Real Salt Lake and the Chicago Fire played to a 0-0 draw Wednesday in a mid-week Major League Soccer matchup.

While they will take the point on the road, for Real Salt Lake, the story of this match was not the final score but a injury that took forward Fabian Espindola out of the game.

Early in the match, Espindola went down and was not able to continue. This added to the problems for head coach Jason Kreis, who was already short on strikers.

Jean Alexandre, who had filled in while usual forwards Arturo Alvarez and Alvaro Saborio were away from the team playing in the Gold Cup, was suspended for this match due to a reckless tackle last Saturday against D.C. United.

Following the injury, young rookie Luis Gil entered the match and played well up top. He was matched with fellow rookie Artur Aghasyan, who started at forward.

Gil continued playing well and had a couple of good scoring opportunities.

For Chicago, the man of the match was goalkeeper Sean Johnson who turned back the best scoring chance of the night on a crossed ball to the feet of Real Salt Lake mid-fielder Collen Warner.

Surprised by the pass that made it through the defense in the box, Warner turned to strike the ball and sent a high shot on frame. Johnson left his feet and stretched out to push the ball out of bounds.

The two teams played back and forth, and each had a good chance late in the second half, but each defense held and no goals were scored.

For Real Salt Lake, this was the third draw in a row. They next play on Saturday against Toronto FC at home in Utah.

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Several weeks ago, I asked Los Angeles Blues manager Charlie Naimo about the possibility of facing Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.

"Quite honestly, it would be a great opportunity for our club to draw some attention; that there is another great soccer team in LA besides the Galaxy and Chivas," Naimo said in the interview. "I hope it's an opportunity for us to draw some fans, and to teach people that we exist.

"Competitively, it's also an awesome opportunity to be able to play a level up. And just like it's a great opportunity for an amateur team to play us in the Open Cup, it's the same way when we get to play them, or just like when an MLS team gets to play Real Madrid."

Guess what, Charlie? Your chance has finally arrived.

The LA Blues of USL PRO and the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer meet for a spot in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, June 28 at Titan Stadium on the campus of California State University, Fullerton.

The Blues made it to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Hollywood United Hitmen in the first round On June 14 and a 1-0 victory over the Ventura County Fusion in the second round on June 21.

As for the Galaxy, they received a bye all the way to the third round based on their regular season finish. The Galaxy are the defending MLS Supporters Shield Champions and are currently 9-2-7 (34 points), easily the best overall record in the league.

For the G's, Landon Donovan and David Beckham may not be available for next Tuesday's tilt, as Donovan is expected to recover from a long CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign and Beckham has nagging back issues.

In the 2011 MLS season, Donovan leads the team in goals with eight, while Beckham leads in assists with seven.

This means that other players will need to step up their game. Chad Barrett has four goals this season, while Juan Pablo Angel and Juninho each have three to their credit. Other key providers for the Galaxy include Miguel Lopez and Todd Dunivant, who both have three assists along with Barrett.

In the end, what could be the determining factor on Tuesday is who Arena chooses to start on the field.

Does he start the reserve side, who earned their first victory in Reserve League play this week? (More on that in the Ins and Outs) Does he bring out the first team to secure what could be a chance at payback against the Seattle Sounders? Or does he bring in a blend of fresh legs from the starters combined with the key contributors on the reserves from the victory over Vancouver?

Historically, Arena's Galaxy sides have de-emphasized the U.S. Open Cup campaigns in favor of the Supporters Shield races, the MLS Cup Playoffs and the CONCACAF Champions League. Whoever Arena decides to send out there could significantly determine the outcome of this contest.

If the LA Galaxy decide to give their reserves a shot, it may open the door to a surprise result from the LA Blues, who are currently 5-2-2 (17 points), good enough for second place in the USL PRO National Division, and who have plenty of games in hand over their opponents.

Players that the Galaxy may want to keep an eye out for are Argentine international Walter Gaitan, Antiguan striker Peter Byers and Chivas USA loanee Chukwudi Chijindu.

Gaitan and Byers have four goals to their credit this season in USL PRO. Byers is a recent addition to the side, having formerly played for Antigua Barracuda FC. Gaitain has also recorded three assists. Chijindu has recorded seven points this season and is tied for 14th overall in the league.


