Cole, de Jong ready for MLS altitude test

Former England and Chelsea star Cole and Dutch international de Jong got off to a winning start last weekend in the Galaxy's come-from-behind 4-1 victory over DC United at Carson.

However, Cole and de Jong face a potentially awkward assignment in the thin air of the Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, which is exactly one mile (1.6 kilometers) above sea level.

Cole said he was confident of being able to cope with the conditions.

"I think everyone keeps saying it's hard to breathe," Cole told the Galaxy's official website (www.lagalaxy.com).

"You kind of get tired from zero minutes to 30 minutes. It kind of takes a toll on your body. And after that you kind of get a second wind."

"Hopefully that happens and we have control of the game before this. But I'm looking forward to the game anyway," he added. 

De Jong was unfazed by the altitude issue. "At the end of the day it's about the game," the combative midfielder said.

"Both teams have to deal with it. Whoever is mentally stronger at that point is going to win the game."

Galaxy skipper Robbie Keane, however, had words of warning for the team's new players, recalling his first time playing at altitude.

"I couldn't breathe," the Ireland international record goalscorer said."

"It is what it is. You can't make excuses. We just have to try and manage the game and be successful."

The Galaxy won 3-1 on their last visit to Denver and will be confident of another win this weekend against a Colorado side beaten 1-0 at the San Jose Earthquakes last Sunday. 

Meanwhile, Cole's former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard is rated as questionable to appear for New York City FC as they take on Toronto FC at home on Sunday.

The game is the second match of new manager Patrick Vieira's reign following last Sunday's opening 4-3 away win at the Chicago Fire.

Vieira said his first taste of the MLS had confirmed his belief that the league was stronger than many in Europe realized.

"It was what I expected," Vieira told a press conference.

"I think in Europe and the other side of the world, we take the MLS for granted. It's a really good level, physically really strong. It's much better than people think."

Vieira admitted, however, that he was still coming to terms with the access-all-areas media coverage common in American sport.

"I have to get used to the cameras coming inside the dressing room because in Europe we're not used to it -- but I have to adapt myself as that's the way it is here," Vieira said.

In other highlights this weekend, reigning MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers travel to the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday while a Didier Drogba-less Montreal Impact host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.