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Galaxy outlook Los Angeles is deadly on quick strikes
Updated: Sunday October 21, 2001 1:37 PM
HOW THEY BEAT YOU: Cobi Jones uses his terrifying speed on both wings to unhinge defenses and open up space for front-line mates Luis Hernandez and Sasha Victorine. The Galaxy can be deadly on quick strikes and counterattacks. Victorine often lingers in the goalmouth awaiting opportunities to poach, while Hernandez likes to get the ball and run at defenders or time his run into the box to arrive just as the ball does. Midfielders Pete Vagenas and Simon Elliott do far more than fetch water for Mauricio Cienfuegos. Vagenas gets forward to support the attack and shoot from distance; Elliott is one of the league's best distributors of balls hit quickly and accurately out of midfield. Ezra Hendrickson's forays up the flanks are well-documented, but few teams have devised ways to stop him. All five of his MLS goals this season have been game-winners. In the back, Greg Vanney's skill and savvy is bracketed by the experience of Paul Caligiuri and the strength of Danny Califf. Hendrickson's defensive skills -- he has swept for St. Vincent & the Grenadines -- are more than adequate, and he is caught out of position less often than in past seasons.
HOW YOU BEAT THEM: Jones will range far and wide to find the ball, so teams must keep players nearby to contain his runs. Staying goalside of Hernandez when the Galaxy pushes forward is the only chance to stop him one-on-one in lieu of the offside trap, which he is susceptible to. Pressure in midfield is essential to cut off Elliott's service and force Cienfuegos to work for every touch on his 33-year-old legs. Califf is prone to giving the ball away and at times leaves himself too much ground to cover if Hendrickson heads upfield.
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