Prediction

Regardless of who Arena decided to send out, the talent and depth of Major League Soccer's best team is going to be a very tough ask for the Blues. Sorry, Charlie, but this is where the Galaxy take it from here in flying the flag for the Southland in the U.S. Open Cup. Let's try this scoreline...


Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Los Angeles Blues 0

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET. A live blog of the match can be seen on Bleacher Report.


Ins and Outs

And speaking of reserves...

Finally! Curt Onalfo's Los Angeles Galaxy Reserves win a game. For once.

On Monday, the Galaxy Reserves defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1. Paolo Cardozo played a key role in the win, assisting on goals to Gregg Berhalter in the 27th minute and Adam Cristman in the 73rd minute of play. With the win, the Galaxy Reserves improve to 1-4-0.

The Galaxy Reserves will get another crack at the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday, July 5.

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When Chelsea signed Fernando Torres from Liverpool for an English record transfer fee, Didier Drogba had to see something was changing.

When he and the Spaniard couldn't link up on the field and Drogba was benched in favor of the new player, he had to begin to wonder about his future.

And when head man Carlo Ancelotti was sacked and rumors about making the team younger began to swirl, he had to recognize that his time at Stamford Bridge may be coming to an end.

Summer transfer rumors mimic New England weather: If you don't like it, wait five minutes. But in the case of Didier Drogba, the reports have consistently suggested the Ivorian will be moving away from the West London club.

There have been links to other EPL clubs such as Tottenham or Manchester City. But the Chelsea front office have nixed all claims that they are willing to sell him to an EPL opponent. Smart decision, considering Drogba only trails Manchester United's Wayne Rooney in most goals scored in the league since joining in 2004.

Other more probable links are to the Italian giants AC Milan and Spanish side Malaga. Both have expressed interest, are not in direct contention with Chelsea, and have the monetary funds to back it up.

But are those the only options? What does Drogba want himself?

Back in April, it was first reported by two sources in the U.S. that Drogba's people had contacted representatives of the MLS to discuss a possible future for him in the league. This news was of course all hear-say and has not been brought up since.

But with his departure from Chelsea seeming more and more likely, perhaps it is time to revisit the idea.

What he would do on the Field

Many saw Drogba's 2010-11 season as one of the worst of his career. His goal scoring was down, his injuries were frequent, and was he beginning to show signs of aging.

But when he was healthy and wanted to play, he played. Perhaps the stats don't quite support the truth, but Drogba was a constant presence on the pitch. In key games against rival clubs such as Man U and Man City, the striker terrorized the back lines, attracting defenders to him and opening up space for his teammates.

In the second leg of Chelsea's quarterfinal draw against Man U in the Champions League, Drogba was subbed in at half. Once on the field, he made the world-class left back, Patrice Evra, and the 2011 EPL player of the year, defender Nemanja Vidic, look foolish as he split the two and scored a great goal to give Chelsea life.

If he does this against two of the best defenders in the world, what will he do against kids just out of college?

The difference between Drogba and other stars in the MLS is that he is such an all-around player. Beckham needs someone to give the ball to. Henry needs someone to get the ball to him. Both are reliant on others to show their talent. But in the case of Drogba, he knows how to do it on his own.

His size, strength, and skill have made him one of the best strikers in the world. It is a combination that does not come around very often. He is great with his feet and in the air. He is as fast as the fastest forward and stronger than most defenders.

Whatever team he decides to go to will see instant success, as the game plan will be to get him the ball and let him play.

What he would mean to the League

In 2007, the MLS set up the "Designated Player Rule." This was designed to allow teams to bring in marquee players without going over the salary cap. The rule helped bring David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Rafael Marquez, and more to league. In turn, it helped to spur the sport to new heights in the country.

But the impact on the game was not as wide as fans and experts had hoped. As I already alluded to, these players were only shadows of what they had been in Europe. Not to diminish their talent, but they are much more conventional players who require a team around them to showcase their abilities.

If Drogba were to come to the MLS, he would (more than likely) fall under this designated player rule. But unlike the others, his success would be much more tangible and appeal to a wider audience.

Henry times his runs as well as any player in the world. Beckham has an eye for the field that is nearly unmatched. But these are only appreciated by those who understand the game. The casual fans, those that the game are trying to attract, will not immediately recognize this.

