TORONTO – The LA Galaxy return to league play for the first time in two weeks when they face off against Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC at the newly renovated BMO Field.
Due to the league’s break for the Copa America Centenario, the Galaxy will have gone 15 days between their scoreless draw against Sporting Kansas City on June 2 and Saturday’s match in Toronto.
Although a midseason respite is always nice given the grinds of a long league campaign, Galaxy players are itching to return to the field.
“It’s been two weeks but it feels like two months,” said midfielder Mike Magee. “We got to take some time and get our minds right, but this is a great opportunity to go and get some points on the road.”
To earn a victory in Canada, the Galaxy must shut down a talented TFC side led by the 2015 MLS Most Valuable Player, Giovinco. On the heels of his remarkable debut season in MLS, the 29-year-old Italian attacking maestro has enjoyed yet another strong campaign this year with eight goals already to his name.
Given the success that the striker known as the “Atomic Ant” has enjoyed in such a short period, it’s no wonder that Magee speaks so glowingly when asked what impresses him about the playmaker.
“Everything,” Magee admits.
“He’s just incredible. He waits to get the ball and then he scores. There’s no crazy science behind him; he just scores goals.”
Giovinco had been an injury question mark after picking up an adductor strain last month but was recently given a clean bill of Toronto head coach Gregg Vanney. As the Galaxy prepare to contain the Italian striker, they’ll be relying on a little bit of intel from midfielder Nigel de Jong, who faced off against Giovinco’s Juventus numerous times during his time at AC Milan.
“I played against him during my four years in Italy, and I’ve played against him a couple of times. He’s a terrific player for Toronto. He wasn’t the MVP last year for no reason; we have to use all of the defense that we can use against him and defend as a team,” De Jong said. “You always have to be aware because he’s their main guy and their playmaker, but apart from that, he’s not the only goal scorer and creates stuff as well.
“You have to be aware of everyone, but especially him.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
TORONTO FC vs. LA GALAXY
BMO FIELD, Toronto, Ont.
June 18, 2016 (Week 15, MLS Game #145)
4:30 pm PT (MLS LIVE, SN360, TWCSN-LA)
- Toronto FC were shut out at the attacking end for a second consecutive match, their win-less streak now at four matches following a 3-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on May 28. TFC’s current goal-less streak is at 228 minutes, tied for ninth-longest in MLS this season.
- The Galaxy had their win-less run extended to four matches last time out, reaching a scoreless draw with Sporting Kansas City on June 2 at StubHub Center. It was the Galaxy’s fourth draw in their last six matches.
- The Galaxy have a 10-game undefeated streak alive in league play against Toronto FC, including shutout victories each of the last two seasons, both matches at StubHub Center. Since 2008, the Galaxy have won five of the 10 meetings, with five draws. TFC has not scored in the last 192 minutes in the series.
- The last four meetings between the teams in all competitions at BMO Field have ended in draws. TFC’s last home win vs. the Galaxy came in 2008 – when they swept the season series, also winning in Carson.