up to a great start feel additional pressure than they normally would. Once he comes he’ll fill that spot in the midfield and he’ll make a huge difference for us on and off the field. But we want to win tonight and the next home game on Saturday [vs. Kansas City Wizards] before he does arrive. That’s important to us so that we can prove we can do what we can do with or without David.”

For tickets to tonight’s game and more information and about the Los Angeles Galaxy, log onto www.lagalaxy.com.