FIRST LOOK / THE MATCHUP : Los Angeles Galaxy vs. D.C. United

GALAXY

RECORD

Regular season, 19-13; playoffs, 4-1

TODAY’S LINEUP

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Pos. Name No. G Jorge Campos 9 D Mark Semioli 3 D Robin Fraser 4 D Curt Onalfo 20 D Greg Vanney 18 M Jorge Salcedo 5 M Cobi Jones 13 M Mauricio Cienfuegos 10 M Chris Armas 14 F Eduardo Hurtado 29 F Ante Razov 25

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D.C. UNITED RECORD

Regular season, 16-16; playoffs, 4-1 TODAY’S LINEUP

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Pos. Name No. G Mark Simpson 2 D Clint Peay 4 D Eddie Pope 23 D David Vaudreuil 24 D Jeff Agoos 12 M Richie Williams 16 M Marco Etcheverry 10 M John Harkes 6 M Mario Gori 11 F Raul Diaz Arce 21 F Jaime Moreno 9

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SEASON SERIES

April 20 at RFK Stadium: Galaxy 2, Washington 1

May 5 at Rose Bowl: Galaxy 3, Washington 1

Aug. 18 at RFK Stadium: Washington 3, Galaxy 1

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GOALKEEPERS

The Galaxy’s Jorge Campos has the big-game experience and is a more accomplished goalkeeper than D.C. United’s Mark Simpson. He won’t like the wet weather, however. If Los Angeles is behind, look for Campos to move to the forward line and shootout specialist David Kramer to come in. Edge goes to the Galaxy.

EDGE: GALAXY

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DEFENDERS

Without the suspended Dan Calichman, Los Angeles’ back line is nowhere near as strong. Curt Onalfo is his likely replacement but lacks MLS game experience. Robin Fraser will be more likely to stay back and not attack. Greg Vanney may have to follow suit. For Washington, Eddie Pope is the most solid bet on defense. Jeff Agoos is strong but lacks speed. Rate the defenses even.

EDGE: D.C. UNITED

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MIDFIELDERS

Both teams have world-class playmakers in the Galaxy’s Mauricio Cienfuegos and D.C. United’s Marco Etcheverry. The Galaxy has Cobi Jones’ speed while the United counters with John Harkes’ experience. Look for Washington’s Richie Williams to try to shut down Cienfuegos, while Los Angeles’ Chris Armas will be trying to hound Etcheverry. Mario Gori for Washington and Jorge Salcedo for Los Angeles are both quick-tempered and that battle could get ugly. Give the United a slight edge.

EDGE: D.C. UNITED

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FORWARDS

With a one-two punch of Raul Diaz Arce and Jaime Moreno, Washington is a constant threat. Los Angeles counters with Eduardo “El Tanque” Hurtado, backed by Ante Razov or Harut Karapetyan. Edge goes to the United.

EDGE: D.C. UNITED

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COACHES

Los Angeles’ Lothar Osiander has greater experience but lacks the reserves to call upon and therefore is tactically limited. Washington’s Bruce Arena is in his first year at the professional level but has learned fast. Rate them even.

EDGE: GALAXY

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BENCH

The Galaxy is hurting here, with no real player capable of turning the game around. Harut Karapetyan and Guillermo Jara are likely to be first off the bench, but the United can call upon Steve Rammel and Tony Sanneh if it needs a goal. Definite edge to Washington.

EVEN

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INTANGIBLES

Bad weather means the field will be wet and slippery, conditions the Galaxy has not faced much this season. Whichever team can adapt fastest to the surface will have an advantage. Both teams have players who are used to the big occasion, so how the younger players cope with the pressure may decide the outcome.

EDGE: GALAXY