Preview: MLS Cup Semifinals - Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

After winning an entertaining game last night, Colorado Rapids will learn their foe tonight as the semifinals wrap up. At 9:00 p.m. ET (8 CT), Supporters Shield Winners Los Angeles Galaxy will host FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center. The game will be televised by ESPN 2, ESPN Deporters, or if you're in the Macalester area, on ESPN3 on XBox Live in Wallace 316!!!! Rip City!!! takes a preview of the game:

Los Angeles Galaxy
the gals are looking to head to the playoff final for a record seventh, and the second in as many years. Although they won the regular season title, their form had dipped a little towards the end of the season. However as the playoffs commenced, Beckham and Co. regained their winning formula - score early (usually through Buddle) and defend well. In the quarterfinals, the Galaxy dumped arguably the hottest team in the MLS, the Sounders. In the first leg, a Buddle wonder-volley sealed the away victory while David Beckham stole the show in the home leg, garnering 2 assists en route to a 2-1 win (3-1 on aggregate). Statistically, Edson Buddle leads the team with 19 goals in all competitions, while Donovan has notched 16 assists.

FC Dallas
For much of the season FC Dallas were a tough read. They broke the undefeated MLS streak, yet they drew a lot of games and lacked a finishing "bite." The team's legitimacy was questioned further with two late season losses to Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy. However, the playoffs gave Dallas a new look as they methodically finished off defending champs Real Salt Lake 3-2 on aggregate. The highlights of the series included Eric Avila's gamewinner in the first leg, the Shea chest to McCarty finish to silence the home crowd in the second, and Hartman's heroics in goal. FC Dallas are looking for their first final appearance and their first silverware since their lone U.S. Open Cup. Statistically, Jeff Cunningham leads the team with 11 goals, and David Ferreira leads the team with 13 assists. Look for Schellas Hyndman to mix things up in the midfield as Atiba Harris is back from suspension and McCarty, Shea, Hernandez, and Chavez all came off strong performances that deserve starting nods.

Head-to-Head
The Galaxy leads the all-time series 25-18-9. This year the Galaxy took the series 2-0 (May 20: LAG 1-0 FCD, goal by Magee;Oct 24: LAG 2-1 FCD, goals by Beckham, Junihno, and Harris)
Look for there to be a tactical battle between the coaches as both teams like to defend off of their quick-scoring leads. Coach of the Year Schellas Hyndman of FC Dallas will be up against last year's award-winner Bruce Arena. Another interesting matchup will be the goalies: Kevin Hartman of Dallas and Ricketts of LA, both goalie of the year finalists. Hartman, formerly of the galaxy, was the showstopper against Salt Lake and is still coming off an injury. Ricketts, the Goalie of the Year, showed strength against Seattle's few chances but is always injury-prone.
Another battle will be up top. Buddle is red-hot and is out to prove he is the true golden boot winner and MVP. Jeff Cunningham is out to prove is MLS's all-time greatest goalscorer. The biggest match-up will be in the midfield. Veteran stars Beckham and Donovan, along with Juninho, will look to exploit the likes of in-form Dax McCarty, Brek Shea, and Daniel Hernandez.

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