LA Galaxy - Vancouver Whitecaps Match Preview

Following a heartbreaking late loss, Los Angeles heads to Canada where they will take on the Whitecaps in a Western Conference match-up, live at 7:00 PM PT on Time Warner Cable Sportsnet and TSN1.

The Galaxy will be looking to right the ship immediately this Saturday after conceding a stoppage time winner to D.C. United that gave the defending champions their first loss of the new campaign.

Returning to the fold for LA will be Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes, who were both away on international duty during this past weekend's match. Hopefully, the injection of some offensive fire power will be enough to spur the Galaxy attack back to life after being blanked on Saturday for the first time in the 2015 season.

Facing the challenge of taking down a Vancouver side coming off of its third straight victory, Bruce Arena will be thrilled to have the attacking diversity of Keane and Zardes back in the lineup after the pairing of Alan Gordon and Jose Villarreal combined for just two shots on target. Both forwards, should they be in the starting lineup (and they should be in the starting lineup), will have a great chance to find space among a Whitecaps defense which allowed Portland to complete 75% of their passes in the final third. Look for some more attractive football to be played this week by LA.

After coping with depth challenges in the midfield and attack last weekend which resulted in a lack of quality shots on goal, a return to a first choice forward lineup means that Alan Gordon will most likely be reprising his role of off-the-bench-lethal-weapon. He'll be joined on the bench by fellow attacking option Bradford Jamieson IV, who is another player returning from international duty, albeit with the US-U20 team rather than the full national team.

Unfortunately, LA will be most likely be without center back Leonardo, whose improvement on the back line this season compared to his 2014 form has been well-documented, due to a quadriceps strain. He will almost undoubtedly be replaced by A.J. DeLaGarza. Adjusting to this personnel switch will be key for the Galaxy as they face an explosive attacking side in Vancouver. Kenney Walker will also be unavailable due to a groin injury.

Another interesting proposition for the Galaxy will be the return of goalkeeper Jaime Penedo from international duty with Panama. Penedo will most likely be starting over Brian Rowe, who held the reins this past weekend. It will be interesting to see how Penedo and a Leonardo-less back line can cope with a Whitecaps attack which boasts DP striker Octavio Rivero and the passing abilities of Pedro Morales.

Bottom Line: Be ready for some good attacking football from both teams. Vancouver's offense has been clicking and Los Angeles should be ready to come out firing on all cylinders with a replenished lineup looking to avenge a late loss. One more note- LA is undefeated in their last five matches against Vancouver, winning four and drawing one.