LA Galaxy Can Clinch Playoff Spot Against Toronto FC

The LA Galaxy are set to take on Toronto FC this weekend. With Chivas USA losing to the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, the Galaxy can clinch a playoff spot with a victory against Toronto. The match kicks off at 7:30 at The Home Depot Center, and will be broadcast on KDOC.

While Toronto FC are having a down year, the two clubs have played to four consecutive draws in MLS play. There were three scoreless draws in a row before a 2-2 result last June 11th in Carson. They did meet earlier this year in CONCACAF Champions League play, a series which Toronto won 4-3 on aggregate.

The Galaxy are on a great tear as of late, recording three consecutive shutouts. This is the first time this year that the Galaxy have recorded consecutive shutouts. The team has gone 313 minutes without conceding a goal. The Galaxy should look to continue the hot defensive play against a team with a -19 goal differential.

"I think everyone's stepped up their game since our backline's been back together," said defender Omar Gonzalez. "I think that having a confident back line and having a group that plays well together gives the rest of us the confidence to worry about just playing their game and they don't have to worry about us letting in goals like we did in the beginning of the year."

The Galaxy should have little trouble with a team that has had much trouble with the rest of MLS this year. The team played mostly reserves in Puerto Rico, so the starters should be rested and ready to go. David Beckham is still listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, but so is Landon Donovan.

Donovan of course returned to the lineup last week, notching his twelfth assist of the year on Robbie Keane's twelfth goal of the year. Keane's goal was also his eighth in the last eleven match.

Toronto did get back Eric Hassli who recently returned from a two match absence. He's since gone on to score in back to back matches, and could be troublesome for the Galaxy. The LA back line has performed so well lately, that it shouldn't be too much of an issue.