Once the Alan Gordon Project (similar to the Allen Parsons Project but suckier) was mercifully put to an end Saturday night, the Galaxy showed the teams real potential. I’m not sure what compromising pictures Alan Gordon has of the last two Galaxy coaches, but they must be pretty juicy to get the kind of play he has been given lately. Hopefully the second half turn around will put his midfield career to rest for good. Credit to Gullit for properly diagnosing the problem and not being afraid to use two vital subs early.

I gave Joey Franchino a hard time here in my pre-game column, but I have to say he served a needed purpose against the Dynamo. The tandem of Rico Clark and DeRosario was having the Galaxy any way they wanted through the middle. The Galaxy needed a player to get stuck in and disrupt the rythem of the Dynamo offense. In this respect, Franchino served his purpose. He did, however, tire noticeably towards the end of the game. This was to be expected, since he has seen very little game time in the last year.

This game exposed two positive traits for the Galaxy to take into their Super-Classico this coming weekend:

1. The Will To Win- For two games in a row the Galaxy have battled back from deficits twice in each game. Gullit’s boys are already developing that “Never Say Die” attitude synonymous with winning clubs. The next step? Stop digging holes for themselves. Playing from behind further exposes the Galaxy’s porous defense, as the team must push forward for equalizing goals.

2. The Donovan-Beckham Pairing- With every game this combination grows in confidence. It is not unthinkable for Donovan to win the Golden Boot with the type of service he is receiving every week. Of Donovan’s league leading five goals, three have been assisted by Beckham. In addition to their offensive production, their leadership by example lifted the whole team’s play in the second half.

On a final note, it must be mentioned that for the third straight week Michael Randolph and Sean Franklin set the tone for all the young players on the team. This is extremely important, because every young player on the bench sees the effort of these two and believe that when their name is called on to contribute, they too can excel. And with the Galaxy’s current roster they will definitely be called upon at some point this season.

Post-Script:  I called this game to have at least four goals.  I am now officially looking for a bookie….

“Send in the reinforcements!!”

That’s right Galaxy fans there is nothing to fear in Lala-Land.  That thundering sound you hear isn’t danger on the horizon, it’s the sound of a super hero coming to save the Galaxy.  Armed with a disposition that Russell Crowe would be envious of and a body more fragile then Glass Joe from Mike Tyson’s Punchout, Joey Franchino has rejoined the Galaxy.  Hmmm Glass Joe sounds like a nice banner for the Riot Squad to hang from 138.  Don’t get me wrong I was a fan of Franchino… and Vanney… and Ruiz… in 2000 when they all were on the right side of thirty, but this “we’re getting the band back together” mentality is starting to get scary.

Why would the Galaxy need another left back when you have Randolph, Jazic and Gavin already on the books?  Maybe he was brought in for the left midfield position.  Franchino has played there in the past, but in him you are getting a defensive minded player.  At least Ely Allen has the ability to go forward.  My guess is that Franchino is filler for a potential move involving one of the aforementioned defenders.

Finally, before my pre-game breakdown, one has to address Franchino’s obvious problems with team chemistry.  He has been in numerous physical altercations with his own teammates and labeled the Revolution’s red headed step child.  In a team that already has a potential locker room cancer in Carlos Ruiz, adding another hot head does not seem wise.

On to the match versus Houston.

If this game sees less than four goals I’ll be surprised.  Here you have two quality offenses vs two poor defenses.  Lets look at the defenses first.  The Galaxy’s is simple.  Keep the slow old men out of the center of defense.  Vanney was at fault in some capacity for all three goals last week.  The unfortunate scenario for LA?  They don’t have much alternative.  Sure you can sit Vanney, but his replacement is Abel Xavier.  I honestly prefer Xavier though, at least when he goes to ground he’s usually getting the ball with him.  Vanney hit the turf twice last week, with each resulting in missing the ball and Cronin picking the ball out of the net.  Sure Xavier is old and slow, but at least he’s wily and passionate.  I don’t see those factors in Vanney’s game any more.

Houston’s defense is in shambles as well.  Unfortunate injury’s to Craig Waibel and Pat Onstad, combined with Eddie Robinson’s suspension and Ryan Cochranes departure, leave Houston with only one of their cup winning defenders in the back for Saturday, Wade Barret.  The captain will have his hands full as I’m sure Landon Donovan will be itching to erase the memories of last week’s missed opportunities.

For Houston the best defense needs to be a good offense.  Unfortunately, the Dynamo have been held scoreless in three of its first four MLS games of the season.  Attractive on paper with names like De Rosario, Ching, Mullan, Davis and Clarke, this team needs to find that returning champion swagger before it digs a hole too deep to get out of. 

My Homer Prediction:  3-2 Galaxy

My Homer Lineup:

GK:  Cronin

Def: Klein, Franklin, X, Randolph

Mid:  Becks, MickeyD, Pires, Allen

Fwd: Donovan, Buddle