United-Galaxy Preview

By foxsports
Published

The Los Angeles Galaxy are searching for answers following a pair of losses, including one to open their MLS title defense.

They'll try to begin finding some as they look to extend their unbeaten streak against visiting D.C. United on Sunday.

Los Angeles appeared poised to get its MLS season started with a win when Edson Buddle gave his team a lead in the 71st minute against Real Salt Lake last weekend. Los Angeles, though, gave up an own goal two minutes later and went on to lose 3-1.

The Galaxy (0-1-0) had a chance to bounce back Wednesday by winning the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series, but fell 2-1 at home to Toronto FC and dropped the two-game set by a 4-3 margin.

"Something is obviously missing right now," midfielder David Beckham said. "It's not individuals. It's us as a team."

Los Angeles is missing one key member from its title-winning team, Omar Gonzalez. The reigning MLS defender of the year is recovering from surgery for a torn left ACL, and the Galaxy are using rookie Tommy Meyer, the No. 19 pick in January's SuperDraft, in the middle of their defense.

"It's only one player different from last year," midfielder Landon Donovan said. "But it's a central part of our team."

Another defender, Leonardo, is also recovering from knee surgery, leaving the short-handed Galaxy to try and overcome those absences as they look to extend their 3-0-4 run against D.C. (0-1-0).

Los Angeles hasn't lost in the series since June 29, 2008, and has gone 2-0-4 in the last six home meetings and 5-1-5 in the past 11.

United are coming off a 1-0 home defeat to Sporting Kansas City in which they allowed the lone goal in stoppage time. D.C. was outshot 17-7 during last weekend's match and had one shot on goal.

"The main thing for us is to match (the Galaxy's) intensity," midfielder Dwayne De Rosario told the team's website. "We can't approach the game like we did against Kansas City, sitting back too much."

United earned five road wins in 2011, one more than at home, but played to a scoreless draw during their visit to Los Angeles on June 3. D.C. scored on a late penalty kick to forge a 1-all tie April 9 in the teams' matchup in Washington.

Mike Magee scored for Los Angeles in that game.