Los Angeles Galaxy Gearing Up For a Run at MLS Cup Glory

With the MLS Cup Playoffs about to kick-off, the Los Angeles Galaxy are looking to make a deep run to hoist their sixth MLS Cup trophy.

The Los Angeles Galaxy will open the postseason against Real Salt Lake at home on Wednesday, October 26th. LA are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Soccer and they are poised to add to their trophy case this year. With a star-studded line-up, the team has a great chance to end their season with MLS Cup glory.

The Galaxy finished the MLS regular season with a 12W-6L-16D record and 52 total points. That was good enough for a third place finish in the Western Conference this year. They may not have clinched a knockout round bye but two of the team’s MLS Cup titles have come in season where they weren’t a top-2 seed in their conference.

A team with the likes of Robbie Keane, Giovani dos Santos, Landon Donovan, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Jelle Van Damme, and possibly Gyasi Zardes is a threat to any title. With a team managed by Bruce Arena, the most legendary coach in MLS history, anything is possible now that they’re in the playoffs. An unsuccessful, up and down season could be wiped away with success in the postseason.

Steven Gerrard Back From Injury

The English midfielder has spent the past few weeks in Liverpool to recover from a nagging hamstring injury. He has not played for the Galaxy since October 1st against FC Dallas. Gerrard has missed seven of the team’s last 10 matches but looks to return fully healthy for a playoff run.

If Steven’s hamstring injury is behind him and he is in form, it adds another talented midfielder to LA’s Starting XI. Having him healthy will be important for the Galaxy as he has recorded three goals and 11 assists in only 21 games this season. This could be Gerrard’s last chance to hoist a trophy and every game could be his last as his retirement is imminent.

Great Back Four

Los Angeles has one of the best defenses in MLS with a combination of Ashley Cole, Jelle Van Damme, Daniel Steres, and Robbie Rogers. If one of them is out, A.J. DeLaGarza and Dave Romney have been ample replacements. Only the Colorado Rapids allowed fewer goals than the Galaxy this season.

Colorado only allowed 32 goals while LA allowed 39 this year. (MLSsoccer.com) Defense is a very important factor during the postseason and a solid back line could lead Bruce Arena’s side to glory. Even with the numerous stars on the team, the defensive players have been the most consistent and the unsung heroes this season. Jelle Van Damme has arguably been the best defender in the league.

Gio in Form

Mexico international, Giovani dos Santos, has enjoyed a wonderful first season in MLS with the Galaxy. He has been one of the best players in the league this year as he could be a contender for the MVP award. GdS has recorded a team-high 14 goals and a team leading 12 assists.

He has been the most consistent attacking player for LA and I only see that peaking in the playoffs. Gio is a big time player and the Galaxy will only go as far as he can take them. As their best player, he needs to have an incredible stretch to lead Los Angeles to an MLS Cup.

Zardes Return?

Gyasi Zardes has been out since August 27th after suffering a broken bone in his foot. It was rumored that the forward could make a return in the postseason but nothing is set in stone. Having one of the fastest players in all of soccer return to the Starting XI would be huge for LA.

His status is uncertain but a comeback after two months is possible. It will be interesting to see if the United States’ international does make a heroic return in the playoffs. If Zardes does return, the Galaxy attack becomes that much more potent.

Landon Donoavan Factor

After about two years of retirement, Donovan shockingly re-joined the Galaxy in the middle of the season. He may be 34-years old and somewhat past his prime but never count out the greatest player in Major League Soccer history. He has only scored one goal in six games but after nearly two years away from the game, Landon has started the last two matches of the regular season and is getting back into form.

Maybe he will be silent in the postseason but maybe, just maybe, Donovan can spark some magic and score or create an important chance for Los Angeles. You never know what could happen once he gets on the field. I think a super-sub appearance could be a possibility.

History on Their Side

The Los Angeles Galaxy have played in more MLS Cup Finals than any other team in the league. LA have played in nine finals and have hoisted the trophy a league-leading five times. They have also won three MLS Cups in the past five seasons.

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As an all-time historic club, a deep run in the playoffs is not out of the question. Oddsmaker put the Galaxy at 8-1 to win the MLS Cup behind only FC Dallas, the New York Red Bulls, and the Rapids and tied with New York City FC. Don’t ever count out past champions with this kind of talent on their roster.