The Los Angeles Galaxy visit Sporting Kansas City on Monday afternoon at Livestrong Sporting Park, the third game the Galaxy have played this season in a new stadium. Sporting are coming off just their second loss at their new home, a stoppage time 3-2 loss to FC Dallas. The Galaxy still sit pretty a top the MLS standings, winners of five of their last six, with last week's fixture against Red Bull New York postponed due to weather.
Both of Sporting Kansas City's losses at Livestrong Sporting Park have come on second half stoppage time goals. After Kansas City went down a man in the 76th minute, FC Dallas was able to find the equalizer in the 89' and the game winner in stoppage time. Both goals were created by crosses from Brek Shea.
The Galaxy have had better luck, but are about to begin a stretch of eight matches in twenty four days. This includes trips to Costa Rica and Mexico for Champions League matches. Team depth will certainly be tested, Landon Donovan returns to the Galaxy after playing 90 minutes for the USA on Friday. Robbie Keane and Chris Birchall are still off on international duty.
With the weekend league match cancelled due to hurricane Irene, Bruce Arena was able to play David Beckham and Omar Gonzalez in the Champions League match earlier in the week. Those two combined on the Galaxy's first goal against LD Alajuelense, a match the Galaxy won 2-0.
The first time the Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City got together this season, Landon Donovan scored a brace to lead the Galaxy to a 4-1 victory at the Home Depot Center. SKC were still on their opening stretch of ten straight road games. Kansas City went ahead on an early gift, but Donovan scored the equalizer on a penalty before halftime, and then he and Chad Barrett combined on a give and go in the penalty area for the winning goal.