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The LA Galaxy kick off their 2016 MLS Cup playoff campaign tonight when they host Real Salt Lake at StubHub Center. The stakes are raised in this direct elimination match between the Western Conference’s third seed and sixth seed.
Needless to say, the Galaxy arrive to these playoffs with one of the more talented squads in the league, not least in the attacking duo of Giovani dos Santos and Robbie Keane. But Bruce Arena’s men are not on their best form, winning just once in their last five league games.
Real Salt Lake have a similar problem. The Claret and Cobalt had a disastrous ending to their regular season where they went winless in their last seven. Away from home, their record is even worse, losing their last five.
The objective for the Galaxy is crystal clear. The goal has always been MLS Cup title or bust. That was none more obvious than when club-legend Landon Donovan decided to come back from retirement. Real Salt Lake are going to require a big game if they want to pull the upset or it will likely be an anxious night for Jeff Cassar’s men.
Match date/time: Sunday 7:30 pm EST, 7:30 pm local
Venue: StubHub Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: UniMás (Spanish), Spectrum SportsNet
Streaming: FuboTV (Free trial + monthly subscription), MLS Live (Local Blackout)