But it does not take a lifetime of studying the art of soccer to appreciate someone who can trap a ball on their chest, spin a defender on their back and outrun another to score a goal. These are the things Drogba has consistently done to make him great.

If the Ivorian were to come to the league, he would attract a whole new kind of audience. One that is more inclined to the NBA, MLB, and NFL doctrine that puts emphasis on individual talent, strength and creativity within a team game.

What he would mean to American Soccer

Drogba's influence on the game in America may help raise interest in the sport. But this is not guaranteed. However, it is safe to say that he could increase the level of competition by what his presence here in the states will do outside the lines.

In 2010, Drogba was named to Time magazine's 100 most influential people list for his charity work in his native Ivory Coast. He has donated millions, done community work, and even helped put an end to their civil war by just asking them to stop. To his country, and most of Africa, he has become a pillar of hope, in the same vein as Nelson Mandela.

If he were to come to the U.S., it would be covered and followed by millions of Africans. From a humanitarian stance, it would open awareness about the plights of Africans in America and hopefully help influence change over there.

From a soccer stance, it could provide a new avenue for African players to break into the international game and new recruiting grounds for MLS clubs.

As it stands now, a huge majority of non-American players in the MLS come from Central and South America. But the talent in Africa is equally, if not more available.

Right now most Africans go to France to begin their international careers. But the French league is a top league, and many prospects are let go because they cannot hang with the best in Europe. This does not mean they are bad players, but simply not yet at the best level possible.

The MLS would be an ideal place for these kinds of individuals to come and grow as players. They can showcase their talents without constant scrutiny and worry of being dumped at any moment.

By bringing in a new style of play, American players will expand their resume of opponents. The raw talent of speed and strength that many African stars play with is something that U.S. players often have trouble defending.

A good example would be last year's World Cup, where Ghanaian forwards twice simply out-muscled and outpaced U.S. defenders. If they were to see that style more often, they would play better against it.

The U.S. could also consider adopting the style as well.

The U.S. doesn't have the discipline to play defensively like the Italians. We don't have the quality to play controlled like the English. And we don't have the chemistry to knock the ball around like the Spanish. What we do have is some of the best athletes in the world. Men and women who run faster, jump higher, and are stronger than any others on the planet.

It would make more sense to utilize those qualities and apply them to our youth to create our own unique approach to the game.

Drogba may or may never join the MLS. But if he were, it could perhaps be the biggest thing to ever happen to American soccer.

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Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy travel to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado for an important match with Gary Smith’s Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer play.

Depending on how the USA vs. Jamaica encounter in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals pans out on Sunday, this will be the last match the Galaxy will have without either their starting goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts, or their top scorer, team captain Landon Donovan.

The Los Angeles Galaxy are currently 8-2-7 (31 points) and are currently the team at the top of the MLS overall table, though second-place FC Dallas has two games in hand. As for the Colorado Rapids, led by Jamie Smith, they are 5-3-7 (22 points) and are fourth in the MLS Western Conference.

Keep it here on Bleacher Report for continuing coverage of the 2011 Major League Soccer season, as the race to MLS Cup 2011 continues in earnest.

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Welcome back, Todd Dunivant

Colorado Rush Hall of Fame inductee Todd Dunivant returns to his old stomping grounds as Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy take on the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City Colorado.

“It was a special night for me,” Dunivant said of his induction to MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “You go back and you don’t know exactly how those kinds of things go but they did a real good job.

“It was a really neat. It was tough to hold back the emotions and then showing the video and having my family there, it was a special night.”

Coping with the altitude will be important for Dunivant.

“I used to be tougher but now when I go back, I feel it like everyone else,” Dunivant said. “Growing up I thought it was a myth but I was always used to it but going out of it and then going back to Colorado, man, it hits you like a ton of bricks. You do notice it.”


Omar Gonzalez starts to wonder

As for defender Omar Gonzalez, he wondered if the USA could have used his services after all, seeing that they would be limping to the knockout stages of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“I understand. He wanted to bring some veteran players and he brought some young guys as well,” Gonzalez told Bueno. “For me, I didn’t make it. Fine. I’ve got to play well with my club team, the Galaxy, and keep on performing here.”

