Location: Giants Stadium. Kickoff (ET): 7:30 p.m. Television:
ESPN. Satellite: Galaxy 5, Tr. 9.
Series History: April 13 at the Rose Bowl — 69,000 fans watched the Galaxy’s 2-1 victory; June 9 at Giants Stadium — Eduardo Hurtado scored a hat trick as the Galaxy rolled 4-0; July 21 at the Rose Bowl — L.A. won 3-0, and MetroStars midfielder Manny Lagos suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Injuries: Los Angeles — D Mark Semioli (pulled groin) is probable, D Robin Fraser (aggravated ankle sprain), M Cobi Jones (aggravated ankle sprain), and M Andrew Shue (separated shoulder) are out; MetroStars — D Nicola Caricola (hairline toe fracture) is probable, D Matt Knowles (strained groin) is doubtful, M Manny Lagos (torn ACL) is out.
Of Note: The MetroStars need a victory to keep the pressure on New England and Columbus in the playoff race…. Antony De Avila, who tallied a goal and an assist in Friday’s win over D.C. United, will again need to produce up front…. Los Angeles coach Lothar Osiander is concerned about the artificial turf and the possibility of injuries, so he will rest several starters…. Cobi Jones, Robin Fraser, and Mauricio Cienfuegos will not start, but are expected to be ready when L.A. hosts the San Jose Clash on Sunday…. Jorge Campos will also miss tonight’s match, as he is training with the Mexican national team for World Cup qualifying…. Look for Curt Onalfo and John Garvey, both of whom have experience playing on turf, to be in the Galaxy lineup.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
Los Angeles — Kramer, Onalfo, Salcedo, Calichman, Vanney, Motajo, Armas, Jara, Garvey, Vasquez, Hurtado.
MetroStars — Meola, Zaun, Harty, Caricola, Vermes, Donadoni, Da Silva, Ramos, Joseph, De Avila, Wood.
Prediction: Galaxy falter while Metros keep playoff prospects alive with a 3-1 win.