CARSON, CALIFORNIA (BDCi) – The LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders will meet in a Western Conference showdown on national television Sunday night.
May has not been a nice month for the LA Galaxy as they have lost three of their last four matches, the latest a 1-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union in which they conceded a late goal again. This season, the LA Galaxy have allowed goals in the last 15 minutes of a match six times this season. They are 0-4-2 in those matches.
The LA Galaxy defense needs to stay focused for the entire 90 minutes and not have late breakdowns. On the other hand, Seattle comes into this matchup having a six match unbeaten streak. Seattle is led by forward Eddie Johnson who leads the team with four goals.
The LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders met three times during the regular season last year with Seattle winning two of those matches. The Galaxy’s saving grace is that Fredy Montero is not with Seattle this year as he is on loan to Millionarios of the Colombian first division for the 2013 season. He scored two goals in both Seattle defeats of the Galaxy last season. Johnson also played well against the Galaxy last season as he scored two goals in both Seattle victories.
For the Galaxy, captain Robbie Keane and defender Omar Gonzalez will leave after the Seattle match to join their respective national teams for friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. Gonzalez will miss three MLS games, New England, Real Salt Lake and Portland as well as at least two US Open Cup matches. Keane will miss games against New England and Real Salt Lake and not be available for the Open Cup until the June 26 quarterfinals, should the Galaxy advance that far.
The game against Seattle is nationally televised on ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. PDT.
Stats: lagalaxy.com