They meet the Colorado Rapids today in a do or die match today. Without Landon Donovan and David Beckham the prospects look bleak. Even if Becks was not away on international duty, he would not have played this match having been suspended.
The Rapids are in strong contention for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their attack is not exactly overwhelming, the exception being their first encounter against LA, a 4-0 blowout. Conor Casey their most potent striker is out with a suspension. Omar Cummings is out on international duty.
If the Rapids need to blunt Edson Buddle and Alan Gordon, they will turn to their back four, proven reliable during this season and ably marshaled by Pablo Mastroeni playing holding midfielder. The Galaxy also have problems dealing with crosses and forcing corners so I imagine Mastroeni and company indulging themselves. It will be crucial for the Rapids to blunt the Galaxy attack in the first half as they are not a comeback team. On the other hand when they score the first goal they are virtually unstoppable.