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Houston Dynamo vs Los Angeles Galaxy
2009 MLS Playoffs, Western Conference Final
Friday, November 13, 2009 11:00PM EST
The Line:
Los Angeles -125
Houston +285
A spot in the MLS Cup Final is on the line Friday night as the Los Angeles Galaxy host the Houston Dynamo. Both teams squeaked by with 1-0 victories last week to earn the right to play in the Western Conference finals. Expect a very physical, hard fought game. In fact the last time these two teams met in Houston on October 18, David Beckham received a yellow and Brian Ching was actually ejected with a red card.
The Galaxy finally played their style of soccer on Sunday in the knockout game against Chivas. The defense didn’t make any mistakes and David Beckham delivered perfect 40-yard strikes to Donovan all night long. In fact, one of those long balls actually set up the penalty kick which ultimately proved to be the game-winning goal. If the Galaxy want to walk away victorious, they will need more of the same from Becks and Donovan.
According to Vegas, the Galaxy are a huge favorite in the game because of home field advantage. The Galaxy have already beaten the Dynamo twice at the Home Depot Center and have one of the best home records in the entire MLS at 7-4-4. Not to mention, it’s no secret that the MLS front office is pushing for a Los Angeles vs Chicago MLS Cup Final in order to showcase the league’s top designated players (Beckham and Blanco). So expect the Galaxy to be the beneficiary of most of the penalties.
Don’t count out the Houston Dynamo. They are not Chivas USA. The back line shut out Seattle’s high powered attack in both games, and Houston completely controlled possession. Brian Ching struck a beauty in the first overtime period but that could have easily been his 3rd goal of the game. Look for Houston to put heavy pressure on the Galaxy’s young defensive backline early and often.
Houston is getting incredible value at +280. Yes, the game is in Los Angeles but the Dynamo is the most experienced team left in the playoffs, and are playing a different level. I fully expect the Dynamo to advance to the MLS Cup Final next Sunday with a 2-1 victory over the Galaxy.
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