The Los Angeles Galaxy are back in D.C. with their 2014 MLS Cup title in tow. But they’re missing some key figures against a Black-and-Red side that is determined to extend its run of dominance at RFK Stadium. Here are the basics for tomorrow's matchup:
- A pair of undefeated streaks are at stake. D.C. United hasn’t lost at RFK Stadium in 12 straight matches (11-0-1) in all competitions, including eight in a row in regular season play. The Black-and-Red also haven’t beaten the Galaxy in 10 matches, a streak that dates to 2008.
- Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena is a mentor to D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen – their relationship dates back more than two decades. But there’s no charity on the field. In his seventh attempt, Olsen is looking for his first win against Arena.
- The Galaxy will be without two key attackers, Robbie Keane (two goals) and Gyasi Zardes (one goal), who are with the Irish and U.S. national teams, respectively. Veteran forwards Edson Buddle and Alan Gordon – who scored the first goal in L.A.’s 4-1 win over D.C. at StubHub Center - both promise to figure significantly in the match and will test a D.C. United defense determined to bounce back after surrendering a pair of goals to the New York Red Bulls.
- D.C. United rookie Miguel Aguilar is eligible again after missing the New York match due to work permit issues. “Miguel Aguilar is available to re-join his teammates immediately,” D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper said Friday morning. “We thank Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Congressman Don Beyer for cutting through the red tape."
- There are four former University of Maryland stars between the two teams, all of who play on the backline for their respective sides: D.C. United’s Taylor Kemp, and the Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza and Robbie Rogers.
REFEREE: Ismail Elfath. AR1 (bench): Ian Anderson; AR2 (opposite): Danny Thornberry; 4th: Mark Kadlecik
MLS Career: 42 games; FC/gm: 25.7; Y/gm: 3.2; R: 12; pens: 12
SUSPENDED: DC: Fabian Espindola (through April 18)
DISABLED LIST: none
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: LA: Gyasi Zardes (USA; vs DEN 3/25, vs SUI 3/31); Robbie Keane (IRL; vs POL 3/29; Jaime Penedo (PAN; vs TRI 3/27, vs CRC 3/31); Oscar Sorto (U.S. U-23); Bradford Jamieson IV (U.S. U-20)
HEAD-TO-HEAD
- ALL-TIME (41 meetings): United 13 wins (1 shootout), 52 goals … Galaxy 19 wins (0 shootout), 67 goals … Ties 9
- AT RFK (21 meetings): United 8 wins (0 shootout), 33 goals … Galaxy 9 wins (0 shootout), 36 goals … Ties 4
LAST YEAR (MLS)
- 8/27: LA 4, DC 1 (Gordon 2; Gonzalez 25; Husidic 46+; Donovan 75 – own goal 58)
- This is the only league meeting between the teams this season.
- The Galaxy have a 10-game undefeated streak alive vs. United, dating back to 2008. The Galaxy have won five of the matches since, with five draws.
- The Galaxy won the lone meeting between the teams last year, a 4-1 win Aug. 27 at StubHub Center, extending their home undefeated streak vs. United to nine years and eight matches.
- United have not defeated the Galaxy at RFK Stadium since 2008. The Galaxy have won one of the four meetings in Washington since, with three draws.
- Coaches record: Ben Olsen vs. NY: P6 W0 L3 D3 … Bruce Arena vs. DC: P15 W6 L3 D6
