Another tough road game on tough turf on network TV. Seattle has lost their opening 2 games and has yet to score in league play, but Tuesday night in CCL they had a very impressive 3-0 win over a Mexican team, while resting their 2 best (and oldest) offensive players for our match this Saturday. So while we are tied for first in the league and they are tied for worst, this is not an easy game at all and will really be a test for the Galaxy. Hopefully after a 10-minute appearance at the end of last game and a full week of training, Williams is ready to go because we could really use his calming presence and superior positioning and reading of the game on the backline. But with 2 wins in a row, if everyone is healthy I could see Vanney wanting to reward them and start the same lineup for the 3rd game in a row, something I don't think we ever did last season (we also never had back-to-back shutouts last season either...) Let's Go Galaxy!!!!
Alex Roldan came out of the CCL game last night with what Schmetzer described as a foot injury. He was replaced by Kelyn Rowe, who is more of a break in case of emergency outside back than a regular at that spot. If Roldan can't go, there may be an opportunity to use our speed and talent on the outside to get up the wing.
Especially since Seattle was the first "we aren't as good as we thought we were" moment last year, too.
All those missing players like Ruidiaz, Lodeiro and Brian are said to be hurting to one degree or another. They werent even on the bench against Leon. Look at the rotations made in their last game against RSL. They rested their key players for Leon. Chances are high that Seattle is eyeing a serious run at the CCL trophy. Chances are, they will do the same rotation against Galaxy and save their best guys to make sure Leon stays down and they advance next week in Mexico. Schmetzer has his eye on the prize. Look how they played vs Leon winning 3-0. Does that look like they are limping? I think they figure they can make the MLS playoffs even if they lose a few points at the start. They want that CCL trophy and they have an excellent chance of taking it. Good news for us to go in there and take the points. Lets not look a gift horse in the mouth. Take it and say thank you. GALAXY!!!
Not to mention that if they get through...they face NYCFC in the semi final - which means they've got a decent shot to get to the final. I don't mean in terms of NYCFC's quality, but you don't have to go to Mexico. Heck even if NY screws the pooch, that means they go to Guatemala. They've got a decent shot to make the final, and it looks like Brian's not going to squander it. Hell, the Revs and the way they are playing, also have a shot to make the final. I would prioritize CCL with the way it's panning out this year as well.
LA Galaxy injury report lists Jorge Villafaña as questionable, and Victor Vazquez, who exited early in the 2nd half against Charlotte, is not on the report at all.— Alicia Rodriguez (@soccermusings) March 10, 2022 Sort of surprised the Vazquez isn't listed on the injury report, but that's good news.
Seattle's injury report lists Lodeiro and Ruidiaz as definitely out, which is good news for us (and limits their ability to rotate players). Sounds like Alex Roldan could go. I guess guys play through bone chips and get them cleaned out after the season. Update on Roldan: it’s some sort of bone chip, more of a pain tolerance issue. Could play as soon as Saturday. Will bruin was a full training participant and will be available. Nico and Raul definitely out, Atencio and Medranda ‘a bit closer’ according to Schmetzer.— Jeremiah Oshan (@JeremiahOshan) March 10, 2022
watching Vanney's press availability (thank you LA Galaxy twitter for streaming), he mentioned that Villafana may need a scope or something surgical and they'll be determining that next week. Seems very unlikely that he'll be on the trip.
I am so glad we got Edwards and he is working out so well. This will give Villafana time to come back 100%. With the injuries Seattle is dealing with we should be able to take them so long as we stay disciplined.
Bond Speaks Our new CB Hype Video Ok Here is what I wanna see. ------------------------Chicharito -------Cabral--------------------------------Costa ----------------------------Efra -------------Raveloson--------Delgado Edwards---Depuy------------Sega-------Araujo ---------------------------Bond Sub Sacha for Efra Grandsir for Costa DeJan for Chicha
I have a coworker from Seattle who I want to see humiliated and in complete despair (like Bilgediver’s uncle). Let’s do this!
Sounds like this is a great time to do a smash and grab against Seattle. They have injuries, recently played, and we are on good form. I am not sure if we will ever have another opportunity like this to get a win there.
Starting XI: Jonathan Bond; Julián Araujo, Séga Coulibaly, Nick DePuy, Raheem Edwards; Mark Delgado, Rayan Raveloson, Douglas Costa, Efraín Álvarez, Kévin Cabral; Javier “Chicharito” Hernández © Substitutions: Jonathan Klinsmann; Kelvin Leerdam, Derrick Williams, Eriq Zavaleta; Samuel Grandsir, Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Pérez, Víctor Vázquez; Dejan Joveljić
Looks like Vanney went with my roster and formation. Okay team. Don't let me and the coach who listened to me down!!!
“An exceptional player”High praise from @SoundersFC boss @brianschmetzer for @CH14_ pic.twitter.com/1Rw0IdxKt7— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) March 12, 2022