LA Galaxy vs. Columbus Crew: The First Avengers

As the Los Angeles Galaxy prepare to host the Columbus Crew tonight, all you need to know is this: the Crew are one of the few teams to hold a winning record in their all-time series against the Galaxy. Sure Bruce Arena might have a 12-8-2 goal against the Crew all time, but the LA Galaxy have gone 11-15-8 against the Crew (and let's get something clear, LAG Confidential will always use the W-L-D format for standings. Win, Lose, or Draw, like the game show).

In fact, when the Galaxy won 2-0 in Columbus last year, it was only their second win all time in Columbus Crew Stadium. The Galaxy even lost in Columbus when they weren't playing the Crew: it was the sight of the 2002 US Open Cup final loss, and the 2001 MLS Cup loss.

It gets worse. The Crew had a six game unbeaten streak against the Galaxy in Carson before the Galaxy defeated Columbus last year 3-1. The Galaxy have defeated Columbus just three times in their last fourteen league meetings. Since the Galaxy won 2-0 April 24, 2004 at the Home Depot Center, the Crew have gone 6-3-5 against the Galaxy.

Of course, this year, at this time, the Galaxy are riding a twelve game unbeaten streak in league play, dating back to May 7, after defeating Chicago 2-1 in their last MLS match. The problem for the Galaxy has been scoring goals. Juan Pablo Angel hasn't been much of a threat, leaving it up to star midfielders Landon Donovan, David Beckham, and Juninho to produce goals. After a nice performance in two loses last week, perhaps it's Adam Cristman's time.

Speaking of David and Landon, David Beckham setting up Landon Donovan for the opening goal against the Chicago Fire left him one behind Houston's Brad Davis for the league assist lead. Donovan's finish put him at a league leading nine goals.

Injury Report: Adam Cristman is not on the injury report, so his knock in the Real Madrid game wasn't to serious. Mike Magee remains on, which he's been since before Chicago. Omar Gonzalez has the fractured nose. Chad Barrett, David Beckham, Sean Franklin all listed as questionable.

Suspensions:  Chris Birchall will be serving game one of his two game suspension.

Game Time: 7:30 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket