Galaxy Going for First

Four months ago, had one dared to state that the Galaxy would today be within striking distance of first place of the overall standings, one would have received more than a fair share of odd looks. The same type one would get if one were to claim that hiring Ruud Gullit as Head Coach was the best move the Galaxy have made in the last 5 years.

But here we are, late into the season and the slow-and-steady approach of General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena has allowed him and his staff to orchestrate a masterpiece of a turnaround for the blue-and-gold. Its defense, once the laughing stock of the league, is currently ranked second in MLS, right behind Houston, a team known for its tenacious defense year-after-year. The dramatic turnaround on the defensive side has also been complemented well by the offensive threat that is Landon Donovan and David Beckham.

Even though a long string of ties through the first half of the season frustrated many fans, the team kept improving as the season wore on, until they finally reached a turning point around mid-June and ties started turning into victories. The team has not looked back since and percentage wise, they have the league's second best record, bested only by MLS Cup 2009 winners, Columbus Crew. However, what is possibly the most surprising statistic this year is the team's success on the road. For the last 5 years or so, the Galaxy couldn't buy a game on the road, now they have the second best record in the league. Their road performance is so much improved, it actually surpasses their home record.