Lineup Notes:
- That’s right – today is the day. You have waited for and dreamed of this day, and now it is here. That’s right: tomorrow, we are just one month away from the 21st of September, a day/night made famous by Earth, Wind & Fire’s musical hit September. ALSO! The LA Galaxy will take part in the first-ever Leagues Cup Semifinal Tuesday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park as they take on Liga MX side Cruz Azul (read: Blue Cross for casual Spanish speakers).
- The man in charge, Guillermo Barros Schelotto will trot out a lineup mixed with youth and experience, veterans and rookies, tall and short, fast and slow, handsome and handsome, as they look to advance to the prestigious Leagues Cup Final in Las Vegas next month.
- Making the start Tuesday evening in net is Matt Lampson, who was the hero in their first contest of Leagues Cup action that saw the club advance in penalties over Club Tijuana. In that match, he made three PK saves. I love Lamp, son!
- In the defense, LA Galaxy regulars Giancarlo Gonzalez, Daniel Steres and Dave Romney will be joined by LA Galaxy II standout Nick Depuy, the 24 year old from Irvine. Depuy has made MLS appearances for Montreal after starring at UC Santa Barbara during his collegiate years as a Gaucho. Yee-haw!
- In the midfield, the central duo will be Servando Carrasco and Joe Corona, who both have experience playing in Mexico in addition to the US. Carrasco and Corona bring a wealth of experience to the center of the pitch.
- Higher up the field is Efrain Alvarez, Favio Alvarez and Emil Cuello, who will look to create chances in the attack Tuesday evening. Efrain Alvarez, a Mexico Youth International regular, is one of the most talented teenagers in the league and will look to showcase that Tuesday.
- Up top is Chris Pontius, who leads the LA Galaxy with the most goals scored in Major League Soccer during his career. Pontius will be the focal point of the attack Tuesday vs. Cruz Azul. Chris has the best first name in Major League Soccer.
Game Notes:
- The LA Galaxy advanced in Leagues Cup action after taking down Club Tijuana in a penalty shootout on July 23 in Los Angeles.
- Emmanuel Boateng and Dave Romney are the LA Galaxy’s all time Leagues Cup leaders in goals, with one each. Both scored in the 2-2 draw vs. Tijuana.
- Matt Lampson made three penalty kick saves in the shootout on July 23 to secure the victory in the opening round.
- The winner of LA Galaxy/Cruz Azul F.C. will face the winner of Club América/Tigres UANL.
- The Leagues Cup Championship will be played on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.
Storylines:
- Can the Galaxy pull off another historic Leagues Cup win vs. Cruz Azul Tuesday?
- How will Nick Depuy and the Galaxy backline fare against Liga MX competition?
- Where will the chances come from against Cruz Azul?
- Will we see another heroic performance from Matt Lampson?
- WHO IS HEADED TO VEGAS FOR THE LEAGUES CUP FINAL?!
Quick Hits:
- Guillermo on Leagues Cup:https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2019/08/19/watch-la-galaxy-head-coach-guillermo-barros-schelotto-previews-leagues-cup?autoplay=true
- Official rosters: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2019/08/19/la-galaxy-and-cruz-azul-release-rosters-leagues-cup-semifinals-tuesday
- All 20 of Zlatan’s goals:https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2019/08/19/watch-zlatan-ibrahimovi-s-first-20-goals-2019-mls-season?autoplay=true
- Zlatan POTW, again:https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2019/08/19/la-galaxy-forward-zlatan-ibrahimovi-voted-mls-player-week
One More (Leagues) Cup of Coffee Lyrics – Bob Dylan
Your breath is sweet
Your eyes are like two jewels in the sky
Your back is straight, your hair is smooth
On the pillow where you lie
But I don't sense affection
No gratitude or love
Your loyalty is not to me
But to the stars above
One more (Leagues) cup of coffee for the road
One more (Leagues) cup of coffee 'fore I go
To the valley below
Your daddy he's an outlaw
And a wanderer by trade
He'll teach you how to pick and choose
And how to throw the blade
He oversees his kingdom
So no stranger does intrude
His voice it trembles as he calls out
For another plate of food
One more (Leagues) cup of coffee for the road
One more (Leagues) cup of coffee 'fore I go
To the valley below
