Game 16 - DC United 4:1 Los Angeles Galaxy

DC United are back. This was evident in many ways, but let's concentrate on three.

1. The offensive creativity which has defined the United attack was varied and potent. The Galaxy defenders, not world beaters on their best day, were disorganized and caught out all afternoon. United were able to attack from the sidelines, up the middle, and on set pieces. United played beautiful long balls, deft short passes, and creative dribbling. It was beautiful to watch.

2. While still a work in progress, it is impossible to deny that the United defense has allowed a total of four goals in the last four games, all wins. Martinez, still the favorite for team MVP, has been excellent and steady, Peralta is working well in the center with McTavish, and Namoff continues to have his best season.

3. Ben Olsen. When he walked up to the fourth official and checked into the game, the roar was partly for him, partly surprise, and partly a cheer for the Tradition he represents. While he may not be the Olsen of last year, having him on the field is a great sign and I for one am thrilled he is able to play.

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) A

Emilio played his best game of the year. He netted two and could have had two or three more. Moreno played a fine first half as almost a withdrawn forward. I really like him in that position and of course he scored on his chance from the spot. Excellent game from these two.

Midfielders (Gallaardo, Simms, Fred, and Quaranta) A-

Possibly the best game of the year from this group. Simms was steady. Fred was dangerous. Quaranta, while he was on, was very good running down long balls and making well struck crosses. But, Gallardo was the class of the group. From beginning to end, he was the best player on the field. Just a masterful game from him, and his goal could win goal of the week.

Defenders (Namoff, Martinez, McTavish, Peralta, and Wells) B+

The lone goal was not something to put on a training tape, but the rest of the game someone always stepped up to make the crucial play. All five made key saves on dangerous plays.

Substitutes (Burch, Olsen, and Dyachenko) A

Burch made an immediate impact with his cross to Emilio. He also had a massive strike on a free kick which struck the crossbar from around 25 yards away. Olsen was good at maintaining possession on the right side and Dyacheno nearly had a goal of his own on two occasions.

Preview of Game 16 - DC United vs Los Angeles Galaxy

DC United, 6-1-7 (W-D-L), welcome the LA Galaxy, to RFK for their one visit of the season. Along with the Galaxy come Landon Donovan and David Beckham. Should be a large crowd, maybe approaching 40,000. This game also matches up the two highest scoring offenses (DC 24, LA 31) and the two highest yielding defenses (DC 25, LA 24). Let the fireworks ensue. United are in the midst of a five game unbeaten streak (4-1-0) including their 3-1 win over San Jose last Saturday. DC are playing well at home with a 5-0-2 record and a +9 goal differential. United, 1.36 PPG, are currently tied for 4th in the Eastern Conference, eight points behind New England, 1.80 PPG, with a game in hand. United are also in a five way tie for 5th place in the Supporter's Shield race also led by New England.

Los Angeles, like DC United, are undefeated in June (2-1-0). Over all they are 6-3-4 and have been playing exciting soccer. Similar to recent years, the offense is successful and the defense is mediocre to awful. The poor defensive play can be attributed to salary cap decisions which have allocated large amounts to money to a few offensive players. This has left very little money with which to field a proficient unit along the back line. So they try to pummel you to death. Los Angeles have scored three or more goals six times in thirteen games. Surprisingly they have also been shutout three times. Los Angeles, 1.62 PPG, lead the Western Conference by two points over Real Salt Lake and Houston with two and one game in hands respectively. Los Angeles trails New England bby six points in the Supporter's Shield race.

United will be without Domenic Mediate (concussion), Ben Olsen (ankle) and Francis Doe (visa issues) this weekend. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Fred, Gallardo, Quaranta, Simms, Namoff, McTavish, Peralta, Martinez, and Wells. Burch, Dyachenko, Corderio, and Stratford might see time off the bench.

As has been mentioned here and on other blogs, Burch's lack of progress is more than a bit disappointing. Simply put, he has no right foot. It's not an Etcheverry situation where his left is so dominant he tries to use it at every opportunity. Burch simply refuses to use his right foot even when it seems like it is the only option. Awkward stabs at the ball which result in careless turnovers are no deterrent. I've never seen anything like it, and I can't understand how he could have progressed this far without a coach pulling him aside and telling him it is unacceptable. Could you imagine an NBA player never dribbling with his opposite hand? If it continues, I can't see him in the starting lineup at any position.

Prediction:

DC United 3:2 Los Angeles Galaxy