By Danny Picard
CSNNE.com
Just over a week after an embarrassing 5-0 loss at Real Salt Lake, the New England Revolution will not only try to win their first game since May 29, but theyll also try to score their first goal since that 3-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls, when they host the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.
Neither feat will be easy for the 3-9-2 Revs. The Galaxy enters Saturdays match as MLS best team. Los Angeles' 11-1-3 record gives them 25 more points than the Revolution, who have only 11 points thus far.
Los Angeles has already beaten New England this season. It was a 1-0 defeat in the season opener on the West Coast. Edson Buddles goal in the sixth minute made the difference. He currently leads MLS in goals with 10, five of which are game-winners, which also leads the entire league.
Buddles partner-in-crime, Landon Donovan leads MLS in assists, with 10. However, New England might not have to worry about him. Los Angeles head coach Bruce Arena said after his teams last game that Donovan may stay on the West Coast in order to get some extra rest following his World Cup appearance.
With Donovan, they are the most dangerous team in the league. The Galaxys 25 total goals in 15 games ranks second in MLS, just three behind Real Salt Lake. And L.A.s play on the defensive end is just as dominant, as it boasts the league-best goals-against average of 0.33.
Now, back to the Revs. Theyll have to defend Los Angeles powerhouse offense without Cory Gibbs, who was downgraded to out on Fridays injury report with a left quadriceps strain. Gibbs did not participate in competitive training activities this week, and will be a big loss to a team that clearly doesnt have enough offensive fire power to compete in a shootout of any kind.
If theres anything positive at all entering Saturdays game with the Galaxy, its the potential return of second-year defender Darrius Barnes, who has missed the last two months with a right foot injury.
Danny Picard is on Twitter at http:twitter.comDannyPicard