Five Questions: Revolution at Los Angeles Galaxy

Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe takes on Galaxy midfielder Pat Noonan during preseason action. (Photo: Joshua Pearson)

Coming off an impressive win over the Portland Timbers, the Revolution return to the road to face its toughest opponent yet: the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy.

On paper, Bruce Arena’s boys are unquestionably one of the most talented – if not the most talented – teams in MLS. But a closer glimpse reveals that everything isn’t as glittery and glamorous for the Galaxy right now. A serious injury to center back Omar Gonzalez, combined with a 3-1 season opening loss and a premature exit from CCL, all hint that Los Angeles may not be as invincible as they were last season.

Here are five questions to ponder before the opening whistle blows on Saturday’s Revolution-Galaxy game at The Home Depot Center.

1. What can the Revolution draw upon from last week’s win that will help them on Saturday? After last week’s 1-0 win, the Revolution have found something that’s been missing for quite some time: confidence. Saer Sene’s 1st minute goal may have put them in the driver’s seat early, but it also put a billboard-sized target on their back for nearly 90 minutes. But instead of folding and allowing the all-too-familiar last-gasp goal to re-emerge, each of the Revolution XI stepped up. Yes, Kris Boyd’s finishing may have been amateur at best. And yes, the Timbers may have run out of gas late. But give credit to hosts for plugging the lanes, staying disciplined in transition and winning the aerial battle against the Timbers. Now, with that performance fresh in their minds, rest assured that the Revs won’t be lacking confidence on Saturday – even against the defending champs.

2. Can the Revolution capitalize against the Omar Gonzalez-less backline? With Lee Nguyen’s recent form, along with encouraging performances from Saer Sene and Ryan Guy, it’s entirely possible that the Revolution find another early goal on Saturday. Granted, it may take longer than 28 seconds in L.A. But, through it’s first two league games, the Galaxy backline has been anything its shutdown self without Gonzalez in the rear. Therefore, the Revolution have to be aggressive. They have to attack with precision and intelligence. They have to send numbers forward and exploit the hole in the heart of the Galaxy defense. If they can accomplish this, then there’s no reason why they can’t come away with a point on Saturday.

3. If Landon Donovan doesn’t play, which attacking player do the Revolution have to negate? OK, so the preseason games against the Galaxy might not give us the greatest preview of what to expect Saturday. But, one thing we did learn is that Edson Buddle can still create headaches for opposing center backs. During the the first match of the Desert Diamond Cup, the Galaxy’s prodigal son had no fewer than five golden opportunities to get on the scoresheet, but succeeded only once. With the preseason rust likely shaken off, Buddle will have to be bottled up. If not, it could be long night in L.A. for the Revolution.

4. Who will pair with A.J. Soares inside the the D? This just in: Jay Heaps may finally have four healthy defenders available for Saturday. With Stephen McCarthy back from suspension, Flo Lechner medically cleared and Darrius Barnes off the injury list, Heaps has a decision to make. Barnes is probably the most solid option, but he may not be ready for a full 90. McCarthy has been a pleasant surprise so far, but he also had a tough time against Buddle in the preseason. And although Lechner is the most experienced of the three, he and Soares haven’t had a whole lot of time work on communication. And with communication being crucial against an attack with so many moving parts, look for McCarthy to get the nod at CB.

5. Will Jay Heaps use a five-man midfield in L.A.? Against a similarly lethal attack in K.C., Heaps countered with a five-man midfield. The objective: improve possession and limit the space available to an ambitious attack. We’ll never know if it would have succeeded in K.C. thanks for McCarthy’s ejection. But there were early signs that the formation was working in the Revolution’s favor. And even without Benny Feilhaber available, the emergence of Nguyen as a viable attacking force could give way to a Clyde Simms-Shalrie Joseph-Lee Nguyen central look with Kelyn Rowe and Ryan Guy on the wings. It’s certainly not the worst formation. In fact, it may be Heaps’ best option.