GALAXY TONIGHT
Opponent--Dallas Burn.
Site--Rose Bowl.
Time--7:30.
Radio--KTNQ (1020).
Records--Galaxy 1-3, Burn 2-4.
Record vs. Burn (1996)--2-2.
Galaxy update--There will be two issues under the microscope tonight for the 1996 Western Conference champions: Is the team really as weak as its record indicates and are its fans really this fickle? After attracting more than 52,000 for its home opener at the Rose Bowl, the Galaxy drew barely 10,000 for its next game. Whether the drop was caused by the team’s 0-3 record going into the game or because it was played on a Friday night is uncertain. Perhaps both contributed, as did the Club America-Chivas of Guadalajara Mexican League game played that same evening in San Diego that drew 18,000-plus. Missing from tonight’s lineup will be goalkeeper Jorge Campos, who is still in Mexico; midfielder Martin Machon, who is playing for Guatemala in the Central American championship game, and striker Eduardo Hurtado, who is playing for Ecuador in World Cup ’98 qualifying.
Burn update--Dallas’ up-and-down season was exemplified by two games this week against the Colorado Rapids. At the Cotton Bowl on Sunday, the Burn rolled to a 4-1 victory on two goals and two assists by forward Dante Washington, a ’92 U.S. Olympic team veteran. At Mile High Stadium three days later, the Burn was shut out, 1-0. Coach Dave Dir also had a mixed week. Fined by the league for a run-in with a referee, he also acquired Swiss international midfielder Alain Sutter, who will become one of MLS’ marquee players when he joins the team. Besides having to guard against Washington, the Galaxy must contain forward Gerell Elliott, who is equally fast, and Argentine midfielder Daniel Peinado.
