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IN A GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY

Let me start this blog by saying I predicted the Galaxy would reach the MLS Finals this year. Needless to say got hundreds of comments instantly with people criticizing my pick. The majority saying the L.A. squad was very FAR AWAY from even the Playoffs. Now I know one win doesnt change everything, but it surely helps after the Galaxy laid down and lost the opener 4-0 to Colorado. However a few days later, with Kobe Bryant in the stands, and 27,000 fans cheering on the team from LA at the Home Depot center, the Galaxy rebounded nicely to win 2-0.

"ABEL" TO DEFEND

The biggest key for the Galaxy was that Abel Xavier didnt play, which helped the Galaxy's defense a ton.  Nothing personal, but if you watched the opener, Xavier was directly responsible on nearly every single goal the Rapids scored.  The 35 yearold defender looked about 55 during the opener, but luckily for the Galaxy, he was suspended for the match. Hmmm maybe the Galaxy will ask the League to make his suspension longer.

BECKHAM SCORES

Also key to the victory was David Beckham. The underwear super model scored his first goal in the MLS to open the scoring.  Beckham didnt even need one of his trademar free kicks, instead a mistake by San Jose, led to a great pass to Beckham then the goal beating Joe Cannon. A sold out crowd at the Home Depot Center loving life. Good cross marketing by the Galaxy by the way, giving Kobe Bryant (a huge soccer fan) a Galaxy jersey.  Also congrats to the crowd, up and loud the whole game, shame the stadium only fits 27,000, since they'd sell out probably 40K if the team keeps playing better.

RUUDY RUUDY!

The new coach of the Galaxy, Ruud Gullit made a few changes that really paid off. For starters, Rookies Sean Franklin and Brandon McDonald made their professional debuts. So fresh blood and legs inserted. Meanwhile Alan Gordon got the start up front for the Galaxy with Ruiz out from the injury in the opener.  Unlike last season where Beckham tended to play more in the middle, against San Jose, number 23 again was out wide on the right midfield, which is where traditionally he has played his entire career. Just a bit even further up than when he used to play with Real Madrid. The reason being, Beckham will be counted on to score some with the Galaxy. Something he did for the first time on thursday.

 CAPTAIN AMERICA

Landon Donovan scored the second goal for the Galaxy. Again the 26 yearold showing he is the best player on the team. When I picked the Galaxy to win their conference, the main reason was I'm banking on Donovan to put the team on his back and carry him as far as he can. If Gullit and Lalas can shore up the defense, and the Little fish comes back, plus adding Beckham's passing, and some of the young legs, I still believe the Galaxy has a chance. ((cue a majority of the fans of SITV and BIGSOCCER laughing right now))  But check out the Box score. 16 shots for the Galaxy and just a hand full for the Quakes.

REALITY CHECK

 Before we get carried away, it was the first game for a couple of years for the Quakes. The two time MLS Cup champs got moved to Dynamo (they went on to win 2 more) and now the Quakes are back.  So which team will the Galaxy be?  The confused, slow, old, team that played the rapids and got trounced 4-0. Or the sold out stadium, celebrities in the stands, Beckham and Landon scoring team, that won 2-0. Probably somewhere in the middle, which should be good enough for the playoffs. and maybe just maybe they get on a roll, and my pre-season prediction won't look so silly at all. ((cue more laughs from my Bigsoccer haters...still love all of you.))

 Pablo Alsina