MLS Preview: Los Angeles at Columbus

• by Soccer America , Aug 28, 1996

August 28 -- Los Angeles at Columbus

Location: Ohio Stadium. Kickoff (ET): 7:30 p.m. Television:
Galavision. Satellite: Galaxy K7, Tr. 4..

Series History: May 26 at the Rose Bowl -- Jorge Salcedo scored once and set up another goal in L.A.'s 3-2 win; August 4 at the Rose Bowl -- Adrian Paz scored a dramatic late equalizer and Columbus went on to top the Galaxy 2-1 in a shootout.

Injuries: Los Angeles -- G Jorge Campos (slight concussion) is probable, D Dan Calichman (pulled hamstring) is doubtful; Columbus -- G Bo Oshoniyi (sprained shoulder) and F Adrian Paz (bruised calf) are probable, G Pat Harrington (sprained ankle) is questionable, D Shane Battelle (ruptured PCL), M Brian Bliss (strained Achilles, pulled groin), and M Billy Thompson (torn ACL) are out.

Of Note: Both teams will be missing players this evening, in the last of three meetings between the clubs.... Columbus defender Mike Clark received his second red card of the season in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Kansas City, and Doctor Khumalo will also be out of the lineup tonight.... Los Angeles defender Dan Calichman is sidelined by a pulled hamstring, and Ecuadorian forward Eduardo Hurtado is away for World Cup qualifying with his national team.... Columbus has reeled off five straight wins since Tom Fitzgerald became coach, while the Galaxy has lost four in a row and five of six.... Even so, A win tonight would clinch a playoff spot for Los Angeles.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Los Angeles -- Campos, Fraser, Salcedo, Onalfo, Semioli, Armas, Cienfuegos, Jones, Vanney, Jara, Vasquez.

Columbus -- Friedel, Smith, Iribarren, Caligiuri, Michallik, Paz, Yeagley, Warzycha, Maisonneuve, Carrera, McBride.

Prediction: Six straight for the Crew -- without Hurtado, Galaxy succumb 2-1.