Rapids vs. Galaxy - Three Keys To The Game

Few teams in Major League Soccer are as hot as the LA Galaxy are right now. After a puzzlingly bad start to the season, they pulled it together around the All-Star break and have since been nearly unbeatable. They certainly looked that way last time they saw the Colorado Rapids, taking a 2-0 win that probably could have been even worse. Colorado hasn't been swept by any of its Western foes this season, but the Galaxy have a great shot to be the first on Sunday.

Well, Colorado might have a fighting chance at the Dick, but it's going to take some work and a little bit of luck as well...

Tony Cascio - Last we heard, Cascio was training and ready to go for Sunday. This is a very, very good thing. During the 2-0 loss a couple weeks back, there was nothing to the offense early on except for Cascio's play. He was strong, speedy and showed smart moves with the ball, something that was lacking up top. Had he not gone out injured, I feel he probably would have found the back of the net and perhaps changed the course of that result. If he can play a full 90 this time around in front of the home fans, he'll have the chance to do it again.

Sit Back - Everyone knows how to beat the 2012 Colorado Rapids. I'm pretty sure most high school coaches could figure out the formula. All you need to do is allow them to keep the ball, close down the center of the pitch and then use the hundreds (approx. number) of counter attacks you're given to score a few goals. It's how the Galaxy took down Colorado twice this year, and I'm willing to bet they'll do it again. How to solve that problem? Just sit back a bit and don't try to rush the ball up the field as they've done so badly this season.

Don't Start Tyrone Marshall - I think this one is self explanatory. Even if it means starting Joseph Nane or something in the defense, stop giving minutes to Old Man Marshall! It would be absolutely painful to watch him get burned by Robbie 'SonicHedgehog' Keane again.