CARSON, Calif. – Sebastian Lletget is in for one of the stiffest challenges of his career on Sunday.
The talented 23-year-old midfielder has excelled since moving centrally earlier this year, but he’ll be in for a major test when he faces off against the Colorado Rapids’ Jermaine Jones in the Galaxy’s Western Conference Semifinal second leg.
The Rapids midfielder is expected to get the start with Colorado needing to erase the Galaxy’s slim one-goal advantage in the series, which will pit him against the Galaxy's likely midfield tandem of Baggio Husidic and Lletget. Jones had previously been sidelined with a knee injury but created several opportunities –including a shot that forced a remarkable Brian Rowe save—during his 45-minute cameo in the first leg.
Lletget may be known for his offensive attributes, but he's eager to put in the defensive work needed to stop Jones and the Rapids.
“We know that they’re going to be chasing for a goal and we’re definitely aware of that. Jones is a great player because he’s energetic and he’s going to cause problems if we let him. I have to be aware of it and maybe sometimes sacrifice my attacking abilities to drop back and be defensive,” Lletget said. “From the start of the game, it’ll be a big test for me in terms of an individual battle. I’m super ready for it. I think the playoffs have brought out the best in me and a lot of the guys, so hopefully it’s positive.
“I think that we’re ready to battle. That’s the thing that as time has gone by; we’ve always gradually got that attribute in our system. All we want to do is win, and we’ll do anything to get that.”
