Los Angeles Galaxy vs. D.C. United: G's Look to Deal More of the Same

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy have had success last season against D.C. United, but will find it a bit tougher when the travel to RFK Stadium to face an improved D.C. outfit.

The Galaxy are coming off a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union and take on a D.C. United team that got hammered 4-1 by the new league leaders, the defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids.

“The performance was more important [Saturday] than anything else,” David Beckham told Luis Bueno of MLSSoccer.com after their win over the Union.

“We wanted the three points of course, but after the embarrassment of last week, the performance was the important thing—and the character—and I think we showed that.

“We came out at the start of the game better than we did last game. We needed that, we needed a good start to the game. We started with a hard tempo and continued that, even when we went down to 10 men. We needed to show even more character and I think we did that.”

“Our experienced guys did well in the second half, understanding what needed to be done to get the three points,” Arena said.

“Landon I thought played very well. … Landon’s experience, David and [Juan Pablo Angel’s], I think was a big factor in the game.”

"When you give up that many goals, [against Real Salt Lake earlier in the season] something’s wrong," Donovan said after the match with Philadelphia to LAGalaxy.com.

"I didn’t watch the game, but I did watch the highlights. Certainly we weren’t good in a lot of aspects. It was a starting point during the week. And then it was down to individual effort. Guys made plays. Guys were tuned in for 90 minutes. We didn’t give up a shot on goal, which was really good."

Chris Birchall, who will be suspended for this week's contest with D.C., was impressed by the tenacity heart of the G's after he was sent off in the second half.

“That’s exactly what this team’s about. When one player goes off, the team spirit is so high and we fight for each other,” Birchall said.

“I said to the guys when we all came in, I apologized for what happened and thanks for fighting and getting a good result. If it was someone else we’d all do the same.”

The addition of Charlie Davies makes D.C. a threat to contend in the MLS Cup race. He already had three goals to his credit and can finish from the spot.

Jed Zayner and Marc Burch are solid providers and will be key players to watch on the defensive side of the ball.

Andy Najar, the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year, and Chris Pontius will  need to be on their game to stop Juan Pablo Angel, David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

Beckham was able to grab his lion's share of spot kicks and, if he draws enough of them, one of them is likely to get past D.C. goalkeeper Pat Onstad.

Prediction:

This will be a tough contest for the Galaxy. I look for this team to battle to a draw.

Los Angeles Galaxy 2, D.C. United 2

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Sports West.

INS & OUTS

Youth Academy Update

This week, the Los Angeles Galaxy Youth Academy was in San Diego for a couple of matches.

On Saturday, the Under-18s and Under-16s took on the San Diego Surf at the San Diego Polo Club grounds.

The Under-16s won 2-0, while the Under-18s dismissed the Surf 1-0.

On Sunday, the Under-18s and Under-16s traveled to Kinsell Field on the campus of UC San Diego to take on Nomads SC.

Scores were not available as this article went to press.

Up next for the Galaxy Youth Academy is a Sunday contest with Arsenal FC at the Home Depot Center on Apr. 10.

Kickoff for the Under-18s is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT while the Under-16s will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. PT.