It’s a chance for redemption. The 4-0 thrashing by Colorado on opening day must still be lingering on the collective minds of the LA Galaxy. They were embarrassed that day and subsequently torched in the the media world wide. There is no altitude to use as a crutch Saturday night, so the Galaxy need to show the West why they deserve to be the #1 team.
Back from international duty will be David Beckham, Carlos Ruiz and Ante Jazic. Of those three, only Beckham’s absence played any role in LA’s loss in Toronto. With Landon Donovan away with the USA in New York, this needs to be the game where Ruiz shows the league he is back. He went the full 90 minutes for Guatemala midweek, so we know he is back to near full fitness. What remains to be seen, however, is if he still has his scorers touch. To make the storyline even better, Ruiz could get his first start since returning from injury against the very team that blew out his knee with a terrible tackle. I suspect that El Pescadito will have no problem finding motivation for this game.
Colorado are not without their own player absences. With Mike Petke out through injury, and both Bouna Coundoul and Pablo Mastroeni away with their respective national teams, the leagues most potent offense is going up against a defense with large holes in it. Mastroeni’s absence denies Christian Gomez every attacking midfielder’s greatest asset, an enforcer doing the dirty work in midfield. Gomez will have a difficult time getting free to press forward if his defensive duties are increased.
My most exciting matchup to watch Saturday night? Herculez Gomez vs everyone. The Galaxy faithful have not forgotten what Herc meant to us in 2005. He took a lot of pride in that season, and he will be keen to show the Galaxy what they lost by trading him. If you go by stats, the Galaxy haven’t missed much, but every team would love to have a passionate player such as Herculez in their clubhouse. My bet is that Fernando Clavijo will find some way to get Gomez on the field Saturday night, whether as a sub or starter.
From a fan’s perspective, another interesting sub-plot Saturday night will be the “official” return of the Bacon Wrapped Hotdog. A Galaxy street vendor staple since the days of the Rose Bowl, and banned in LA County. The Galaxy Front Office has arranged for the sale of these illustrious items at two grill locations inside the HDC. My hope is that the concession stands can make them with the same taste as those wonderful people in the parking lots on shopping carts. Full report to follow on this breaking news…
Also, on the rumor front… Clint Mathis was seen on the sidelines of the Galaxy practices this week. Rumor has it that Ergotelis, his Greek club, has not renewed his contract. I believe the Galaxy still own his MLS rights. Could Cletus be looking for both a teammate and drinking partner in Joey Fanchino? We’ll see. I, for one, hope he comes back.
My Homer Prediction: 2-1 Galaxy
My Homer Lineup:
Cronin
Klein - X - Franklin - Vanney
Beckham - Pires - MickeyD - Randolph
Ruiz - Buddle
SBI is reporting that the LA Galaxy have dealt forward Carlos Ruiz to Toronto FC, the details should be coming to light soon. Toronto FC have had a busy day on the player movement front, releasing midfielder Laurent Robert earlier in the day. Ruiz has had a tough season after sustaining a knee injury early in the season which has seen him earn limited playing time with LA. Toronto FC will get the goal scorer they’ve been looking for the past few months, and LA can now afford to sign Eddie Lewis. What do you think of the move? 
According to multiple sources, LA Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz could be on his way to New York. The Galaxy have been looking to unload Ruiz, for some time, in an effort to free up salary cap space and New York are one of few MLS sides capable of taking on Ruiz’s salary. Juan Carlos Osorio has been quoted as saying that he is interested in a striker abroad, and one striker that is currently MLS based. Ruiz has shown to be a goal scorer in MLS although he hasn’t been able to achieve previous seasons form so far this season. The LA Galaxy are in New York to play the Red Bulls on Saturday, and could negotiate a trade. I think this could be a good short team answer for the Red Bulls, the main question is whether or not Ruiz can stay healthy for the remainder of the season and find his past form. What do you think?
