Galaxy Whitecaps match preview

The Galaxy will look to take all three points and extend their 23 game undefeated streak at home when they battle the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday night. (7:30 pm, Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Deportes, MLS Live)

After registering a goal and an assist during last week's up and down draw vs. the Revolution, rookie Nacho Maganto is certainly flying high at the moment. With Jose Villarreal suffering from a shoulder sprain, LA are hopeful the rookie can generate more offense to help make up for the absence of Gyasi Zardes, who's away with the U.S. Men's National Team. 

According to the Galaxy Insider, Alan Gordon has declared himself fit after recovering from a calf injury, and Robbie Keane is also available, though its not clear if the Irishman will start or come off the bench. (Side note: After an extended spell on the sidelines and two substitute appearances without a goal, look for Keane to be desperate to get on the scoresheet before departing for international duty with Ireland)

Meanwhile, the Whitecaps can be a frustrating bunch. The team has bucket loads of talent, and Vancouver can compete with anyone on the slick BC Place turf. (Just ask the Galaxy, who were played off the turf by the Whitecaps in April) But despite an improved road record this year, the Whitecaps are still considered too inconsistent to be an elite team. Their inconsistency can perhaps be characterized by Uruguayan DP forward Octavio Rivero, who started the season on fire with five goals in six games but has only managed a single goal in his last nine appearances.

Vancouver's fitness is another concern, as the team flew to LA after traveling to Quebec in a mid-week losing effort vs, the Montreal Impact. (It's worth noting he Whitecaps have never won, or even tied vs. the Galaxy in LA)

As usual, we probably won't know the lineup until game time, but the Galaxy need a win.