A massive test awaits Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy as they face off with the Columbus Crew on May 29 at Crew Stadium.

With a 8-0-2 record (26 points), the Galaxy possess the best record in Major League Soccer at the moment. However, they face an equally formidable opponent in Columbus, who are 6-0-2 (20 points) and have two in hand over Los Angeles.

The Columbus Crew are led by Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who has tallied four goals and assists apiece. He is supported by a cast of capable finishers in Andy Iro, Eddie Gaven, and Emilio Renteria, who have each scored twice this year.

Will Hesmer is a capable goalkeeper, having made 30 saves for a 0.75 goals against average. Defensively, Frankie Hejduk has been a workhorse for the Crew with his presence in the backline.

Outside of Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan, the Galaxy will have the bulk of their roster ready for this weekend's match. Defenders Todd Dunivant and Omar Gonzalez are the ironmen of the team, starting all 10 league matches played. Defender Gregg Berhalter is the glue behind one of MLS's stingiest back lines.

Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts has a 0.22 GAA and has made 26 saves so far this season.

Watch for Chris Birchall, Juninho, Michael Stephens and Mike Magee to play a key role in the Arena 4-4-2 Diamond formation. The wildcard this match will be Tristan Bowen.

If his goal against Boca Juniors on Sunday is an indicator of things to come, Heyduk, Andy Iro and Eric Brunner will have a tough time deciphering the Galaxy's playmaking ability with these five up front.

“It just shows our character,” defender Sean Franklin said on the friendly result. “Landon [Donovan] and Edson [Buddle] are special players, and they’re at where they’re at because they deserve to be with the national team. Even though they’re gone, our team is pulling together.

"Our offense is coming together, and our defense is doing well too, so as much as we wish we could have those guys on our team and to be with us. We also know that we still have a team without those guys, and we’re doing fine. When they come, they’re just going to help us out even more.”

Prediction

The momentum the Los Angeles Galaxy earned from their May 23 victory over Boca Juniors must be resonating in the hearts and minds of Bruce Arena's men. Schelotto should get on the score sheet here, but look for the young guns to play a key role against the Crew.

By the end of the weekend, there will be one team left standing with an unbeaten record. And it shouldn't surprise anybody.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT.

INS AND OUTS

These are the Champions!...Coming to Carson

On Monday, the Galaxy announced that they will be facing off against defending UEFA Champions League winners Internazionale Football Club Milano Spa, also known as Inter Milan for short. The match (which The View from Victoria Street predicts will be a sellout) will take place August 7 at 7:30 p.m. and presale tickets will go on sale Thursday.

“We have always said that it is our ambition to give our fans exciting games that further enhance the experience of being an LA Galaxy fan and bringing the champions of Europe to The Home Depot Center certainly fits that vision,” Galaxy President of Business Operations Tom Payne said. “This is the second consecutive season in which we have brought the Champions League winners to Southern California and just like last year, we are anticipating another unbelievable evening for our team and our fans.”

These names are coming to the Home Depot Center: Milito, Samuel, Julio Cesar, Lucio, Maicon, Eto'o, Muntari, Sneijder, Suazo, Stankovic, Materazzi, Toldo, Cambiasso and Zanetti.

Unbelievable indeed, as the 102-year-old organization, the Nerazzuri (Black and Blue) will send the team that won the crown, including some big prizes from the transfer derbies across the pond, to Victoria Street.

So...anyobdy care to make books on Diego Milito tallying a brace in that match, just like he did against Bayern Munic (assuming he returns next year)? Stay tuned. Watch for a full preview of this contest on The View and on Bleacher Report.

Youth Academy Update

The Galaxy Youth Academy U-16 and U-18 faced LAFC Chelsea last weekend at La Canada High School in La Canada Flintridge.

The U-16's were inept and were shut out 1-0. Not so for the U-18's. Down 2-0 at halftime, a Gyasi Zardes brace combined with a spot kick by Christian Alvarado gave the LA Galaxy U-18 a 3-2 win. Zardes's second goal came in second half stoppage time to give the U-18 G's their third win in the last four outings.

Next up for the Young G's is the U.S. Soccer Youth Development Academy showcase, scheduled for May 28-June 1, 2010.

The Galaxy U-18's take on CASL Chelsea FC Academy at 7:00 a.m. PT on May 28. On May 30, they clash with NJSA 04 at 9:00 p.m. PT and will wrap up play with an 8:00 a.m. PT match with St. Louis Scott Gallegher Metro on May 31.

As for the U-16's, they will face CASL Chelsea at 9:00 a.m. PT on May 28, NJSA 04 at 7:00 a.m. PT on May 30 and St. Louis Scott Gallegher Metro at 8:00 a.m. PT on May 31.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

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