“Life goes on. He has to keep proving himself,” teammate and former USA men's national team defender Gregg Berhalter said. “It’s a situation where he knows he’s making progress but it wasn’t enough right now. He’s confident in his ability that he knows he’s going to get there. We’re all confident in him as well.

“Things go quickly, especially with the national team. You go in there, play a good game and then all of the sudden you are a national team player. Anything can happen.”

The loss is the Galaxy's gain, as LA still maintain the league's best overall record.

“I’ve been going into each game with a certain confidence and I think I’ve done better with leading the team and just being really confident back there and composed,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve done better with the ball passing out of the back and I think everything is going great right now.”

The young defender from the University of Maryland is hopeful that he will be chosen during the 2014 World Cup qualification cycle.

“There are still three years left,” Gonzalez said. “It didn’t happen this time around but it doesn’t really matter. You just have to worry about improving every single day, and next time I can’t give him a reason to say no to me.”


Frustration with form

Make no mistake about it; the Los Angeles Galaxy are sick and tired with their recent form as they take on the Rapids on the road.

“We are upset because of the result [on Saturday], because the team did not play as we should have.” forward Juan Pablo Ángel told Bueno. “But we have to fix it. We have some tough games coming up and we have to start winning again.”

 On paper, D.C. United and Toronto FC were winnable matches. But a lack of production followed by a lack of defending consigned them to two out of a possible six points.

“These were two home games – DC and Toronto – that on paper we should win, but those are always the toughest games,” Dunivant said. “They’re coming in with nothing to lose. They’re going to defend and fight and play for 90 minutes, which ... both teams did.”

“That’s what teams do when they come here and when they play us. Their energy picks up a level from they have the rest of the season,” midfielder David Beckham noted. “We’ve got to expect that and we’ve got to be more mature in the way we play and the way we finish our games.”

“We’ve just got to sharpen some things up,” LA Galaxy defender Sean Franklin said. “We’ve talked about the whole year that that’s probably one of the last things we need, that final third of good touches, smart passes. If we clean it up, we’ll be fine the rest of the season.”

Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall was quick to note of their unbeaten streak still being intact.

“Overall, we’re still unbeaten in eight,” Birchall said. “We’ll try and take it on and get our confidence back next week.”

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New York, NY—One fantastic thing about living in New York City is that you can visit the world. All you need is a Metrocard and a bus or subway map, and you're off.  

With the Cosmos Copa NYC 2011 kicking off this Saturday, June 18th at the Parade Grounds in Brooklyn, I've made it a point to learn about as many of the Cosmos Copa Teams as I can.

As well as learning about the teams themselves, I wanted to hear recommendations as for good places to eat, grab a drink, and snack.

Cosmos Copa Team Japan will return to NYC's World Cup when they face Colombia on Saturday at the Parade Grounds. Their match will take place at 4 PM at Field 8. A victory would guarantee that Japan will continue their quest of winning the Cosmos Copa NYC 2011.

I've only once seen Team Japan play, and this came against the defending Cosmos Copa Champions Poland. I found them to be a very entertaining team who moved the ball well. In addition, the team is not afraid to attack the net, and has a fantastic defense.

Ironically enough, while I've only seen Team Japan play once, I've seen their Team President/Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi on a regular basis. Along with his responsibilities overseeing Team Japan, he volunteers his time as an official for the friendlies that were held on Friday nights at FDR Drive and East 6th. As a Jack of all Trades, Kenichi also operated the lights for the evening matches.

From my conversations with Kenichi, I am more than confident that his team is prepared for another run at hoisting the Cosmos Copa Cup.

 Here is Cosmos Copa Team Japan's profile in their own words:

Team Name: Team Japan

Team Nickname: Blue Samurai

Player to watch and why: Please watch our team, not any particular player

Type of Soccer Formation: Balanced style between attacking and defending

Community team is based from: 9 existing Japanese teams & some college teams. Please go to www.team-japan-nyc-soccer.org for more info.

Best sports bar in your Community: Katsu-Hama

Best place to go for a meal in your Community: East Village or Midtown East, Manhattan; there are many to choose from

Best spot for Dessert: Tackahachi Bakery

Best Alcoholic Beverage from your Country: Miyanoyuki (Japanese Sake)

Thank you, Team Japan! I wish the best of luck this Saturday!

