Starting XI presented by Modelo: Houston Dynamo vs. LA Galaxy | Feb. 29, 2020

Lineup notes:

• The 2020 season is here, and the LA Galaxy open up against the Houston Dynamo on the road as five players will make their LA Galaxy debut: DePuy, Insua, Kljestan, Chicharito and Katai.
• In net, David Bingham returns for the Galaxy after making all but one start last season in MLS Regular Season play. Last year, he finished with 55 saves, eight shutouts and a 1.67 GAA.
• On the right side is Venezuelan national Rolf Feltscher, who is set to make his 41^st appearance in Major League Soccer with the Galaxy.
• In the center of defense making his first-team debut is Nick DePuy, the 2019 LA Galaxy II Defender of the Season. DePuy has put in a solid preseason showing and earned the spot in the starting XI from Barros Schelotto.
• Alongside DePuy is Costa Rican international Giancarlo Gonzalez. Gonzalez and DePuy paired successfully in the center of defense during the club’s preseason campaign and earn the starting nod together.
• On the left side of the defense is newcomer Emiliano Insua, who boasts experience playing across Europe. Insua will make his MLS debut Saturday after being brought in this offseason from Germany.
• In the center of the field is veteran Perry Kitchen, who will put in the dirty work and look to keep the midfield organized. Kitchen has made 197 previous MLS appearances, previously with D.C. United.
• Alongside Kitchen is Sebastian Lletget, the U.S. Men’s National Team mainstay who can play both inside and out wide. Lletget brings 14 goals and 18 assists in MLS into the lineup.
• Southern California native Sacha Kljestan will make his LA Galaxy debut Saturday in Houston. Kjlestan is an MLS veteran with 264 appearances in the league, the most of any player on the Galaxy’s roster.
• Out wide is Argentine Cristian Pavon, the electric winger who has had a superb preseason campaign. Last year, Pavon tallied three goals and eight assists in just 11 games.
• On the other wing is Aleksandar Katai, who joined the Galaxy this offseason from Chicago Fire FC. In 51 starts, he has 18 goals and 12 assists in MLS.
• Up top is Chicharito, the Galaxy’s new striker. He makes his anticipated MLS debut in Houston and will lead the Galaxy’s attack.

Game notes:

• The LA Galaxy are 11-12-7 all-time vs. the Houston Dynamo.
• The two sides open up the season before a second contest is set for April 25 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
• Last year, the Galaxy finished the season with the following records:
  • At halftime
    • When leading: 7-2-1
    • When trailing: 0-9-0
    • When tied: 9-4-2
  • When scoring first:
    • Score: 13-2-1
    • Allow: 3-13-1
• Cristian Pavon and Sebastian Lletget are the two leading goalscorers returning from last season. Both tallied three goals each.
• Pavon led the Galaxy in assists last year with 8.

Storylines:

• How will a new LA Galaxy team start the season off?
• How will the newcomers look in their debut?
• Can the defense featuring two new players perform well on the road?
• Is Pavon going to continue his strong start to the year?