GALAXY TONIGHT

Opponent--Columbus Crew.

Site--Rose Bowl.

Time--7:30.

Radio--KTNQ (1020).

Records--Galaxy 9-11, Crew 8-12.

Record vs. Crew--1-0.

Galaxy update--Under the leadership of interim Coach Octavio Zambrano, the Galaxy went undefeated in July, winning five games. It outscored opponents, 14-2, and is only one game out of third place in the Western Conference. Brazilian forward Welton had four goals and one assist in those games. The Galaxy has 12 regular-season games left. If it wins only the seven that are at home, it will clinch a playoff spot. The defense, led by Dan Calichman and Robin Fraser, has been as instrumental in the recent success as the offense. Rumors that goalkeeper Jorge Campos will return to the Mexican League for good after this season have not adversely affected the club.

Crew update--Columbus is in free fall and, if it were not for the equally inept play of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, would probably be out of playoff contention. Since starting the season 6-2, the Crew has gone 2-10. U.S. national team goalkeeper Brad Friedel (1.33 goals-against average) anchors a defense that also includes U.S. players Thomas Dooley and Mike Lapper. Top scorer Brian McBride is sidelined by a sprained right ankle, which leaves the Crew with little firepower up front. Adding to Columbus’ woes, this is the Crew’s third game in six days. It lost twice to defending champion Washington D.C. United, 2-1 in a shootout July 25 and 4-2 on Wednesday night. Former UCLA and Galaxy midfielder Jorge Salcedo goes against his 1996 teammates.