In some ways, this is a bad time for D.C. United to be facing the LA Galaxy. After a horrific start, the Galaxy have sorted some things out in terms of tactics, while Curt Onalfo asserted his leadership by surprisingly winning a conflict with defender Jelle Van Damme without alienating one of his key players. Giovani Dos Santos and Romain Alessandrini are providing plenty of firepower, and the Galaxy have won three straight (all away from home).
However, a rash of injuries in defensive positions have left LA vulnerable at the back.