I don’t often find myself in the position of defending the Los Angeles Galaxy. After all, the club’s ownership group (AEG) wields a mighty sword around MLS, which is why the Galaxy is about to host its fourth MLS Cup final in nine years. That’s a dandy rate – especially considering there are now eight MLS-controlled stadiums that have yet to host a league final.
MLS consternation ahead: annual debate over last day lineups
But today, I’m going to defend the Galaxy in a preemptive strike, throwing up a barrier to a barrage of bad feelings that surely lie dead ahead. (This may also apply to the Seattle Sounders, and possible to Real Salt Lake as well. But mostly, it’s going to be about Los Angeles.)
The Galaxy has secured this year’s Supporters Shield, a deserving recognition for Bruce Arena’s highly successful, impressively consistent side. Los Angeles secured the shield, the award for highest regular season point total, over the weekend without kicking a ball; the Galaxy was idle during Round 30, but nailed down Supporters Shield honors when Seattle fell to Philly.
So Los Angeles has two MLS matches remaining: the Galaxy meets Chivas USA on Sunday in the next L.A. SuperClasico, then travels to Houston to face the Dynamo. So, cue the hot-button discussions on appropriate lineup selections in 3 … 2 … 1 …
(Read on for my thoughts ….)
Bottom line for me: The Galaxy has earned its right to play whatever lineup Arena believes best serves his team. Yes, someone will carp about it. But I say, “too bad.”
It’s not going to be much of an issue in the Chivas USA match. The Galaxy wants to keeps its thumb on its little-brother Home Depot Center rivals, and will find any negative results against the Goats as unacceptably distasteful. So, I expect a pretty representative lineup in that one, although Landon Donovan might not be healthy enough for the Oct. 16 contest.
But the season finale against Houston … expect a high level of consternation over that one.
Houston is sitting on 43 points, currently occupying the 10th and final playoff position. That said, Dominic Kinnear’s Dynamo sit just four points out of first place.
Translation: this baby is packed tighter than a Tokyo subway. And don’t think for a moment that Philadelphia, Sporting Kansas City, Columbus or New York (or perhaps all of the above) won’t have something to say if the Galaxy lineup on Oct. 23 is less than stacked. Chicago may still be part of the conversation, too.
Adding pressure to a potentially explosive argument is this: L.A. and Houston meet that evening at Robertson Stadium in the final regular season MLS match of 2011. That means we’ll all know what Houston needs in order to impact the standings.
This will also add to the discussion and debate: Los Angeles has another match three nights before the Houston contest, and one that is far more meaningful for Arena’s men. In fact, of three matches still to play for the Galaxy before MLS post-season action, only one means a thing. The Galaxy faces Motagua from Honduras in the CONCACAF Champions League group play finale. Los Angeles can secure a quarterfinal spot in the regional competition with a win, so Arena is sure to roll out his best possible lineup in that one.
Let’s see: big match, then travel and a match just three nights later, against a traditionally physical Dynamo bunch? Yep, I can see Arena preferring to rest his best against Houston.
And again, I say he’s earned that right.
If others want to complain, that’s their right, too. But I don’t think they have a leg to stand on. When they win as much as the Galaxy, then they can call the lineup shots.
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