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Galaxy tries to overcome Fire, injuries in defense

Jul 8, 2011 - 5:35 PM Carson, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Galaxy has had to deal with a number of absences due to injury, international duty and bizarre circumstances in recent weeks.

Leading scorer Landon Donovan missed significant time in June while away on international duty with the United States in the Gold Cup, while David Beckham has been battling a back injury that has forced him to miss games.

Starting goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts went down with an arm injury, and in the same game, second-choice keeper Josh Saunders was sent off, leaving midfielder Mike Magee to play in goal for the second half of the match.

But as the Galaxy gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday at The Home Depot Center, the club still brings an 11-game unbeaten streak into the match despite all of its issues.

The latest came on Monday as rookie Brian Perk made his MLS debut against Seattle Sounders FC and stopped a penalty kick en route to a clean sheet and a 0-0 draw.

Saunders will return in goal on Saturday after serving his suspension, but there is concern about the defenders in front of him after both A.J. DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez left the game on Monday with injuries.

DeLaGarza was accidentally kicked in the face by Seattle's Fredy Montero while Gonzalez left with a hip injury, leaving the status of both players in doubt.

"I think it's always difficult losing players, especially when it's defenders," Beckham said after the Seattle match. "I think we adapted in the right way, in the way that we needed to.

"When things are down and when players miss (playing time) through either suspension or injury it's how the squad reacts. We've reacted well. We reacted really well in San Jose and obviously tonight losing a couple of players again."

Chicago's biggest issue this season so far has been a lack of wins, with the team claiming just two victories in its first 18 contests.

But the team sits just 10 points back of Eastern Conference leaders Red Bull New York with a game in hand because they have been able to earn 12 draws.

The Fire has drawn seven of its last eight games, but remains unbeaten under interim coach Frank Klopas, who is 1-0-6 since taking over for Carlos de los Cobos on May 30.