ed: Charlie Davies has now been cleared to play. United will also be getting back their center backs Dejan Jakovic and Perry Kitchen.
The Los Angeles Galaxy (2-1-1, 7 pts) this week are in our nation's capital to play a game in the de facto National Stadium. DC United (1-2-0, 3 pts) will host the Galaxy at RFK Stadium, two of MLS' most storied franchises; Bruce Arena's first team against his current team. The teams have been on two different paths as of late, with the Galaxy turning their mid 2000's slump around, and DC very much still in a slump.
DC United will likely be without Charlie Davies. His story, returning to the city where he suffered a terrible car accident, has been a feel good storyline. He's scored 3 of DC's 5 goals, but is listed as questionable with a groin strain. Since winning their home opener on the strength of two Davies goals, United have lost two straight on the road.
The Galaxy meanwhile got back two of their injured players last week, with Donovan Ricketts and Omar Gonzalez coming back to fortify things in the back. Things went so well against Philadelphia, Ricketts didn't have to make a save. Chris Birchall will miss the game with a red card suspension. This will likely mean any speculation than Landon Donovan is going to sit this game out was just idle chatter. Bryan Jordan came in to take a midfield spot after Chris Birchall got sent off. It's likely he'll start there against DC. David Beckham is now two yellows away from earning a yellow card suspension.
In 18 career games against DC United, Landon Donovan has score 14 goals. The Galaxy have a five game unbeaten streak against DC United going back to 2008, with the Galaxy winning three of the five games played since. This includes 2-1 victories by the Galaxy in both matches last year. Miguel Lopez, who made his first MLS start against Philadelphia before having to be pulled due to Birchall's red card, will likely start up top again with Juan Pablo Angel.