LA Galaxy vs. DC United: One last pit stop on road to playoffs

Almost half the MLS Cups awarded are split between DC United and the LA Galaxy. Add on that the Galaxy and DC United faced off in two MLS Cups and you can call the series one of MLS' longest standing East-West rivalries. This time, with United already eliminated from playoff contention, LA have all to play for against an opponent just going through the motions in the only league meeting between these two this season (though it is the team's second trip to DC after the White House visit with President Obama).

DC had their winless run stretch to five matches, winless this season on the road. LA had a winning streak end last time out. Ben Olsen, who's never beaten LA since becoming DC's head coach, wouldn't be blamed for building toward next season playing looser and more experimental.

Getting back Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane, Jaime Penedo, and Omar Gonzalez expect LA to play this one the way they have since the All Star break. They'll try to control the match in DC's half and create many scoring chances while DC will be caught offside often by LA's high line.

Not many expect DC to pull this one off, which may give it the appearance of a trap game. However, there's not much that DC has done right this season and fatigue shouldn't be too large a factor. Donovan and Gonzalez only had to travel from Columbus to DC to join the team and are riding the emotion of a huge victory.

Expect LA to take care of business in DC.