LA Galaxy vs. New England Revolution: Key Issues That Will Shape MLS Cup Final
The 2014 MLS Cup final will be played this Sunday. The LA Galaxy and New England Revolution will battle for the title at the StubHub Center, where the Revs were crushed 5-1 by the Galaxy in July.
However, the Revolution won eight of its final 10 matches in the regular season after Jermaine Jones joined the club in August, but the Galaxy is no slouch and will be a fearsome force against the Revs on Sunday.
Here are the key issues that will shape the MLS Cup final between the Galaxy and the Revolution.
Galaxy Has to Put Pressure on the Revolution Defense
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The Galaxy scored five goals against the Revolution in a variety of ways when they played in July. However, there's been a recurring theme with the New England defense since that match.
The New York Red Bulls were able to attack Jose Goncalves and Andrew Farrell, which led to several chances. LA's attackers have to run at the New England defenders and utilize their quick passing.
If players like Landon Donovan, Stefan Ishizaki and Robbie Keane can get some free space, it could be a long day for the Revolution.
Revolution Must Utilize Its Pace
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New England has arguably the most talented and entertaining attack in MLS. MVP finalist Lee Nguyen is fast, technical and a solid goalscorer. Striker Charlie Davies has scored four goals in the playoffs with a 50 percent conversion rate, per MLSSoccer.com.
Kelyn Rowe, Teal Bunbury and Chris Tierney offer similar and unique traits as well. However, their best attribute is speed.
Dan Gargan and Robbie Rogers can be exposed. If A.J. De La Garza starts instead, that could fix the problem, but Rowe, Tierney, Bunbury and Nguyen will have the capabilities to fly past any defender.
Marcelo Sarvas and Juninho will probably help, but that will open up space for other Revs players, therefore creating chances for the visitors.
The Midfield Battle
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The midfield battle between the Galaxy and Revolution has been one of the hottest talking points heading into the final. Sarvas and Juninho are extremely underrated. They've been major contributors to LA's playoff run, but they'll be going up against two other strong midfielders.
Jermaine Jones and Scott Caldwell have been tremendous for New England since the former arrived late in the summer. Both midfield duos are defensively solid and effective in transition, which is why this matchup is so crucial.
LA and New England have a plethora of talent up front and are relatively compact on defense. However, their back lines aren't perfect, so the pairing that tracks back more and can kick-start the attack will probably lift MLS Cup.
The Strikers
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The Revs' Charlie Davies has been excellent in the playoffs, notching four goals and an assist in four appearances. Robbie Keane has only scored once in the postseason, but the MLS MVP has been involved in four goals, one less than his counterpart.
The major difference between Keane and Davies is their conversion rates. The former has taken 14 shots, per MLSSoccer.com, while the latter has mustered just eight attempts.
LA's Gyasi Zardes has been even worse. He's had just seven shots, via the league website. He has to get involved a lot more because Keane can't carry the burden. Midfielders have been bailing out the Galaxy in attack in the last couple of games.
Davies doesn't have a lot to worry about in the final. As long as he continues to get the exceptional service he's been receiving from Chris Tierney and others, the American forward will most likely score.
Galaxy Must Stay Focused and Forget the Landon Donovan Storyline
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Landon Donovan's retirement will take over the headlines before, during and after the final. Rightfully so, as the American attacker has had an amazing career that could culminate with a record sixth MLS Cup.
However, the Galaxy cannot get distracted by this storyline. It will be difficult, because that's all the players will be asked about, but head coach Bruce Arena and his staff have to keep the team focused.
This could greatly benefit New England. All of the attention will be on Donovan and LA. The Galaxy is a well-coached team and very professional, however, it will be a mental test for the entire squad.
