For the first time ever, the Los Angeles Galaxy will bring their brand of soccer to the whitec-capped mountains and whitecap waves of Vancouver, British Columbia. Yet, as has been said many times over the last five years, they'll be doing it without the star of the show, David Beckham. When the Vancouver Whitecaps come out of the tunnel at Empire Field, they'll be hosting a team playing in their 35 different MLS stadium. Of course, the Whitecaps, like seemingly every team in MLS, will be moving to a new stadium next year, leaving their temporary digs behind.
The Whitecaps put a four game skid behind them last week, getting a 2-2 draw against San Jose. Eric Hassli scored both goals, his third brace of the season. He also hit two in the opening match of the year against FC Dallas and against Seattle on June 11th. Of course the draw against San Jose was ten days ago, so its far back in the minds of the Whitecap players.
What should be fresh in their mind is this Galaxy club comes into Vancouver rolling on a thirteen game undefeated streak, and own the league's best record. Their last MLS win was also ten days ago, 1-0 against Columbus. Sean Franklin had the game's only goal in the 70', after a David Beckham free kick bounced off the wall and landed at Franklin's feet. The goal was Franklin's first in MLS play.
The Galaxy have 42 points in 22 games, but they've needed all the points they can get with FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders FC, and Real Salt Lake all right on their tail. The Galaxy are 7-0-6 in their last 13 games, the longest unbeaten streak this season in MLS. The only streaks longer are a pair of 15 game undefeated streaks, one over 1997-98 seasons, and one over 2009-2010.
The Galaxy have recorded three straight shutouts, all since Donovan Ricketts went out with a fractured arm. They last lost a league match on May 1st. However, there has been much gnashing and wailing over the lack of goal production, especially from the forwards. The million dollar feet of Juan Pablo Angel haven only been responsible for three goals, and one assist.
Also suspended from this match is Chris Birchall. Juninho is on yellow card warning, suspended after his next yellow. Angel, Cardozo, Donovan, and Gonzalez are all listed as questionable on the Injury Report, however Omar Gonzalez got some playing time against Manchester City wearing a protective mask, and Landon Donovan looked good at practice on Thursday.