After enduring a busy schedule for the start of the 2012 MLS season, the Los Angeles Galaxy had almost two weeks off. The break gave players time to rest. In addition, it allowed some players to get familiar with one another. Now, our team is gearing up to play its third game of the regular season. Will the time off help the Galaxy defeat the New England Revolution?
The Galaxy opened their MLS season with a 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake. Galaxy boss Bruce Arena noted that fatigue was a big factor in the loss. After all, the Galaxy played four matches in 12 days. Los Angeles played a two-leg CCL quarterfinal series against Toronto FC. After traveling to Canada they had to come back to the Home Depot Center to play RSL. Although the CCL loss and the home opener were a disappointment, the Galaxy redeemed themselves against D.C. United with a 3-1 victory. Overall, the season has been hectic and the time off has given the Galaxy some much needed rest.
One problem with having the time off is it put a halt to the Galaxy's winning momentum. Their victory over D.C. United gave fans a little taste of what the Los Angeles Galaxy can do when they are capitalizing on their opportunities. Scoring a brace against United, Robbie Keane definitely had some scoring momentum. Hopefully, the break won't slow down the intensity our team displayed against D.C.
On the other hand, many our players were gone during most of the preseason. Players like Keane and Landon Donovan were on loan. Then Donovan had a bout of bronchitis. Juninho and Edson Buddle were other players who had minimal offseason training with the team. This break has given our team the chance to get in some valuable team training so the Galaxy is one cohesive unit.
The long break brings up the question: What is going on with the MLS scheduling? It seems that teams have three games in a week and then nothing for several weeks. This hardly seems like the best situation for any MLS team.
Breaks are great for teams. However, perhaps two and three week breaks at the beginning of the season are a bit too long. In the end, I think the time off will rejuvenate our team and help them build some team chemistry. When the time comes to play the New England Revolution on March 31, there won't be any excuses for a loss. I hope the Galaxy comes to the Home Depot Center prepared to win.
Melissa Matters is a long time Los Angeles resident and devoted Los Angeles Galaxy fan.
Related Content:
Fan's Take: Why Did the Los Angeles Galaxy Lose Their Home Opener?
Fan's Take: Are the Los Angeles Galaxy Destined for Failure in 2012?
Galaxy Make a Comeback in 2-2 Draw Against Toronto in First Leg of CCL Quarterfinal: A Fan's Reaction
Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.
No comments:
Post a Comment