Are you ready for some Monday Night Soccer?
The LA Galaxy will take on Seattle Sounders FC on Monday night in the first meeting of the year between the two Western Conference rivals. The match will air on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. PT.
I get you set for the game with my look ahead to the match below.
LINKS:
The LA Galaxy will be donning their "unbeaten" black third uniforms on Monday for their match against Seattle Sounders. To date, LA is 3-0-1 in the alternate uniforms.
One player who has had plenty of success against Seattle is Galaxy forward Robbie Keane, who has scored seven times against Sounders FC in the past.
Against Seattle, the LA Galaxy are expecting to welcome back defender Omar Gonzalez from injury. After skipping LA's loss to Manchester United, the Galaxy center back is hoping to go a full 90 minutes against Seattle.
Speaking of that defeat to Manchester United, the Galaxy insist that there will be no hangover from the disappointing 7-0 defeat.
It's been quite a week for Galaxy Homegrown Player Bradford Jamieson IV, who spoke to LAGalaxy.com earlier this week about his MLS debut and his appearance against Manchester United
In a piece for SoundersFC.com, I breakdown the matchup and provide the a few interesting storylines to look forward to.
*Lastly, LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan provides his preview of the Western Conference matchup.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
Omar Gonzalez vs. Clint Dempsey
Arguably the most exciting matchup of the evening, Gonzalez is expected to make his return from injury and will do so against Dempsey who was his USMNT teammate during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Gonzalez's presence will be vital in shutting down the tricky Dempsey who will look to lure the defender out of position and create space for himself and Obafemi Martins.
Juninho vs. Osvaldo Alonso
A battle of midfield generals, Juninho and Alonso will look to set the tempo for their respective teams in what promises to be a physical matchup. Look for Juninho to seek to pressure Alonso early as LA look to gain possession and create scoring opportunities.
Gyasi Zardes vs. Zack Scott
Robbie Keane has had plenty of success against the Sounders, but with Seattle eager to shutdown the Irishman, it should open up plenty of space for Zardes who will look to pressure the Rave Green from the outset.
WHAT THEY SAID:
"We want to win the Supporters' Shield. I know we're far behind at the moment, but if we win on Monday, it's eight points [behind Seattle] and we have a game in hand. All of a sudden, it's fairly close again. So it's important that we get something out of the game." - LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane
