The Galaxy have landed: PPL Park in Chester, Penn., (AP Photo).

The Galaxy make their first-ever visit to what will be a sold-out PPL Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, at 5 p.m. (live on ESPN2) just three days and a trip across the country after beating Chivas USA 2-0 in Carson.

Despite being out of the playoff hunt, the stage will motivate a Union team that has lost just twice at home all season.

Difficult circumstances for LA to play such a crucial game with the Supporters Shield hanging in the balance. But the Galaxy – who come to town sporting the best road record in MLS – 8-3-3 – have a chance to prove their championship mettle.

Naturally, in Philadelphia they’re giving David Beckham top billing, but at least his presence gives added spice to what will be the first of two meaningless soccer games for home fans in the city within a week – and the fans know it judging by the expected attendance at the second of them.

It should also be noted that:

*Reserve Galaxy central defender Yohance Marshall is absent tonight because he is on international duty for Trinidad & Tobago.

*The rarely-used Chris Klein (with just three starts in 10 appearances this year you’ve got to wonder whether the 34-year-old will join Eddie Lewis in retirement at the end of the season) gets off the bench to make an appearance on HGTV’s “Design School” (along with Todd Dunivant). The show premieres 11 a.m. Friday.

Handily for the oft-sitting Klein, the episode is about students who custom design chairs for athletes.

*The Galaxy aren’t the only team tonight who boast a dead ball specialist: the Union (sparingly) feature former Bruin Kyle Nakazawa of Palos Verdes Estates.

Here’s a little more from the Galaxy’s perspective:

Enjoy the game.