FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy, 2016 MLS: Match Preview

With the playoffs still within touching distance for the LA Galaxy, Bruce Arena’s men make one of last two regular season trips to the Lone Star State to take on FC Dallas on Saturday.

Over the next few days, we’re going to hear a lot about the Galaxy’s chances of winning the Supporters’ Shield. The Galaxy are just five points shy of first place FC Dallas and are due to play them twice over the next month.

Dallas, of course, has been stellar under Oscar Pareja. The Colombian has always been capable of getting the best of his young players and they have looked as good as anybody this MLS season. With a playoff spot already clinched, Dallas seem set up to do something special in the playoffs, and winning the Supporters’ Shield would be a statement in the regard.

For the Galaxy, instead of making a statement, they were served a warning over the weekend. As oppose to FC Dallas, the Galaxy are still a couple points short of clinching a place in the playoffs, and last weekend saw the Galaxy suffer a shocking 4-2 defeat at home to the Seattle Sounders. It was the Galaxy’s first defeat at StubHub Center all MLS season.

Given that, it’s fair to question the Galaxy this late in the season. While nobody is doubting the Galaxy will not make the playoffs, there was tangible work done during the offseason to avoid something like this. As history has shown, momentum can make or break a team in the playoffs. Before the Galaxy can start talking about winning the Supporter’s Shield, they need to take a long, hard look at themselves and find a way to bounce back quickly from defeat to the Sounders.

LAST MEETING

LA Galaxy 1-2 FC Dallas - August 11, 2016 - U.S. Open Cup

FC Dallas came from a goal down to shock the Galaxy in extra time and reach the final of the U.S. Open Cup.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

LA Galaxy (4-2-3-1): Rowe; Rogers, Steres, Van Damme, Cole; Gerrard, Larentowicz; Boateng, dos Santos, Lletget; Keane

FC Dallas (4-2-3-1): Seitz; Hollingshead, Zimmerman, Hedges, Figueroa; Gruezo, Acosta; Rosales, Diaz; Barrios; Urruti