The Time Is Right for Reis

Since losing his position as the Galaxy’s starting goalkeeper 10 games into the Major League Soccer season, Matt Reis has been biding his time.

The fifth-year pro from UCLA has been in the net for scrimmages, exhibitions and U.S. Open Cup games, but he’s had to watch Kevin Hartman run the show in MLS play.

That changes tonight.

With Hartman suspended for a game because of the red card he received in the closing moments of the Galaxy’s 3-2 loss at Columbus Wednesday, Reis will be in goal against Colorado for his first MLS start since June 1.

“It’s a different mentality,” Reis said of starting a league game down the stretch. “There’s a lot more at stake. Those are the games you want to play in ... and I’m relishing the chance.”

After starting six of the Galaxy’s first seven games, Reis was 4-0-2 and had given up five goals. But a three-game losing skid, during which opponents scored eight goals, prompted Coach Sigi Schmid to change to Hartman.

Wednesday, Hartman jumped on Columbus rookie midfielder Kyle Martino in the box after a collision, Hartman saying later that Martino had “put my career in jeopardy” by stepping on him. Both players drew red-card expulsions, one-game suspensions and $250 fines.

“It’s Reis’ opportunity to play now,” Schmid said. “We were looking to get him a game in league here anyway, so it’s a good opportunity for him. That’s why you have two goalkeepers and you just [hope] for them to step up.”

Reis said he had anticipated starting against Kansas City next Wednesday.

“This thing comes up and, hopefully, I can still get the Kansas City game and get a chance to play consecutive games and get into a little bit of a rhythm,” he said. “Because that’s always nice if you’re on and things are going well. You like to be in that rhythm where you’re playing and you’re playing [well.]

“It’s been a while since I’ve played in an MLS game, so the opportunity is there and these are really big games that we have coming up. We’re pretty battered and worn right now so it’s nice to have a chance to help the team out.”

Schmid’s tendency to stick with a goalkeeper who’s hot could spell more playing time for Reis, should his play warrant it.

“Hopefully that will hold true and the team will do well and ... we can get valuable points,” Reis said. “The [MLS] race is tight and we need these points.”

*

TONIGHT

vs. Colorado Rapids, 7, Channel 9

Site--Rose Bowl.

Radio--KSPN (1110), KTNQ (1020, Spanish).

Records--Galaxy 10-8-3, Rapids 10-9-3.

Record vs. Rapids--1-2-0.

Update--The Galaxy will be without rookie forward Carlos Ruiz, the league’s leading goal scorer with 16. He has been suspended for a game and fined $500 fine for accumulating too many caution points. It is the Guatemalan striker’s second suspension. He sat out the Galaxy’s 1-0 victory over Chicago on June 8 for having struck an opponent the previous week. Coach Sigi Schmid said Sasha Victorine, Gavin Glinton or Brian Mullan would start in his place.

Tickets--(877) 342-5299.