This game is really going to be what happens in each box, are we defensively sound, are we eliminating as many opportunities as we can for L.A. – Head coach Jeff Cassar
Significant news trickled out of LA Galaxy training on Monday.
After sitting out LA’s past two games with a hip flexor injury, Robbie Keane said he’s ready to roll for Wednesday’s Knockout playoff game against visiting Real Salt Lake (KMYU, 8:30 p.m.).
The 36-year-old Keane only played in 17 league matches this season, but he scored 10 goals. His return is bad news for underdog RSL in the one-game playoff.
Los Angeles scored eight goals in two games against RSL this season, with Keane playing in neither. His return and L.A.’s knack for punishing Real Salt Lake defensively is the storyline of match.
Real Salt Lake didn’t record one road shutout this season, and the likelihood of that happening against the dynamic Galaxy on Wednesday is next to nil. To advance, RSL will probably need to score multiple goals — which hasn’t happened since a 3-3 tie against LA back on Sept. 7.
In the six games since, RSL’s sputtering attack has scored just twice.
“This game is really going to be what happens in each box, are we defensively sound, are we eliminating as many opportunities as we can for L.A. and are we capitalizing on the ones we have whether it’s 10 or 2,” said RSL coach Jeff Cassar.
Jordan Allen said it’s going to be “really difficult” to keep a clean sheet, and RSL needs to finish its chances when they come.
“I think a goal or two, especially an early goal or two, will give us a little momentum that could go a long way for us,” said Allen.
The winner of Wednesday’s Knockout match advances to the Western Conference semifinals and will face No. 1 seed FC Dallas in a two-game series. Game 1 would be Sunday at Rio Tinto Stadium if RSL defies the odds and rediscovers its attack.
Real Salt Lake is 4-11-2 away from home this season but has lost five straight on the road since a 2-1 win at Philadelphia on July 31.
Yura Movsisyan isn’t deterred by those recent road struggles.
“I feel we’ve played very well on the road all season long. This is another opportunity for us to go prove ourselves and hopefully win it,” said Movsisyan. “Obviously they’re a good team, let’s not take anything away from them, but at the end of the day we can go anywhere and play and play our game. If we can play our game I think it will be very difficult for them.”
Movisyan is goalless in his last four starts, but lately he’s been dealing with a heel injury and only started one of Real Salt Lake’s last four matches. He only played nine minutes as a substitute in last Sunday’s regular-season finale, but he figures to be back in the starting line-up against the Galaxy.
Tony Beltran’s status is uncertain though. He didn’t play in last Sunday’s match at Seattle because of a back injury.
Deseret News prep editor and Real Salt Lake beat writer. EMAIL: jedward@deseretnews.com