CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano offers his Three Points to the LA Galaxy’s CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Second Leg match against C.S. Herediano…
PRESS FOR THE EARLY GOAL, AND BAG A FEW MORE
The mission is pretty simple for the LA Galaxy in their CCL Quarterfinal second leg: win. And nothing will put them in a better position than an early goal.
Expect the Galaxy to press early and often against a Herediano side that will try to hold the draw by bunkering and then hitting LA on the counter to steal an elusive away goal. If LA can notch an early goal, it will force Herediano to open up as they look to pull on level terms, which could then allow LA their own chances on the counter attack.
Throughout the first leg, Robbie Keane and Mike Magee had plenty of success getting behind the Herediano defense and if they can bury an early opportunity, it may turn the series in LA’s favor.
Highlights: Herediano 0, LA 0 (first leg)
BE MINDFUL OF SET PIECES AND THE COUNTER
Any type of draw other than 0-0 will send Herediano through to the CCL Semifinals, so expect the Costa Ricans to approach Wednesday’s second leg with a defensive stance. But that doesn’t mean that Herediano won’t have its own attacking weapons.
Although scoring opportunities for both teams were few and far between during the first leg, the Florenses were at their most dangerous on set pieces. Dead ball artists Elias Aguilar and Ismael Gomez have terrorized Costa Rican defenses on corners and free kicks this season and Herediano will look to create chances around the box during the second leg.
But set pieces aren’t the only wrinkle to the Herediano offense as the Costa Ricans will look to catch the Galaxy on the counter as LA looks to press for the early goal.
KEEP YOUR HEAD
Emotions will be on high during Wednesday’s decisive second leg match and managing that excitement will be key to victory.
For one, the conditions will swing in the Galaxy’s favor as the uneven turf at Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero caused problems for LA’s possession-oriented attack, but no such problems are expected on the pristine surface at The Home Depot Center. While the field will not be an issue, histrionics are expected as the Costa Ricans look to draw fouls and cautions to frustrate the home side.
If LA can avoid being drawn into a chippy match with Herediano, they should have every opportunity to find the decisive goals to send them through to the semifinals.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
