Galaxy Glad to Leave Road Behind

This all feels strangely familiar to the Galaxy.

A long, arduous trip.

No victories.

Disappointment and frustration setting in.

Just as it did when the Galaxy, as defending Major League Soccer champion, opened the 2003 season with an eight-game trip while its home stadium was under construction.

The difference is, while that club never recovered from an 0-4-4 start and its early-season suitcase existence, this team went 0-1-3 yet maintained its first-place standing in the Western Conference.

“We haven’t had a weekend at home since July 10,” said Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid, whose club will play host to the Columbus Crew tonight at 7.

“No matter what you say, that wears on you.”

The Galaxy, which was also bounced from the U.S. Open Cup tournament by the A-League’s Minnesota Thunder, 1-0, during its month-long sojourn, hopes to wear out the Crew, a surging club that is 2-0-4 in league play since the end of June.

“Columbus has gotten results lately,” Schmid said. “They’re a team with hard-working guys. Certainly it’s our responsibility to carry the game ... and be successful on our opportunities.”

The Galaxy will be without defenders Chris Albright and Ryan Suarez. Albright received a red card for a hard tackle on Chris Leitch in the Galaxy’s 3-0 loss at the MetroStars on Sunday and was slapped with an additional game ban by the league on Thursday. Suarez accumulated too many caution points.

That will possibly present opportunities for Hong Myung-Bo or Ricky Lewis. Or Danny Califf, who last played on June 27 because of a torn meniscus in his left knee, may see quality minutes in the back.

The Galaxy’s depth on defense has already been a factor, with defensive midfielder Peter Vagenas (strained right groin) playing extensively against the MetroStars.

The Galaxy has three consecutive victories over the Crew, its last loss coming Aug. 14, 2002, at Columbus.

So one streak or another should come to an end.

“This team is still very confident,” Schmidt said. “We have nine games to go and we expect to win those games.”