MLS Thursday Night: DC United v LA Galaxy

By: Bob | August 9th, 2007

This week’s MLS game of the week will feature a special guest star: fans. About 45,000 of them have bought tickets for the contest between DC United and LA Galaxy at RFK Stadium. Those 45,000 people are undoubtedly all wondering whether or not Bryan Namoff will play. The latest word is that the DC United defender is match fit. That is a relief.

As for the other big name players in the game, Justin Moose is out with a sports hernia (as opposed to a vacuuming hernia), Kyle Veris won’t play because of an ankle injury, and Jamil Walker won’t suck it up and play on his ruptured Achilles. What a wuss. David Beckham is listed as questionable.

The LA Galaxy enter the game a mere two points ahead of Real Salt Lake. In other words, they haven’t had an especially good season. Nor have they played many league games. They have seven league games in hand compared to the Western Conference leaders Houston Dynamo. MLS scheduling is screwy, but you knew that already, didn’t you? The Galaxy haven’t won a league game since July 4, but to be fair they have only played two MLS games since then and six non-league games.

Meanwhile, DC United come into the game riding high after winning 3-0 in New England on Sunday. United have been all over the map this season, but they have played fairly well at home having just one loss in eight league games.

Here are a few things to keep an eye on while you pray that Greg Vanney’s ankle sprain heals in time for kickoff:

1. Lookout for Luciano – Don’t look now but the Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio has scored 12 goals for DC United. That ties him with Eddie Johnson for the league lead.

2. You won’t be Abel – Your challenge for the game is to look at Abel Xavier’s hair and not laugh. If you win you should go to the emergency room and get a sense of humor transplant ASAP.

3. Becklash – Dallas fans met the challenge with their signs and banners. Toronto fans more than did their job. What will we see out of the fans in DC? Should be quite good, indeed.

Enjoy the game and while you are at it try enjoying life in general. I know, it is a unique concept but sometimes it works even for MLS fans.