CARSON, Calif. -- The Fourth of July at The Home Depot Center has become a tradition the last several years in southern California. The Los Angeles Galaxy will play host to the New England Revolution on Friday in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd.
The Galaxy will be looking to feed off of the energy of their home supporters and bounce back after a rather lifeless 4-1 loss at the hands of D.C. United last weekend. United are easily the hottest team in the league right now, and this Friday's opponent won't offer any sort of reprieve for the Galaxy in their bid to stay atop the Western Conference standings. New England owns the best record in MLS and will provide a stern test for the Galaxy.
"I think it's going to be a test of our willpower. They are a good team," said goalkeeper Steve Cronin. "They're first in the East and they're not letting in a whole lot of goals either. It's going to be a test for us on a bunch of different levels."
Head coach Ruud Gullit reiterated Cronin's sentiments, and focused on the fact that the Galaxy will need to be better this week against New England than they were last weekend.
"(New England) is playing well at the moment, so they are a good team. I think we need to be on top of our game at home," said Gullit. "I think also we need to bounce back from a loss."
LA is playing with something to prove. After climbing to the top of the Western Conference, the Galaxy have suffered two disappointing results in a row to Eastern Conference opposition. Proving that they are capable of hanging with the East's best teams is motivation enough for the club.
"After the last loss we're excited to get back out there and get a good result," said Cronin. "Especially being here at home for the Fourth of July."
It's that holiday crowd that could spell the difference. It can't be understated how much energy a team can feed off its fans. The Galaxy have always been one of the best supported clubs in MLS, and they are looking for the Home Depot Center crowd to ratchet up the volume a couple of notches on Friday.
"I think our fans are great no matter what. Hopefully they'll raise it up another level," said Cronin. "I think with the fireworks afterwards, everyone is going to be pretty excited. We're going to have a great crowd and we're just trying to get a result for them."
Even Gullit, who is still new to MLS, recognizes the great support in LA. For him, the energy provided by the crowd could be that little something extra the Galaxy needs to right the ship and stay atop the West.
"(The fans) are a big part. We are very proud of our fans," said Gullit. "They are our 12th man."
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