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Fire-Galaxy Preview

Jul 31, 2010 - 9:10 PM By MATT BEARDMORE STATS Writer

Chicago (4-5-5) at Los Angeles (12-2-4), 7:30 p.m. EDT

The Chicago Fire have been busy reshaping their club. They're hoping their most recent acquisition can give them a much-needed boost.

Former Arsenal standout Freddie Ljungberg is expected to make his Fire debut Sunday night when Chicago faces the league-best Los Angeles Galaxy, who have been struggling lately.

Playing its first MLS game since a 1-0 loss at defending champion Real Salt Lake on July 8, Chicago (4-5-5) arrives at The Home Depot Center with a renewed sense of optimism.

After signing Mexican midfielder Nery Castillo two weeks ago as the team's second-ever designated player and trading midfielder Justin Mapp to Philadelphia on Monday, Chicago acquired Ljungberg from Seattle on Friday for a conditional pick in either the 2011 or 2012 SuperDraft. It was the first trade of a designated player in MLS history.

The two-time MLS All-Star had a tumultuous stint with the Sounders since signing with the expansion club in October 2008, but with an offense that's scored twice in the last three league games, the Fire are embracing the 33-year-old Swede, who was fourth in the league with nine assists and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2009.

"Freddie is an exceptional player, with world-class talent and we are thrilled to have him join the Chicago Fire," technical director Frank Klopas told the team's official website. "He is a player with an illustrious career and as an attacking player he will help us towards our goal of bringing the MLS Cup to Chicago."

Castillo is not expected to play until Aug. 8 at home against New York.

While it appeared that the Galaxy (12-2-4) were well on their way to a third MLS Cup title by opening the season 10-0-2, Los Angeles is looking to bounce back from a difficult July, going 2-3-1 in all competitions.

The Galaxy lost 4-1 at home to the Puerto Rico Islanders on Tuesday in a CONCACAF Champions League preliminary. Los Angeles' only score came on an own goal.

"When things aren't going our way, we have to fight through those times," forward Edson Buddle told the league's official website. "We just have to put more energy and fight through bad times like that."

Los Angeles, though, is 11-0-2 in its last 13 league games at home. Reigning league MVP Landon Donovan scored the equalizer in the 90th minute of a 2-all draw against San Jose on July 22 as the Galaxy avoided their first home loss since Sept. 12 against FC Dallas.

Donovan, who has five goals and five assists in 15 games against Chicago, found the back of the net in a 1-0 win over the visiting Fire on Oct. 2. He also scored in a 2-0 victory at Chicago on Aug. 19.