Four straight victories and a draw have turned around the playoff fortunes of Los Angeles Galaxy, with Major League Soccer’s regular season nearing its conclusion.Frank Yallop’s side, who will be playing Vancouver Whitecaps in an exhibition game at BC Place next month, looked odds-on to miss out on the MLS postseason after struggling through much of the 2007 campaign. However, a fine run of results in recent weeks has changed the season outlook for the southern California club.Few would have predicted that the Galaxy would find some form at such a critical stage of the season after David Beckham went down with a knee injury right at the end of the August. By mid-September, Los Angeles looked destined to miss the playoffs after recording one and three defeats before their trip to Real Salt Lake on September 19. A Landon Donovan penalty and a Gavin Glinton strike earned the Galaxy a 2-2 draw in Utah before Yallop’s side started claiming victories. A 2-1 home result over FC Dallas on September 23 was followed by two important wins in the American Midwest. A late Glinton goal gave LA a 1-0 triumph over the Wizards in Kansas City before Yallop’s side earned an equally vital 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew in Ohio on September 30.With four regular season games still to be played in October, it remained imperative that the Galaxy kept their winning streak going, with the eighth and final playoff place currently occupied by Chicago Fire. Even in their present form, LA’s chances of an away win over MLS Cup holders Houston Dynamo on Sunday would have been thought as a remote possibility. However, the influence of Donovan helped LA overcome a Nate Jaqua goal to record an excellent 2-1 result in Texas.With Chicago ending their run of four straight draws with an equally vital 2-1 win over New England Revolution on Saturday, the Galaxy remain six points adrift of the playoff positions, though they crucially have a game in hand. LA host Toronto FC next Saturday and New York Red Bulls the following Thursday before finishing the regular season with what could be a decisive contest on October 21, as the Galaxy visit the Fire in Chicago. The scenario for Yallop’s side is a simple one. If LA can win all three of their remaining games, then they will make the playoffs.With Beckham back training after a lay-off of more than a month, it will be interesting to see if the former England captain can have some influence on how LA’s season in MLS will conclude. One can only wait and see…
Don’t miss out on your chance to see Beckham and the Galaxy first-hand when they face the Whitecaps at BC Place in November. For more information on tickets, please click here to view our Galaxy tickets page.
