LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Update: Whitecaps Resting Starters

It's no surprise the Galaxy are a bit battered right now, as two matches a week for two weeks will slow down the best of teams. However, it looks like the Vancouver Whitecaps are going to let them off the ropes, as they plan to rest players this Saturday dealing with their own injuries.

Whitecaps beat writer Marc Weber has confirmed on twitter that defender Young Pyo-Lee will not play in Los Angeles, taking practice days off this week after playing every minute of all 27 matches so far for Vancouver. Martin Rennie mentioned other players could rest as well.

Both the Whitecaps and the Galaxy have a game in hand on FC Dallas, whom the Galaxy defeated 2-0 last Sunday. The Whitecaps also have five points on Dallas.

Vancouver resting players on a road trip is a positive sign for the Galaxy, who hope to have back a recovered David Beckham and Landon Donovan, as well as a rested Robbie Keane. The Galaxy starting defense rested against Puerto Rico Islanders, so there should be no excuses hosting Vancouver this weekend.

The rest also effects Seattle and Real Salt Lake, who are only three points ahead of the Galaxy. Seattle Sounders have a CCL match tonight in Trinidad and Tobago, before ending their week in Dallas. Real Salt Lake will host DC United this weekend.

The Sounders still have the advantage of two matches in hand, so even should the Galaxy pull level it shouldn't be of any great concern to either fanbase. This is going to be a long run to the MLS playoffs, with September shaping up to be a wild month of soccer.