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Galaxy-Earthquakes Preview

Aug 20, 2010 - 8:57 PM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Los Angeles (13-3-4) at San Jose (7-6-5), 4:00 p.m. EDT

The last time Los Angeles and San Jose met, the Galaxy escaped with a late draw when the Earthquakes failed to clear the ball in front of goalkeeper Jon Busch.

The Western Conference-leading Galaxy hope to have an easier time finding the back of the net Saturday afternoon when they face Busch, who will resume his starting role after an injury to Joe Cannon.

Landon Donovan scored in the 90th minute to help Los Angeles (13-3-4) come away with a 2-all draw against San Jose (7-6-5) on July 22. The Earthquakes had gone ahead in the 72nd minute on Brandon McDonald's goal, but Busch fielded Donovan's shot off his chest and San Jose couldn't get control of the ball before Donovan scored on a rebound.

Busch started the next two games - a pair of 1-0 defeats - before being benched in favor of Cannon after giving up an own goal in a defeat to Colorado on Aug. 7. Cannon helped lead the Earthquakes to a 1-0 victory over Kansas City last Saturday, but he broke his ankle during practice this week and will be sidelined six to eight weeks.

"You build a squad to hopefully deal with any problems you have," coach Frank Yallop told the Earthquakes' official website. "Joe played well against Kansas City and Jon's going to be playing now. We're very blessed in that position."

Busch started the first six games after the break for the World Cup and allowed six goals for San Jose, which has given up 20 - fourth-most in the West.

While the Earthquakes are turning back to Busch, the Galaxy realize they underestimated their California rival last month.

"When they came here ... they had a chip on their shoulder and they played with confidence," Los Angeles midfielder Mike Magee said. "We took it for granted and didn't give them the respect they deserved."

The Galaxy are trying to build on a 1-0 road win over New York last Saturday. After giving up five goals in the previous two games, Donovan Ricketts earned the shutout.

Edson Buddle scored his league-leading 13th goal in the 10th minute and nearly got his 14th late in the match, but his shot went wide.

Los Angeles improved to 7-2-2 on the road. It's given up four goals away from home all season.

"A win on the road is always good," Buddle said. "We're just trying to get better before the playoffs start, and it starts with games on the road. Right now, we just want to win games, which is most important."

While the Galaxy have been outstanding on the road and the Earthquakes have struggled at times at home, winning once in their last five at Buck Shaw Stadium, Los Angeles is winless in its last three road games against San Jose.

"It will be a tough game," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "It's a difficult stadium to play in although I've never been there. They're a team that needs to win its games at home, so they're going to be aggressive."