The basics
LA Galaxy (7-0-1, 1st in the Western Conference) vs. Toronto FC (3-4-0, 3rd place in the Eastern Conference)
The Galaxy lead the all-time series 3-2-1.
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What's at stake?
The Galaxy are looking for their third consecutive victory over Toronto FC after sweeping the season series in 2008. The Galaxy are hoping to send off stars Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan off to World Cup training camp in style with their fifth home win in five tries.
Toronto meanwhile are coming off a thumping 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire. But that came at home. On the road, the Reds have been outscored 8-2 in four losses. Which means even a draw would be a success on Saturday night.
Last meeting
David Beckham and Edson Buddle scored on either side of halftime as the Galaxy stymied and frustrated Toronto in a 2-0 LA win at Home Depot Center on Sept. 19. Toronto had nothing but three yellow cards to show for their efforts while the Galaxy continued their late-season surge toward the Western Conference title.
Heroes & Villains
Dwayne De Rosario vs. Gregg Berhalter — De Rosario has had his share of success against the Galaxy. As a longtime member of the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo, De Rosario often tried - and succeeded—to inflict damage on the Galaxy. One of his best-ever goals came at Home Depot Center—a swerving rocket of a free kick late in the 2005 regular season. Berhalter should see plenty of De Rosario and will try to keep the Canadian international from performing his spasmodic celebration in front of Galaxy supporters.
Edson Buddle vs. Nana Attakora — The Canadian-born Attakora has been a fixture in Toronto's lineup, having played every minute of the season in central defense thus far. Attakora will have his toughest matchup of the season in facing Buddle. On Tuesday, Buddle was named to the U.S. World Cup training camp roster and could be charged for the match because of that. The 6-foot-1 Attakora doesn't give up any size to Buddle and could give the Galaxy forward yet another physical game.
Stat that makes you go "Hmm..."
2-5-5. Toronto boss Preki’s record against the Galaxy, including a draw and a loss in the Western Conference semifinals in 2009 while coaching Chivas USA.
He said it
“No. I’ll be back with the Galaxy after the World Cup unless something crazy happens.” — Landon Donovan, when asked if there was a chance Saturday’s game would be his last game with the Galaxy