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He also writes for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com ; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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New York, NY—One thing fantastic about living in New York City is that you can visit the world. All you need is a Metrocard and a bus/subway map, and you're off.  

With the Cosmos Copa NYC 2011 kicking off this weekend on Saturday, June 18th at the Parade Grounds in Brooklyn, I've made it a point to learn about as many of the Cosmos Copa Teams as I can.

Along with learning about the team itself, I wanted for the team to make a recommendation of where's a good place to eat and grab a drink.

Cosmos Copa Team Croatia will make their debut when they face Sweden on Saturday at the Parade Grounds. Their match will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Field 11. A victory guarantees Croatia will continue their quest of winning the Cosmos Copa NYC 2011.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to observe NYC Croatia practice. Basically, I shadowed Team President Tommy Radalj who taught me the ins and outs of running a Cosmos Copa Team. Very insightful and tons of responsibility and communication with so many different parties.

Now to the team itself. I believe in any competition, there's always an intimate moment between both combatants/opponents. There's that eye contact, and you're able to tell if that individual you're starring across has the guts to continue. I made a lot of eye contact with the players and I'm telling you right...Team Croatia is a team that will not quit.

Bottom line is this: any team that foolishly underestimates them will lose. Team Croatia has a beautiful passing game... 2-3 touch pass. Their players look like they have no reservation of being physical with their opponents.

Along with their tactics, the players appear in sync. Much like Professor X or Aquaman, they don't have to vocally communicate with each other.

One thing I observed with this team (that's very difficult to teach) is that they can adapt and improvise on any game-like situation that's presented. Really amazing and I look forward to seeing them in competition!

Here's Cosmos Copa Team Croatia's profile in their own words:

Team Name: NYC Croatia

Team Nickname: Vatreni (translates to the fiery, blazing, burning passion in our hearts)

Players to watch: Tommy & Kris Bistre, Dynamic Brother Combination

Type of Soccer Formation: 4-4-2

Community team is based from: Proud to be from every borough as well as CT & NJ, although we are primarily based in Astoria, Queens.

Best sports bar in your Community: Café Bar Scorpio

Best place to go for a meal in your Community: Veslo

Best Alcoholic Beverage from your Country: Karlovacko

To follow NYC Croatia, please go to their facebook page: Croatia Cosmos Copa

Thank you, NYC Croatia, and I wish the best of luck this Saturday!

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He also writes for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com ; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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While soccer is a game of strategy, it is also a game of passion—passion is a soccer player's best friend and worst enemy. It can motivate us to realize our dreams, but it can also become our worst nightmare.

Even though it may temporarily blind one's judgement and emotions, passion always leaves the window open for adaptability and redemption. That's the beautiful thing about passion.

And with the return of New York City's World Cup, this year's Cosmos Copa NYC 2011 will be full of passion.

If last year's finale between Poland and Jamaica, in which Poland was victorious after prevailing 5-3 in penalties, was a classic, imagine how competitive this year's tournament may be.

The event, an amateur-adult soccer tournament founded in 2009 by Spencer Dormitzer and Chris Noble and formerly recognized as "Copa NYC," will this year feature 30 New York-based teams, 29 winners, and one champion, each representing their countries in their quests to hoist the Cosmos Cup. The winning team will be declared the "Cosmos Copa City Champion," heroes whose ethnic community can be proud.

Even though only one team will be declared champion, all 30 teams will have plenty to be proud of because their participation helps build the tradition of this marvelous tournament.

Along with passion, however, comes commitment.

On Wed., April 27, 2011, the defending-champion NYC Poland helped kick off this year's Cosmos Copa launch reception at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York.

It was at this event where representatives of this year's participating teams made a commitment not only to compete, but also to represent their communities. 

That was the night in which I promised some of the teams that I would learn about the Cosmos Copa through their eyes.

So I contacted Dormitzer, Noble and the New York Cosmos and told them about my initiative. They were more than open to the idea and provided me the paperwork explaining the rules and process for becoming a team.

Introductions were made after that, leading me to spend many Friday Nights and a few Saturdays and Sundays watching plenty of soccer.

So what did I learn?

I learned that whether you're the president, a manager, a coach or a player, you're making a sacrifice to be part of the team.

