This Sunday the first match of the Western Conference Championship will take place in Los Angeles. The match will pit the two best teams in the Western Conference as it will be the LA Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders. The teams met three times in the regular season, with each team winning once and the drawing for the other game. The two sides are evenly matched. Both sides boast some great players, some of which made their names known at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Let’s look at some of LA's players. LA has three main attackers; Robbie Keane,
Gyasi Zardes, and Landon Donovan. Keane is a well-respected footballer. He is LA's Captain, as well as Captain of the Republic of Ireland National Football Team. Keane is a great striker, always posing a threat.
There is the youngster Zardes. Zardes has only been playing with the Galaxy for two seasons now, but he is growing quickly. He has proven himself useful to the Galaxy, and even broke the all-time single season scoring record for a homegrown player this September. Zardes has room to grow, and will advance his importance on the team while enhancing his skill.
Finally we have Landon Donovan. The man who some may even consider the "Poster Boy of US Soccer." Donovan has a host of awards and records to his name, one of which is the MLS All-Time Leading Scorer record he broke this season. Now Donovan can act in two ways for the Galaxy. He can be a heavy offense, taking plenty of shots on goal. Or he can be the man setting up the plays, only attacking when he needs to. Whichever Landon we see on Sunday is sure to play a great game either way.
Seattle's attack is much different. The team's two main strikers are Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins. Apart, both men play amazing games. But put them together and they become out right dangerous. Their creative duo plays have caused trouble for opponents all season. After a while defenses began attempting to contain the pair and stopping their ball movement.
But these two aren't their only attackers. Their midfield is capable of attacking as well. Midfielder Lamar Neagle has proven several times this season that he can score from outside the 18. The defense gets caught up in stopping Martins and Dempsey, which leaves little pockets of space for Neagle to just whip shots at goal. It doesn't matter if you give him that pocket right in front of the goal or 27 feet away, Neagle will still take the shot and score.
Keys To Victory
Seattle - Utilize their talent and make sure Dempsey and Martins are in sync with each other. A few times this season they were not and it cost the team some games. Be sure to tie up Donovan in the midfield. If he's there he won't be able to shoot or assist the other strikers as well. Keep a player like DeAndre Yedlin or Brad Evans watching Donovan at all times.
LA - Keep an eye on Dempsey and Martins, but don't leave any margin for error, especially when you could have Neagle lurking around the 18 just waiting for that open space. Just be aware of your surroundings. Know that the midfield may be ready to strike at a moment’s notice.
It is sure to be an exciting match, and will contain many exciting moments.