Four scores may not be enough

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - If it’s possible to believe it, David Beckham could be just a side note when the Los Angeles Galaxy visits D.C. United on Sunday afternoon.

Perhaps that’s a stretch, but in a match featuring Major League Soccer’s top two offenses — and worst two defenses — expect goals themselves to be an equal attraction.

“[The Galaxy has] a phenomenal offense, and they come at you a whole bunch of different ways,” said United defender Devon McTavish. “Thankfully, our offense is pretty potent as well. We can put the ball in the back of the net, too. It might be an offensive showdown.”

At their current scoring rate, the Galaxy (2.38 goals per game) would finish the season as the second-highest scoring team in MLS history, behind only the 1998 Galaxy (2.66), who were paced by 19 goals by Cobi Jones.

Landon Donovan, who leads the league with 11 goals and six assists in just 10 games, is on pace to easily eclipse 20 for the season, and his strike partner, Edson Buddle, also has scored nine times, including two hat tricks.

Where does all that leave Beckham? With a measly four goals and six assists.

“We’ll sit and study, and we’ll make sure we know what those guys’ strengths are,” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “But one of the best ways to nullify someone like that is to make sure you have the better of the game and the better of the opportunities.

“Don’t forget,” added Soehn. “We’re playing at 12 noon, on what could be a 90-degree, 90-percent-humidity day. There’s no telling what the game will give.”

United (6-7-1) has averaged 2.8 goals during its current five game unbeaten run, but it remains the only team left in the league without a shutout.

“It would be phenomenal for us,” said McTavish, “phenomenal for our confidence, everyone in the back, the whole team.”

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