Watching the Galaxy of old in the MLS playoffs

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Major League Soccer’s 2008 playoffs begin today with the Chicago Fire playing at the New England Revolution (4:30 p.m., ESPN2). Three other conference semifinals take place on Saturday.

The Galaxy, of course, will not be taking part, but that doesn’t mean Galaxy fans have to feel shut out. There’s a team that they quite happily can support.

Every one of these players and coaches was once with the Galaxy. Every one is in his correct position on the field. Every one is taking part in the playoffs. Admittedly, the bench is a little light on defenders, but of late the Galaxy’s defense has been a little light itself. Put this lineup on the field and it would give any playoff team a run for its money, and it certainly would have no trouble handling the 2008 Galaxy. And here’s the starting lineup:

Goalkeeper
Kevin Hartman (Kansas City Wizards)

Defenders
Chris Albright (New England Revolution)
Craig Waibel (Houston Dynamo)
Shavar Thomas (Chivas USA)
Ezra Hendrickson (Columbus Crew)

Midfielders
Brian Mullan (Houston Dynamo)
Paulo Nagamura (Chivas USA)
Sasha Victorine (Chivas USA)

Forwards
Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)
Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)
Alejandro Moreno (Columbus Crew)

Reserves
Matt Reis (goalkeeper, New England Rvolution)
Nathan Sturgis (midfielder, Real Salt Lake)
Clint Mathis (midfielder, Real Salt Lake)
Nate Jaqua (forward, Houston Dynamo)
Ante Razov (forward, Chivas USA).

Coach
Sigi Schmid (Columbus Crew)

Assistant coach
Robin Fraser (Real Salt Lake)

-- Grahame L. Jones