2 for 2 in California? Red Bulls v Galaxy Preview

By: Dave Martinez | May 1st, 2009

OVERVIEW

Quick Quiz: Who is one of the two teams with less wins than the Red Bulls? That’s right – the LA Galaxy still seem to be wallowing in ineptitude thanks to the Beckham Curse, and find themselves without a win after 5 games played into the season. Ouch. The Bulls have fared a bit better, with one win to their name, a US Open Cup victory, and a few ties to hang their hats on.

Both teams are bottom dwelling after much expectation. Osorio brought in many veteran South American players to buoy the teams efforts and likewise, Arena has managed to assemble US Soccers version of retirement camp in sunny Los Angeles. The Bulls will be looking to end their road endeavors on a high note before a long and arduous 4 game home stand.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

The Bulls continue to try and right the ship after setting the new franchise record for season opening ineptitude (their 1-4-2 record is the worst to start off any Metro Bull season). Bad enough they set the league record for fastest red card this year. It is time to correct this.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The subplots in all this are more entertaining than what you will probably see on the field. Of course, the Cloud of Beckham continues to hang over the doomed Los Angeles Galaxy, injured players have further sunk their hopes, and Bruce Arena has put together a rascally grouping of ex US Nats and former Red Bull hopefuls which will make the game even more fun to watch. It will be Mike Magees first action against the franchise he practically grew up with. Edson Buddle may be appearing for the first time this season as well. And “The Bruce” will have a chance to prove his mettle against the team that scapegoated him worse than Mexican immigrants blamed for swine flu.

Expect a tight and contentious battle on the field, with two coaches looking to stabilize their potentially sunk seasons (aka: expect a flurry of cards and bruises)

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

DANNY CEPERO. Early indications are that the young local boy will be starting again between the sticks in LA, after a strong showing against the Earthquakes in the US Open Cup. This midseason battle for a starting position will take its next tour of analysis in LA, and Danny may be able to make a good enough case for himself to make the move permanent once more.

LANDON DONOVAN: Need I say more?

POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS:

LOS ANGELES (4-4-2)

Donovan Ricketts
Sean Franklin, Gregg Berhalter, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Dunivant
Chris Klein, Stefani Miglioranzi, Dema Kovalenko, Eddie Lewis
Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan.

RED BULLS (4-4-2)

Danny Cepero
Johnson, Mendes, Petke, Pacheco
Richards, Rojas, Stammler, Borman
Kandji, Angel

PREDICTION

Arena will lead a group of Red Bull castoffs and USMNT retirees against the Bulls this weekend, and just judging by some of their departures (Arenas principally), I would expect a very competitive Galaxy side. It will be up to the Red Bulls to weather what will most likely be an offensive flurry from the struggling Galaxy to open the game, and if all holds up, they will need to find a way to nullify their midfield. A plodding Berhalter in the middle will be a perfect target for the young and athletic Mac Kandji to expose when given the chance.

RBNY 2 - GALAXY 0
Goals: 2 Kandji

PREDICTIONS RECORD 2009: 1-4 (Yes some games I didn’t predict. So sue me.)