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United hopes for success as it returns home to face L.A.

Apr 8, 2011 - 7:28 PM Washington D.C. (Sports Network) - D.C. United returns home to host the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League action on Saturday at RFK Stadium.

United (1-2-0) welcomes the home confines after suffering back-to-back road losses against New England and Colorado the previous two weeks.

Contributing to the team's woes the past couple weeks has been the shuffling of the backline because of injuries.

"These are all parts of learning and becoming a better team," United goalkeeper Pat Onstad said. "With the amount of guys we have out at the back line it's a learning experience...we just have to learn, get better as a team. That's all you can do, it's early."

The Galaxy (2-1-1), on the other hand, are coming off a 1-0 win over Philadelphia last weekend after suffering an embarrassing 4-1 loss at Real Salt lake the week before.

Center back Leonardo scored his first MLS goal, heading a David Beckham free kick home for the only goal of the game.

"I know when I put it in the right areas, we can score from it," Beckham said. "It's something we practice week in and week out in training. If I put it in the right area, I know we've got either Omar [Gonzalez] or Leonardo. They're brave players. They stick their head on it."

The Galaxy also have veteran forward Juan Pablo Angel, who made his second consecutive start last week.

"I thought he played well," L.A. coach Bruce Arena said.

Missing for the galaxy will be defender Gregg Berhalter and forward Adam Cristman, while midfielder Hector Jimenez is questionable, all with injuries. Chris Birchall will also miss the game because of a suspension.

United will be without midfielder Junior Carreiro, goalkeeper Steve Cronin and defender Devon McTavish because of injuries. Forward Charlie Davies , who scored goal in the first two games of the season but missed last week's loss to Colorado, is questionable with a groin injury. Midfielder Clyde Simms and defender Jed Zayner are expected to play with minor knocks.