Midfield Partnership Will Lead LA Galaxy To MLS Cup Final
By Jackee Arce
@knackeredwriter
Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Galaxy took on the Seattle Sounders this past Sunday in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship. Coincidentally, Galaxy took on the Sounders in the last two matches of the regular season in what ended up being a fight for the Supporters’ Shield. This two-match series obviously carries a lot more weight, because it is for the most important trophy in the league: the MLS Cup. Galaxy came out victorious in the first match, and it was all because of the strong midfield which is often overlooked.
Galaxy have a good partnership with Brazilian players. Many of their international player slots are taken up with Brazilian talent. Juninho is one of the first who became a steady player in Galaxy’s roster over the last few years. He is brilliant all on his own, but more recently his midfield partnership with Marcelo Sarvas has made a huge impact on the Galaxy.
The great scorers like Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan, and more recently Gyasi Zardes, receive all the glory for Galaxy wins because of their spectacular goals, but the Juninho/Sarvas midfield partnership is just as important as the club’s top goal scorers. The two midfielders have played the majority of matches only missing a few due to injuries. Between the two they had three goals and 15 assists in the regular season. These stats alone prove their impact this season has been one of a wide margin, but there is more that cannot be seen on paper.
Juninho and Sarvas are some of the club’s top players, and they have that passion that keeps the club moving forward. Sarvas even became a little emotional when he scored the winning goal this past Sunday, but it may be because it is something more tangible to show for all the effort he gives on the pitch. Although he shouldn’t worry, because his effort does not go unnoticed.
Now, Galaxy will play the Sounders in Seattle on Sunday. Galaxy defense was able to hold the Sounders to no goals, which gives Galaxy an extra boost especially with the goal they have over the club. It will still be a challenging match, but Juninho and Sarvas will come ready to play once again.
Jackee Arce is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @knackeredwriter, like her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.
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