Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs: July 28, 2011

Ready for the Northwest Turnaround

Two big road matches in five days await Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy. On Saturday, the G's will travel to Vancouver to take on the Whitecaps on Saturday, July 30 (kickoff: 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel and TSN).

Then, on Wednesday, August 3, the Galaxy face the Portland Timbers at the ever-intimidating Jeld-Wen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders, a former Portland Timber, is fully aware of the atmosphere both the Southsiders and Timbers Army bring to their respective home matches.

“[Portland and Vancouver] have some of the greatest fans in the U.S.,” Saunders told LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan. “Even though it was a USL team, they still had crazy fans. There’s probably going to be some interesting posters and signs up there, but I think we’ll be prepared for a bit of a raucous crowd.”

Midfielder Chris Birchall, who will be available for Wednesday's match with Portland, recalled the home opener at Jeld-Wen Field, which saw the Timbers destroy the Chicago Fire, 4-2.

“It was great. They had chants like they do in Europe,” Birchall said. “It was one of those games where you say, ‘I can’t wait to play there.’ I’m really looking forward to it.”

Another former Timber was Bryan Jordan, who spend his rookie season playing for Portland during their days in the United Soccer League First Division back in 2007.

“I’m just one of those players that like to work hard, and maybe the fans kind of saw that,” Jordan said. “I did well my first year up there, and maybe that’s why they took a liking to me.

“I just think as a whole region they really come out and support the teams up there. From Vancouver to Portland and Seattle they just love their soccer. It should make for a great game.”

“I’m sure I’ll hear a couple of good shots from the crowds,” Saunders added. “It will be nice to go back there.”

Youth Academy Update

It has been a roller coaster rider for the Galaxy Under-17s in the Generation Adidas Cup in Frisco, Texas.

On Monday, July 25, the Young G's routed the New York Red Bulls, 5-1. A brace from Mario Rodriguez was complemented by goals from Matt Tilley, Justin Dhillon and Paul Arriola. However, it wasn't as pleasant on Tuesday, July 26, when the wheels fell off against the Chicago Fire, 2-1.

On Wednesday, July 27, the Under-15s began Generation Adidas Cup action, with the Galaxy pipping the Houston Dynamo, 2-1.

Group play concludes for the Galaxy Academy Under-18s when they take on Real Salt Lake in a must-win game today. Kickoff at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. CT/9:15 p.m. ET.

The Under-16's will continue group play today when they take on the Seattle Sounders. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. CT/9:30 a.m. ET. On Saturday, July 30, they will wrap up group play against New York. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. CT/9:30 a.m. ET.