BY ADAM SERRANO
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. –- The Los Angeles Galaxy face one of the simplest yet most difficult situations in all of sports – win and advance.
A win over last place Club Motagua (10pm ET, FOX Soccer/Galavision) and the Galaxy qualify for the quarterfinals by winning Group A. A tie or a loss and it will be Alajuelense that will advance to the knock out stages. In order to earn the victory, Los Angeles will have to deal with a number of injuries to several key contributors. Robbie Keane remains out with an adductor strain while Landon Donovan declared himself a game time decision due to a nagging quadriceps injury.
Donovan participated in training on Wendesday, but admitted earlier in the week that he's likely to play at least some role on Thursday, even if that means coming off the bench.
“I expect that I'll keep improving so that I'll be able to contribute in some way," said Donovan after training on Tuesday "If I can start the game then I want to start the game if not then I can contribute in some way. In a perfect world, some guys that need some rest don't need to play."
Regardless of the injury situation, the Galaxy will need to defeat a reeling Motagua team in order to qualify for the quarterfinals. Currently Motagua are last in the Honduran Apertura and have earned just a single result in 11 matches in all competitions. The Hondurans downturn has led to a coaching change that has failed to change Motagua's recent fortunes.
Although Motagua has not yet earned a point during the tournament, they remain one of the most talented teams in Honduras with several former MLS players including former MLS MVP Amado Guevara. With a full crowd expected on Thursday, the Galaxy understand that they will get the best that Motagua have to offer.
“It'll be interesting to see, they're in a bit of bad form they're struggling and they're in last place, but if I know them, they'll be prideful,” said Donovan. “I'm sure their fans will be excited for the game. They're out of the competition, but they'll want to put on a good show for their fans so we're going in with the expectation that it's going to be full, loud, relatively hostile and hard game.”
As is the case in Central America, a victory will depend on the Galaxy's ability to deal with the elements and the field conditions. This time, the Galaxy will need to do with the expansive field at the Estadio Nacional, which is one of the largest fields among teams participating in the CONCACAF Champions League.
"It's a big and really thick field with kind of heavy grass," said defender Todd Dunivant. "The ball sits up on a tee the whole time. But its also a little wavy. Its not the worst field, but its a huge field, 80 by 120, so possession is going to be key.
"I don't think that its a bad thing," Dunivant added. "Its bigger than Home Depot, and I think it feels a little bit bigger because of the track, but with the heavy grass, the balls going to be staying in, and there's going to be a lot of room to play."
Regardless of the injuries, conditions or even the opponent, the Galaxy understand that the objective is simple -- just win.
“It's a big game, we need to get a result," said David Beckham. "It's going to be a tough place to go and win, but it's a must.”
