The Supporters Shield-winning LA Galaxy will try to move a step closer to the MLS Cup Final with a win (or draw) at Home Depot Center against the New York Red Bulls tonight (11pm, ESPN2) in their Western Conference semifinal second leg.
The Red Bulls have other plans, trying to continue a surprising run from last team in the playoffs to MLS Cup Final.
The Galaxy posted a 1-0 victory in the first leg at Red Bull Arena, but the Red Bulls definitely pushed LA to the brink, creating several quality chances that forced Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders into some truly stunning saves.
There will be some lineup changes from the first leg after the post-game scuffle in the first leg led to suspensions for Rafa Marquez and Juninho. The return from suspension of Red Bulls right back Jan Gunnar Solli should also play a factor tonight.
SBi will be providing commentary on tonight's match, so please feel free to follow the match here. As always, you are welcome to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Commentary is after the jump):
Landon with a terrible giveaway in the final third…..what is wrong with this guy? It seems like its been years since he has been in form.
He’s looked calm and composed but also for once has established a strong physical presence. Honestly if the Arsenal scouts are here tonight they can only be impressed
Looking at the replay: How does a $$DP goalkeeper not block a header RIGHT AT HIS HANDS?
I’m guessing fairly low considering his passes have all been on target.
Glad it’s not just me then. He’s been a rock in the back so far and I honestly cannot remember more than maybe one ball that he’s played out of the back that hasn’t found his team.
+1. That was excruciating.
Holy ßhit. Alexi Lalas suggesting Agudelo for Rodgers; at least it wasn’t Harkes.
Obviously the act wasn’t murder, but the intent is where it annoys me. You can’t complain about someone else being “cheap” and then attempt to cheat an opportunity. What would’ve happened if he influenced the GK to drop it for an easy goal? Just saying… can’t have it both ways.
Seriously? Ream has been great. And I’m no fan of Roy Miller, but he has also. Keel also solid, if not much help on starting an attack. Is Solli the right back? He’s sort of lost, it seems.
My prediction (like, who cares?):
Backe makes no changes at half? RBNY loses.
Agudelo in for Redcardgers? RBNY win. (In PKs)
Ream has been an imposing figure in the box today, by far the best defender on the pitch. I don’t know what match primoone is watching.
Uh… it looked like he tried to punch him in the face.
Yep.
John Harkes actually said “Shimmy-shimmy-cocoa-puffs.” Embarrassing.
Needed a d-mid.
This game is getting me really agitated.
Ream has been awesome today, far better than Omar. Stop haTing
+1
Attempted to TAP him?
Yes, you are right about Donovan, Donovan should ride a Shetland Pony.
Okay, I haven’t seen him give the ball away too much. Maybe I’ve just missed a couple passes.
John Harkes is the worst
Tapped him right on the chest, or attempted to. For someone complaining about being cheap, I’d say he can hop off his high horse.
The game changed when tainio left for sure…dam it
Yes ….he looks like the giveaway machine of old.
Does anyone have the official count of giveaways in the first half for super passing accuracy ream?
I hate to defend Donovan, but he didn’t even touch the goalkeeper.
He hurt himself kicking Donovan?
He’s just been bad all around. Distribution has been turrible. On the goal it was a great ball by Henry but he shouldn’t have been beaten that badly. Rodgers does not have that kind of speed to make it that easy
Is it just me or has Ream looked like his old self tonight? Maybe he’s finding his form once again?
Beckham and the other Galaxy player didn’t seem to think so…
It’s sad when Mike Magee makes Donovan look like a chump.
Helluva a game for Magee already
double save. what does it mean?
There is no denying that the Galaxy have been the best team in MLS the last two seasons, and had the league been in the same format as the rest of the world they would have been champions two years in a row. That having been said, they are completely lacking as a playoff team. There is no way this team will win MLS Cup this year. Even if they get past NYRB they couldn’t beat Sporting or RSL.
Didn’t seem like Omar’s fault. Midfield has to close down Henri.
Harkes is so tough to listen to. He’s watching the replay yet clearly not seeing what’s in front of his face. How is Keanebsupposed to lay that ball off? The passing lane was clearly closed. He is soooo annoying.
Gonzalez has so far justified his omission… I think the clamor for him has been due to comparison to Orozco and Ream. May just be that neither Ream or Gonzalez are ready for this cycle or at least not yet. Hope he gets his shot though, no way Orozco Fiscal should be back
Auvrey ahead of Mehdi?
HATE the yellow trunks… erspecialy with the keeper wearing a gold jersey… WTF?
How drunk do you have to be to not catch that?
espn3.com….
Yet another night off for Landon Donovan. Why don’t they pull him for someone who actually wants to play instead of letting him do nothing but shoot his mouth off?
www firstrowsports tv/
So far Marquez’s master plan is working
Just when I want to like Luke Rodgers, the terd emerges…
Mas sucios! Anybody got a stream in English?
Who is luke rodgers?????
DAMmmm luke rodgers Mr. Clean aint gott nothin on you!!!!!!!! U IS A HERO
Wow!
In just 2 minutes two poor plays by birchall.
Wow… ease up on the Gatorade Thierry
Red Bulls bringing back the Emirate’s Cup yellow shorts…sign of things to come?(hope not)