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A LA Galaxy team weary from a taxing road schedule fly cross-country once again to battle Kaka and Orlando City SC Sunday afternoon at the Citrus Bowl. (2 pm, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes)
Orlando is suffering from a case of expansion-itis -- Trouble in defense, trouble in attack, and not enough quality on the field. It doesn't help the club is dealing with an injury crisis: After losing attacking winger Kevin Molino for the season to a torn ACL, manager Adrian Heath has been forced to compensate by pushing U.S. National Team defender Brek Shea as well as Erik Avila into the midfield.
And yet, Orlando City looked good during their mid-week clash with Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United, nicking an early goal from Canadian Cyle Larin and generally dictating the pace of the game until center back Aurellin Collin went down with a hamstring injury and the back four fell apart, conceding goals to Kofi Opare and Chris Rolfe in quick succession. (Center back Seb Hines was on the bench but Heath subbed in 18-year old rookie Tyler Turner, leading to speculation he may be nursing a knock) Look for Amobi Okugo to possibly start as a center back this weekend.
Meanwhile, how the Galaxy will line up is a question mark like usual. Dan Gargan is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, but Jose Villarreal has finally been cleared to resume full training and new signing Sebastian Lletget is available for action. Though he is improving, Robbie Keane is still out.
Robbie Keane is "on the mend" but is still a week or so from returning to the #LAGalaxy. - http://t.co/7Inr6bg2kc #ORLvLA
— Adam Serrano (@LAGalaxyInsider) May 15, 2015
The match vs. the 2014 MLS Cup Champions is a hot ticket in town, with over 35,000 tickets sold for Sunday's match. (The weather isn't looking too good though, 89 degrees with humidity? Ouch)
Despite what is certain to be a hostile atmosphere, the Galaxy should be able to take advantage of a leaky Orlando back line and do enough to score three points on the road for the first time since August.
Give yourself a little end-of-week reward. 35,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday. Buy here: http://t.co/7ftUsRISrf pic.twitter.com/1XalTmvXMn
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 15, 2015