The LA Galaxy are coming off of back-to-back double game weeks, with 12 points in 12 days. They’ve outscored their opponents 11-4 in that span. The defense has not had mental lapses that haunted them earlier this year despite having a bench rotation, with 6 different defenders starting. Leonardo is still keeping my blood pressure higher than my Herbalife representative would like. But both Todd Dunivant and Robbie Rogers are back from their respective injuries. Dunivant has looked better with each appearance, as he returns after major surgery for an abdominal injury.
Meanwhile, the Bruce Arena offense is firing on all cylinders. New addition Alan Gordon has 2 goals in 3 games. Gyasi Zardes has had a break out year, as he continues to be dangerous and creative even when not scoring. Robbie Keane has been his usual self. Set pieces are back from the dead; Gonzalez has 3 goals in 6 games. Landon Donovan has been playing like a man possessed.
The Galaxy have been clicking in a way I haven’t seen all year. They have been at a level of dominance I’m not sure they’ve hit since the 2011 Shield-MLS Cup season. They’ve been able to score goals by committee. The Brazilians are playing well in the midfield. Stefan Ishizaki has found what could be a permanent home at right midfield. His creative and attack minded mentality has combined well with Dan Gargan, allowing him to be dangerous without opening up their side of the pitch on the counter.
Donovan has quietly snuck up on the MLS all-time assist record. LD sits at 129 assists, just 6 behind Steve Ralston. Donovan has played 52 less games in his career so far. Donovan is tied with Keane with 12 assists in the league this year. It may take a few assists in the playoffs, but Donovan has a very good chance at breaking this record as well.
If there was any doubt before, it’s gone now. The LA Galaxy are back in typical second half of the season form. They seem to be on a mission, both to avenge last year’s disappointment and to let Donovan finish his career as a champion. I still think it’s a three horse race in the west with RSL and Seattle.
The other fad of late with the Galaxy has been Landon Donovan being honored by the Galaxy’s opponent. Columbus gave him a piece of the net from Doc A Cero last September. Colorado gave him a life time ski pass. As the road team, DC United gave him a seat from RFK Stadium. Chivas USA gave him a skateboard and a surfboard.
This swan song has turned into a Derek Jeter-like going away tour. I can see where Galaxy fans are relishing every minute of it while other fans are rolling their eyes with how long, old, and drawn out it has been. Donovan has been thankful for the honors, praise, and gifts. Donovan and the team does not appear to be phased by the pregame friendly gesture. Donovan is polite in accepting the gift, then the team gets in a huddle and it’s all business.
I am very curious to see what other teams do, specifically when the Galaxy are on the road. Since the announcement, the Galaxy have only been on the road to Columbus, Colorado, and Chivas (if that counts as a road game). Donovan has yet to go on the road to a team he and/or the Galaxy are a true villain. I am curious to see what each team does and how they play sentimental vs. useful as well as the potential one-uping that can go on. As a Donovan fan, I would like to hope there is at least a polite gesture to LD and the fans provide a golf clap maybe with a little ‘U-S-A, U-S-A.’ I’m sure Bruce and company won’t be offended if that is not the case. Your move on September 14, San Jose Earthquakes and 1906 Ultras.
Last and probably least, the Galaxy routed Chivas USA this past Sunday 3-0 in what was dubbed on twitter as ‘The Last Clasico.’ Ever since Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final in 2013, the SuperClasico is the most lopsided derby in world football. This match was a microcosm of the rivalry every year with the exception of 2007 (the only good year Chivas has ever had). The Goats fought hard, kept it 0-0 (with several spectacular saves from Dan Kennedy), but the Galaxy scored, the flood gates open, and all is lost.
All of MLS is waiting to see who purchases Chivas TBD and what they do with them. As much as I love beating up a cross town rival, it’s gotten stale. Hopefully the rebrand brings new life into a rivalry that did have some excitement to it in its earlier years.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on twitter @LWOSMattPollard. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at sports injury alert.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for? GO!
Main Photo:
