Galaxy look to keep shutdown magic doing

LA defense is in rare air, opening season with three shutouts

CARSON, Calif. — Three games, three shutouts, nine points.

For the Los Angeles Galaxy, things have been fairly straightforward this season as the Western Conference champions’ 2010 campaign has gotten off to a picture-perfect start.

While the nine points from three games is impressive, how the club has gone about doing so has also raised eyebrows. Only three other times in league history has a team started the season out with at least three shutouts.

And even though the club features the hottest striker in the league, attacking is not first on the team’s mindset entering games.

“We’ve just been going out there and having a good time, just trying to stay connected and try to play defense first and worry about the offense second,” Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez said.

With Gonzalez and Leonardo teaming together, the Galaxy’s central defense has been rock-solid. Outside backs Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin and A.J. DeLaGarza have also filled in admirably in the back, providing goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts with ample support.

However, Gonzalez was quick to point out that the Galaxy’s strong defensive effort was due to more than just the back four and ‘keeper.

“The whole team has been great, not just the back four,” Gonzalez said. “Everyone has been involved in these shutouts and it’s been a really good team defense.”

Often times during games, Landon Donovan has tracked back to mark players. The midfield has seen three different looks to start games, but whether it’s been Dema Kovalenko, Chris Birchall or Juninho playing directly in front of the defenders, opposing offenses haven't had much time or space to shoot.

Houston had a scant few opportunities while Chivas USA didn't threaten the Galaxy goal much at all. In fact, it was New England who put the most pressure on the Galaxy’s back line, but was unable to break through. In their two subsequent games, the Revs have won games by 2-0 and 4-1.

A cohesive unit, a product of the continuity the club has enjoyed from last season to now, has paved the way for early success.

“Everyone’s been working for the same goal," Gonzalez said. "Landon always comes up to me before games and says, ‘Let’s get this win. Let’s get this shutout. Let’s just keep it going.’ I relay that message to the other guys, so we’ve all been on the same page.”

Up next for the Galaxy is Real Salt Lake, who will visit Home Depot Center on Saturday. RSL feature several dangerous players, including newcomer Álvaro Saborío, a longtime standout with the Costa Rican national team.

Ex-Galaxy forward Robbie Findley and Fabián Espíndola are also in the mix, but RSL’s Javier Morales might not be able to play due to a groin injury.

For Gonzalez, the task of keeping RSL off the score sheet is twofold. First, it would help the Galaxy pick up another victory, another shutout and another three points. But also, a victory would help bring a small bit of retribution for what happened last November, when RSL beat the Galaxy in MLS Cup ’09 on penalty kicks.

“It’s a new year," said Gonzalez, "so we definitely want to beat them to just prove that we’re a better team.”

Alvarez takes Sevilla reinsThe Sideline: Is threat of terrorist attack on South Africa for real?

The Sideline: Is threat of terrorist attack on South Africa for real?

World Cup cameos may include President Obama, Roberto Carlos

Terrorist attacks in South Africa?

The Internet was buzzing this week after an apparent World Cup bomb threat was posted on a militant jihadist website. A contributor to the online magazine Yearners For Paradise said in a post “how beautiful” it would be if a bomb went off during the United States vs. England game on June 1.

Although several reports sounded alarm bells, the threat does not seem to have raised concerns among local security officials. On Tuesday, South Africa’s police minister stated that threats “cannot be ignored,” but that this particular threat “holds no water.” FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke declined to comment on any specifics, but suggested that authorities would not be changing their preparations in any way as a result of this threat.

Meanwhile, a visiting German politician stated that he was very impressed by the level of security and readiness in South Africa.

“The South Africans have every reason to be confident, given their preparations,” Frank Hofmann stated. He noted that cooperation with security forces from participating countries and international forces has been encouraging, but added that security success at any large event depends to a large extent on “luck.”

Thanks for that final bit of reassurance.

Barack Obama to attend opening ceremony?

In a possibly related note, President Obama is now being mentioned as “probably” attending the World Cup opening ceremony on June 11, joining such luminaries as Nelson Mandela, Pelé and Eusébio. The event will celebrate Africa and the unifying power of the beautiful game.

The presence of the first African American president—the son of a Kenyan immigrant—would certainly add to the event. After all, if he can make time to fill out an NCAA basketball bracket and follow that little tournament, it seems like he could squeeze in a trip to Johannesburg for the biggest sporting event on earth.

Literally speaking, the whole world will be watching.

Full 3D TV Lineup Announced

FIFA has released the full list of games to be broadcast in 3D, and it includes the tournament opener on June 11th and the World Cup Final on July 11th. A total of 25 games in five stadiums will be shown as part of the first-ever global, live 3D event. Here’s the full listing.

Currently, ESPN and Sogecable (in Spain) are the only networks offering 3D, but FIFA’s TV director said he expects more partnerships in many countries to be announced soon. Games will also be shown at select cinemas and stadiums around the world.

Note to viewers: 3D broadcasts require a 3D-compatible television. The glasses are not magic!

Old, Overweight Brazilians

Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos turned 37 years old this week and, to commemorate the event, announced his desire to play for the Brazil in South Africa. After a run of good form in the Brazilian top flight, Roberto Carlos has been tabbed by journalists as a possible left-back selection.

“I thank the media for their recognition of my good play,” he told reporters. “If the news arrives at my doorstep, I will immediately do a summersault with joy.”

Ronaldo, his good friend and teammate at Corinthians, offered a heartfelt endorsement of Roberto Carlos while simultaneously announcing that he himself was not a candidate.

It would be exciting to see the charismatic left back close out his career on the world stage. But he’ll have to make sure he doesn’t pull another stunt like he did against France in 2006, when he was seen standing with his hands on his knees during a free kick, which Thierry Henry volleyed home for the only goal of the quarterfinal game.

A similar performance might see him doing even more summersaults—to avoid hurled objects from enraged Brazilian fans.

Soldado suffers injury setback

FCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debut

North Carolina alum got his first start at right back vs. Crew

FRISCO, Texas — This was exactly how Schellas Hyndman envisioned things. When the FC Dallas head coach drafted North Carolina defender Zach Loyd fifth overall in mid-January’s MLS Super Draft, Hyndman saw Loyd earning a starting spot in short order.

However, even the FCD rookie was a bit surprised his debut came in week two against Columbus. Loyd started at right back for the Hoops in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Crew before leaving with about 15 minutes left as Hyndman wanted a bit more offense on the field.

“I officially found out after practice on Thursday,” the FCD rookie said. “It came as a little bit of a surprise that they were going to give me an opportunity this early in the season. “I was really nervous and excited. After the first few minutes, you get back into it like its practice. My teammates were helping me and talking me up all the way to game time.”

One thing Loyd didn’t do was tell his family right away. His parents and 2-year-old son were making the drive down from Oklahoma, as they plan to do for every FCD home game.

“I actually waited until they came down here [to tell them],” he admitted. “I didn’t want too many people finding out. I didn’t want people calling me. I wanted to just mentally get ready for the game.”

And when asked how much it meant to have his family present for his professional debut, Loyd was at a bit of a loss for words.

“It’s kind of hard to describe because they’ve done so much for me,” he said. “Growing up, they would take me to practice 45 minutes away every day. With all the support they gave me, it was a really special moment.”

On Hyndman’s part, the coach offered a decent review of Loyd’s first start.

“Offensively, he had a couple of passes that missed his target,” Hyndman said. “We’ve just got to make sure we play balls to midfielders’ feet. That gives them a chance to protect and a chance to get fouled. But if we miss the player, then it’s a counterattack. He’s a quick learner. I think he did very well for himself.”

Loyd was also pleased with his debut.

“I thought defensively, I was pretty strong on one-v-ones,” he said. “They had a hard time getting around me. Offensively, I had some bad turnovers. I would try to spray balls in the middle and lose them in the defensive third, which is a really dangerous spot. I need to get sharper on offense and just be aware of my surroundings when I’m going forward. I think that’s my next step.”

Real return to top spot

Galaxy edge Puntarenas in friendly

The Los Angeles Galaxy continued their unbeaten preseason with a 1-0 victory over Puntarenas FC of Costa Rica in an international friendly on Wednesday at Cal State Fullerton.

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FC Dallas acquires goalkeeper Kevin Hartman

FC Dallas has acquired Hartman in a trade with the Kansas City Wizards, sending them a second round selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

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Dynamo tie Fire 1-1 in scrimmage at HBU

The Houston Dynamo and Chicago Fire played to a 1-1 scrimmage tie Thursday night before an overflow crowd at Sorrels Field on the campus of Houston Baptist University.

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LA uninterested in extending Donovan's loan

Los Angeles Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena said the club is not interested in extending the loan of Landon Donovan to Everton of the English Premier League, despite reports that the Toffees will pursue such an arrangement.