While the tournament maybe diverse, the DNA structure of each team is fascinatingly similar.

If you remove the team names, you have individuals who are "nine-to-fivers," college students, sons, daughters, parents, husbands and wives who come together from various locations within the tri-state area to become the best teams for their communities.

In layman's terms, they're you and I.

Not only are they passionate about soccer, but they've also made the commitment to make time for their countries and teams.

While the professional leagues are entertaining to watch, the real passion comes from the average person.

If you've ever volunteered to coach a team, you know it's not an easy position. From taking the time to contact players to submitting team applications while maintaining constant communication with players, team administration, and the Cosmos Copa organizers, it's a position that requires many hours and a lot of coffee.

The same could be said for the players who are not only committing to their Cosmos Copa teams. Some are currently competing in their respective leagues while working full-time jobs or attending college—and in the case of some, both.

With the tournament kicking off this weekend, twenty-two teams will be competing for the final eight spots.

The action begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sat., June 18 at the Parade Grounds in Brooklyn, NY and will conclude the next day at the College of Staten Island.

The final eight teams from this weekend's Cosmos Copa action will face the eight teams that have already qualified from July 9-24 at the Corona Park Fields in Flushing Meadows, Queens. 

Before the action this weekend arrives, I want to take a moment to thank all 30 Cosmos Copa teams for allowing me to learn about their dedication and the sacrifices that they've made. I also want to thank Spencer and Chris of the Cosmos Copa and the New York Cosmos organization for granting me permission to embark on this journey.

I especially want to thank the Borough Boys, 5 Points Press and Chris Dobens of TotalFootBlog.com because the enthusiasm and dedication they've already demonstrated for this special project that we're working on is going to be a sure winner.

So if you're in New York City or you plan to visit...please make an effort to support the Cosmos Copa NYC 2011 because this one will be a classic.

To find out if your Country is being represented, please go to www.cosmoscopa.com. You may also follow the latest Cosmos Copa news on Twitter at @CosmosCopa and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cosmoscopa.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He also writes for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.

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Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy are in search of their first victory for the month of June. After leaving four points at the table at home against D.C. United and Toronto FC, the G's get their next crack at three on the road against the COlorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, June 18.

Currently, LA are 8-2-7 (31 points), good for the best record overall in Major League Soccer.

The play of midfielder Miguel Lopez has been a highlight for what has been an average month for the club after Landon Donovan and Donovan Ricketts had CONCACAF Gold Cup obligations to meet.

“They’ve been two players who have been playing week in and week out when they’re fit and when they’re here,” midfielder Chris Birchall told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “It’s hard for players to come in really because they know even if they play well they’re going to be out when they come back.”

The issue now for the next two matches is what formation Arena and company will utilize to get a winning result.

“We’ve got a squad where different players can play different formations and we’re still probably trying to find out what’s our best formation,” Birchall added.

“We were getting in each other’s way in times and obviously it’s the first time we played it so that was going to happen,” Galaxy midfielder David Beckham said. “Sometimes that happens. It happened a little too much for our liking in the first half.”

Colorado  are 5-3-7 (22 points) and are fourth in the MLS Western Conference standings. They have a balanced scoring scoring attack, led by Jamie Smith and Jeff Larentowicz. Smith and Larentowicz both have three goals to their credit. Other top scorers include Caleb Folan, Conor Casey and Drew Moor, all with two goals this season.

Folan and Pablo Mastroeni are Colorado's main providers, with two assists so far this year.

Defensively, the play of Moor, Kosuke Kimura, Anthony Wallace and Marvell Wynne will be key to the Rapids replicating their success from last year: a 3-1 victory over the Galaxy at the Home Depot Center on October 16, 2010.

Goalkeeper Matt Pickens has had a decent campaign, witha 5-3-7 record, a 70.2 percent save percentage,  0.93 goals against average and 33 saves.

His counterpart, the Galaxy's Josh Saunders, has also had an average year, with a 2-1-3 record, a 1.33 GAA, a 70.8 percent save percentage and 17 saves recorded.

Juan Pablo Angel and Chad Barrett have recorded three goals this season and will be relied on to finish the deliveries from David Beckham, who has seven assists this season.

