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July 30, 2011 – 4:30 PM
TV: TSN; Radio: TEAM 1410

Match Preview: L.A. Galaxy at Whitecaps FC

After a lengthy ten day layoff for the MLS All-Star Game, the Whitecaps (2W-10L-9D, 9th West) are gearing up to host the best team in the Western Conference – the L.A. Galaxy (11W-2L-9D) on Saturday night.

The Whitecaps

Though it seems like it was played ages ago, Vancouver’s last match was a promising one. They drew 2-2 against San Jose on July 20.

With three starting defenders (Demerit, Rochat, Harvey) out of the lineup, the defense was shaky. The offense on the other hand appears to be coming together, and showed lots of promise in the match. To the benefit of Eric Hassli, Shea Salinas broke out, making skilled plays to set up both of his and the team’s goals and looking dangerous every time he touched the ball.

Camilo gave the Earthquake defenders fits, Peter Vagenas passed well and Gershon Koffie nearly won the game with a 25-yard screamer off the crossbar after a very solid defensive effort. With Jordan Harvey returning from suspension and Alain Rochat back from the birth of his daughter, the Whitecaps will field one of the more complete rosters we’ve seen all season.

Off the pitch, Vancouver continued to tinker with their lineup as CB Mouloud Akloul was waived along with utility player Blake Wagner. The departure of Akloul, a fan-favourite who came up to MLS along with the division two Whitecaps, opens up an international roster spot should the front office decide to sign another import player.

Saturday’s crowd is expected to be one of the largest of the season. Over 25,000 tickets to the match have been sold already.

L.A. Galaxy

Los Angeles is riding a thirteen-game unbeaten streak in MLS play as they make their way north of the border. For their last league loss, you have to look all the way back to May 1, when they were defeated by FC Dallas.

While L.A. has technically lost three of their last four games in all competitions, two of them were friendlies in the World Football Challenge against Real Madrid and Manchester City, the latter a draw that was settled on penalties. The Galaxy were also knocked out of the US Open Cup by Seattle on July 13.

While a number of regulars are expected to sit against Vancouver, L.A. has the depth to overcome any MLS side even with their stars sidelined. Fans at Empire will be happy that Landon Donovan has recovered after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game, though his presence couldn’t possibly fill the void left by suspended iconic David Beckham who charms fans with his looks and lovely high pitched voice.

Lineup Notes

As mentioned, Vancouver will get defenders Alain Rochat and Jordan Harvey back for Saturday. The injured list features the usual suspects with Jay Demerit (adductor strain), Atiba Harris (knee) and John Thorrington (calf) still rehabbing. Listed as probable for Saturday is winger Russell Teibert, who returns from a hip injury.

The visitors are coming into Vancouver with a slew of players out of the lineup. Star midfielder David Beckham picked up a questionable yellow card, his 8th of the season, in the 92nd minute of LA’s 1-0 win over Columbus on July 20, and he will serve a 1-match suspension on Saturday.

Also suspended is Trinidad & Tobago international Chris Bircham. Goalkeeper Donovan Rickets (broken arm) will definitely sit, as will defenders Sean Alvarado and Leonardo. Striker Juan-Pablo Angel is suffering from a leg contusion, and is listed as questionable. Also questionable for LA: Omar Gonzales (nose), Paolo Cardozo (adductor strain) and Chad Barrett (knee).

What’s Next

Vancouver will remain at home for another week after Saturday, as the Chicago Fire are coming to town on Sunday, August 7th.

-post written by Chris Withers, follow him on twitter