GALAXY TODAY

Opponent--New York/New Jersey MetroStars.

Site--Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

Time--Noon PDT.

TV--Channel 34.

Radio--KTNQ (1020).

Records--Galaxy 6-11, MetroStars 6-11.

Record vs. MetroStars--0-1.

Galaxy update--Two starters miss this afternoon’s game and another is doubtful. Forward Eduardo Hurtado is with Ecuador’s national team for today’s World Cup ’98 qualifier against Colombia and midfielder/defender Danny Pena is serving a one-game suspension imposed by MLS for his “violent and dangerous” tackle against D.C. United’s Eddie Pope on July 12. Also unlikely to start is goalkeeper Jorge Campos, whose left knee is still feeling the effects of a cortisone injection. The Galaxy has won two in a row, defeating the New England Revolution, 2-0, on July 4 and D.C. United, 3-1, last Sunday. The Galaxy is 3-2 under interim Coach Octavio Zambrano, who said Saturday evening that his aim at this point is “to keep giving them [Galaxy management] reasons not to fire me.” The Galaxy has outshot opponents, 258-163, this season, but has been outscored, 23-21.

MetroStar update--The team is in the process of being rebuilt in midseason. Added to the roster in the last few weeks have been defenders Mark Semioli from the Galaxy and Brian Bliss from the Columbus Crew, as well as South African national team striker Shaun Bartlett from the Colorado Rapids. Bartlett makes his MetroStars’ debut today. “I think Bliss is going to be a good trade for us,” MetroStar goalkeeper Tony Meola said. “And Semioli, I can’t say enough about him. I don’t know what Los Angeles was thinking when they let him go.” U.S. national team midfielder Tab Ramos returned to the starting lineup last week after being sidelined since November because of a torn knee ligament. The MetroStars ended a five-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Rapids. Forward Anthony De Avila misses today’s game while playing for Colombia against Ecuador in World Cup ’98 qualifying.