Juninho has returned from family obligations in his native Brazil and will provide some muscle in the midfield to complement Michael Stephens, Chris Birchall and Miguel Lopez.

The backline of Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza and Todd Dunivant have been infamous for dropping points late and must stay alert for the entirety of this contest, especially in the front of one of the toughest crowds in the league: that of the defending MLS Cup champions.


Preview

Los Angeles might find this to be a tough ask. They haven't dropped a lot of games this year, but their third loss of the season may take place in Commerce City.

Colorado Rapids 2, Los Angeles Galaxy 1

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET and will be televised by Fox Sports West on tape delay at 8:00 p.m. PT/11:00 p.m. ET.


Ins and Outs

Chicken Thief No. 4: Alan Gordon

No question who the culprit behind the stolen poultry was this week. Former Galaxy standout Alan Gordon completed the heist in the 68th minute and followed it up with a brace in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time.

Hey Gordo, where the heck has this been when you were with us? Care to explain?


More Reserve League Plight...

The Seattle Sounders' Sammy Ochoa kept the Galaxy winless with a goal in the 82nd minute as LA fell 1-0 at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington on Monday.

There is a good possibility that this team could finish winless. Stay tuned...

The Galaxy Reserves will next take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at the Home Depot Center Track on Monday, June 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET.


Youth Academy Update

On June 4, the Los Angeles Galaxy Youth Academy took on Nomads SC and the San Diego Surf. The Under-18s lost to Nomads 3-2. Riley Wolfe scored in the 64th minute and Neil Ignacio scored in the 62nd minute of play.

Both the Under-16s and Under-18s had mixed results against the San Diego Surf on June 5. The Under-16s defeated the Surf 1-0 thanks to a 63rd minute goal by Drew Murphy. The Under-18s drew 2-2 with the Surf thanks to goals from Matt Mardesich in the 41st minute and Ignacio in the 59th minute.

The Galaxy Academy wrapped up their 2010-11 season with a couple of road matches.

On Saturday, the Young G's took on Real So Cal at Calabasas High School in Calabasas, California. The Under-16s defeated Real So Cal 3-2. Justin Dhillon scored a brace in the 13th and 49th minutes, while Drew Murphy added a third in the 26th minute of play.

The Under-18s also defeated Real So Cal 2-0. Juan Mendoza scored in the 36th minute of play, while Angel Ayala made it 2-0 in the 87th minute of play.

Both sides, however, could not get the job done against the New York Cosmos Academy West. The Under-16s lost 3-2. Dhillon scored a goal in the 56th minute, while William Raygoza scored in the 50th minute of play.

The Under-18s ended what has been a very disappointing campaign with a whimper in the form of a 1-1 draw with the Cosmos. Mark Vasquez scored in the 51st minute for LA.

The Under-16s will now advance to the US Soccer Development Academy Playoffs at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. The action will begin on Friday, June 24.

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Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz proved once again why he is one of the best front office men in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Not content with his clubs first place standing atop the leagues Eastern Conference table, Sakiewicz today signed Serbian striker/attacking midfielder Veljko Paunovic.

Paunovic, who last played for Partizan FK of the Serbian Super Liga, spent a majority of his professional career playing for seven different clubs in Spain’s La Liga where he scored 70 goals in 297 matches.

Not quite sure what the 32 year old still has in his tank, but his experience and leadership can’t hurt, especially for a team in search of more goal scoring.  Let’s face it, a few more goals here and there this season and Philadelphia could have a comfortable lead over NY Red Bull atop the conference Table. So far this season, the Union has scored just one goal in seven games and been on the losing end of a clean sheet three times.

Defensively Philadelphia has been solid, allowing a conference low 11 goals, second only to Real Salt Lake who leads the league with only seven goals allowed.

It will be interesting to see where Union Coach Peter Nowak plays Paunovic; Forward or attacking mid-fielder?  Either way, Veljko  who has been on trial with the Union reserve, will be eligible to play for the Union when the club visits Vancouver June 18.

Player Info:

Name: Veljko Paunovic

Position: Forward

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 165

Born: August 21, 1977

Birthplace: Strumica, Macedonia

Citizenship: Serbian/Spanish

Last Club: Partizan FK – Serbia

Pronunciation: VEL-ko paoo-NO-vic

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