Behind enemy lines: Scouting LA Galaxy

The Claret and Cobalt will travel to Carson, California this weekend to face the star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy. Although the Galaxy contain the most world renowned squad in the league, they are currently in the middle of the table. Los Angeles are still building chemistry, but are looking dangerous of late after throttling Houston 4-1 last Friday.

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Goalkeeper

Among one of the lesser-known players on this Galaxy team is goalkeeper Brian Rowe. The UCLA product hasn't had much appearances with the Galaxy despite having been there for four years. Rowe will look to capitalize on his chance to be the starting goalkeeper for the rest of this year and beyond.

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Defense

The names that will stick out to European soccer fans will be Ashley Cole and Jelle van Damme. Both have competed for their respective national teams (England and Belgium) and will be featured on the left side of the Galaxy defense. Rounding out the back four will be LA mainstay A.J. DeLaGarza as the right fullback with Daniel Steres parnering Van Damme in the middle.

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Midfield

The Galaxy will pack a multitude of midfield stars that include former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and MLS MVP Mike Magee. Sebastian Lletget is another player who has European experience after coming up through West Ham United's academy in England. Lletget will take up a wide position in the midfield likely opposite of Magee. Gerrard will be partnered by Baggio Husidic in front of the defense while Mexico international Giovani dos Santos will play ahead and roam forward looking to support the front man.

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Forwards

The front man to spearhead the Los Angeles Galaxy attack will be Gyasi Zardes. The 24 year old attacker is among one of the brightest American talents in the game and has already drawn comparisons to former USA & Galaxy legend Landon Donovan. Zardes can effectively play as front man or winger much like Donovan and will be a headache anywhere he lines up. Los Angeles' main hit-man Robbie Keane will miss out due to a knee injury. If the Galaxy find themselves in need of a goal, look for them to turn to super-sub Alan Gordon who is a menace in the air for defense's at the end of games.

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