Slumping Real to host struggling MLS champs

Four games into the season, there's no disputing that the Los Angeles Galaxy are struggling. The defending MLS champions have won just once this year despite four games at the Home Depot Center, while scoring a paltry three goals along the way.

Real Salt Lake knows none of that matters today.

Despite L.A.'s struggles, as long as superstar Landon Donovan is on the field, the Galaxy are a threat to win every game.

"They have Landon Donovan," said RSL keeper Scott Garlick. "There are very few guys in the league who can change the game themselves, and he proves time and time again, he's one of them."

In fact, Donovan pulled another rabbit out of his hat two weeks ago. With the Galaxy down 1-0 to Chivas USA late in the game, Donovan almost single-handily willed his team to victory by assisting on a pair of L.A. goals in the final 15 minutes.

"He's a special character, and when he puts his game together, he gives everyone in this league troubles," said RSL forward Jason Kreis. "So if we can focus on doing what we need to make him as ineffective as possible, (even though) he's always going to effective in moments, but if we can take away some of those moments or most of those moments, we'll be fine."

The strategy sounds easy enough on paper, but whether or not RSL is effective in that approach remains to be seen. Kickoff for today's game at Rice-Eccles Stadium is 2 p.m., a game that will also be aired on ESPN2.

Considering that the Galaxy won once in 14 games away from Southern California last year, today's nationally televised match seems like the ideal time for Salt Lake to not only secure its first win of 2006, but halt a 16-match winless streak dating back to last August.

RSL coach John Ellinger will utilize a 3-5-2 formation again this week as well as giving rookie Ryan Johnson his first start at left midfield. After three straight disappointing results that included a pair of 2-1 losses and a 1-1 draw at home, Ellinger and his players are confident this is the weekend they turn the corner.

With five of its next six matches at home, today's game begins a very critical stretch of the season for Salt Lake.

"We want to make it a difficult place for people to come. I don't think anyone likes to come in and play on the turf," said Garlick. "So if we can put a history of winning some games together, I think that we'll make it extra challenging for teams to come in here."

Garlick also stressed the importance of playing with intensity from the opening whistle.