Seattle Sounders FC is off to its best start in club history, boasting a 4-1-1 Major League Soccer record. Now it's time to get a giant monkey off their back: the Los Angeles Galaxy.

For all of the Sounders' soccer achievements over the past three-plus seasons, they have not fared well against Los Angeles. Sounders coach Sigi Schmid can recall nearly every disappointing defeat like it was yesterday.

"We feel like we've been snakebit the last two times we played them at home," Schmid said in the Coach's Corner interview. "We lost 1-nothing the last two times, and one game we thought we played really well and goalie Josh Saunders came up with some big saves to help beat us."

While the defending MLS champion Galaxy got off to a slow start this season, they've started to hit their stride. L.A. still features a who's who lineup, with Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, Juninho, Robbie Keane and the great David Beckham.

It's not clear whether the 37-year-old English star will play against Seattle. Like the Sounders, the Galaxy will be playing three games in one week. While Beckham is fit, he might be held out by coach Bruce Arena.

When Beckham plays, he is still a focal point of the Los Angeles attack, according to Schmid.

"Beckham is very important to their team in terms of his long passing, set pieces and free kicks," Schmid said. "When you look at their goals he's usually involved in the process."

Donovan is obviously another man who concerns Seattle's coach.

"When he's in the mood, he's definitely the most dangerous player in the league," Schmid said. "There have been some games where he's not completely in the mood, but I know he's usually in the mood against us."

Seattle is nearly at full strength and coming off a 2-1 victory in Chicago. Eddie Johnson scored the Sounders' game-winner. Fredy Montero was unlucky not to record his first goal of the MLS season. Both forwards and play-making midfielder Mauro Rosales must be factors for a winning Seattle result tonight.

There's one change in Seattle's starting 11. Zach Scott plays right defensive back in place of Adam Johansson. Schmid calls it a precaution because of the Swede's recent hamstring injury.

Ross Fletcher and former Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller call the action starting at 7 p.m. on 97.3 KIRO FM.

Follow Bill Swartz, 710 ESPN Seattle

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