Up next for the Galaxy: Sunday vs. Chicago
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Home Depot Center.
On the air: TV: TWC SportsNet, UniMas; Radio: 1150, 1220.
Records (2012): Galaxy 16-12-6, Chicago 17-11-6.
Record vs. Chicago (2012): 1-0.
Update: The Galaxy got off to a horrendous start last year, then caught fire in midsummer to win a second straight Major League Soccer title. This year the team starts the season without Landon Donovan; as a result, new captain Robbie Keane, whose 16 goals were fourth-best in MLS last year, will have to shoulder much of the offensive load. In the midfield, the Brazilian duo of Marcelo Sarvas and Juninho will try to make up for the loss of David Beckham to Paris Saint-Germain. Behind them, the league’s best defensive foursome will be backed by veteran keeper Carlo Cudicini, late of Tottenham of the English Premier League. The Fire, which last season made the playoffs for the first time in three years, has revamped its midfield, adding, among others, Joel Lindpere from the New York Red Bulls and Jeff Larentowicz in a trade with Colorado.
—Kevin Baxter
