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Galaxy on the Backend of a Double

Cropping can be funny. That's two Galaxy defenders, and they don't look tired.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Doug Pensinger - Getty Images

Cropping can be funny. That's two Galaxy defenders, and they don't look tired. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

We all remember the troubles that the Double caused Seattle. Injuries and fatigue caused an odd lineup, but one that performed fairly well for a half. The Galaxy are on the backend of their double for their trip to Seattle, but are expected to go with the fatigued but quite hot side.

To quote Sigi

When you're on a good run, you keep the lineup together. We expect them to play the players they did against Colorado

If the lineup does stay the same does that mean that Seattle has an advantage, and how will that effect the Galaxy in their next few matches?

Star-divide

I think the keys to watching the Los Angeles Double is that they were a mile high for the first part of the trip and are now down at sea level.  It would be worse for them if they had that the other way, but there should be a touch of fatigue.

Secondly is to note that they run an asymmetrical formation. Which ever side Donovan is on he plays much higher, and while their back four are generally flatter than Seattle's the right side with DeLaGarza tends to come up in attack more. It is also their younger side.

One could think that means that Seattle should target side with the older, slower players, but the intent this weekend will be to pressure the sophomore with a sophomore of their own. Part of this is because in the last 2 matches DeLaGarza has played 171 minutes, and part of it is because Steve Zakuani is on the left.

Last year's Rookie of the Year, Omar Gonzelez, has played 180 of the last 180 possible minutes, but let's not obsess about a kid in his lower 20s being tired, unless it is mental.

The Galaxy though have older guys scattered at other positions (Donovan, Buddle, Berhalter, Mathis, Klein), but Arena isn't playing the Galaxy based on their speed, but instead plays a team that is cohesive and knowledgeable about other runs. Even his formation is built around the age in a way, in that the forwards don't track back, and Donovan can be as active as he wants, almost like wide playing GBS.

The fresthest of their key players is probably "the other Juninho." Who has come off in the 62nd minute. He's in ways like a deep lying play-maker but one who has a bit of dribbling skills as well. The fact that he has only 124 minutes in those past two matches may mean we see much more play from him.

In short, the Sounders can't count on tired legs and injuries to save them in this match. They are just going to have to play better than the Galaxy.

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Sounder at Heart is a blog about the Seattle Sounders FC, with occasional forays into Democracy in Sports, Roster Management, Soccer Statistics and Life in Puget Sound.
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