LA Galaxy Starting XI
Brian Rowe; A.J. DeLaGarza, Daniel Steres, Leonardo, Dave Romney; Nigel de Jong, Jeff Larentowicz; Giovani dos Santos, Steven Gerrard, Gyasi Zardes; Robbie Keane ©.
Substitutions
Dan Kennedy, Rafael Garcia, Baggio Husidic, Emmanuel Boateng, Sebastian Lletget, Mike Magee, Alan Gordon.
Lineup Notes
- Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena will welcome back Gyasi Zardes and Robbie Keane into the lineup Monday that will feature four changes from their last MLS match: Dave Romney, Leonardo, Gyasi Zardes and Robbie Keane start while Ashley Cole, Jelle Van Damme, Mike Magee and Alan Gordon.
- The Galaxy have yet to start the same XI players in consecutive matches this year.
- Brian Rowe makes his 16th appearance of the season Monday evening. The former UCLA star has turned into one of the most reliable ‘keepers in MLS this year, earning a 1.02 GAA and making 56 saves on the year in addition to three shutouts.
- On the right, the longest tenured player with the LA Galaxy, A.J. DeLaGarza, makes his 11th start this season. DeLaGarza has made 190 appearances for LA during his time in MLS – no other player on the Galaxy roster has played in more matches for LA.
- In the center of the field, Brazilian defender Leonardo returns to the starting XI as the Galaxy shuffle the backline with the suspensions of Ashley Cole and Jelle Van Damme. Leonardo, the Galaxy’s 2015 Defender of the Year, makes his second appearance of the season Monday night.
- Alongside Leonardo is Daniel Steres, who makes his 15th start of the season and his 16th appearance overall. After two stellar seasons with Galaxy II in USL, Steres has become a rock in the back for LA this year.
- On the left, fellow LA Galaxy II product Dave Romney makes the start at left back. Romney was the first-ever player to sign a contract with the Galaxy from LA Galaxy II last season and has continued to prove his worth, filling in at both central defense and left back throughout the season.
- In the center of the pitch, MLS veteran Jeff Larentowicz will make his 296th all-time MLS appearance. Larentowicz signed a free-agent contract with the Galaxy and has made nine appearances with four starts in MLS this year for LA.
- Roaming the center alongside Larentowicz, Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong makes his 12th appearance on the year. The former A.C. Milan and Manchester City has been a consistent contributor to LA since he signed prior to the start of the season.
- Out wide, Mexican international Giovani dos Santos makes his 13th appearance. This year, Dos Santos leads the Galaxy with seven goals and five assists. In 22 appearances overall with LA, Gio has tallied 10 goals and 10 assists.
- In a playmaking position higher up the field, English midfielder Steven Gerrard will make his 10th start this year. Gerrard has already matched last season’s totals in less matches, scoring twice and recording five assists.
- On the left, USMNT star Gyasi Zardes returns to LA and slots back into the starting XI after starting in each of the USMNT’s match in their 4th place finish of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. On Monday evening, the Hawthorne product will make his 100th MLS appearance all time for the Galaxy.
- Remarkably handsome Irishman Robbie Keane is back. Back again. Keane is back. Tell a friend. Keane will captain the side Monday night against Vancouver. All time against Vancouver, Keano has four goals and four assists in 10 matches. Overall, he has scored 77 goals and recorded 44 assists in just 114 appearances.
Game Notes
- LA have lost just twice in their previous 14 MLS matches.
- In their previous four MLS matches, the Galaxy have given up just two goals.
- The club’s annual Fourth of July game marks the 21th consecutive season that the Galaxy will host a game on Independence Day, the longest such stretch in American professional sports.
- The Galaxy have an 8-3-3 record against Vancouver all time, including a 6-1-0 record at home.
- In their most recent matchup, the Galaxy tied Vancouver 0-0 on the road at BC Place earlier this year.
- This season, the Galaxy are 4-0-4 at StubHub Center, scoring 18 goals while allowing just eight.
- The Galaxy have been one of the most successful MLS teams at home during the last four seasons, scoring 135 total goals at StubHub Center, the most of any team.
- The Galaxy’s home MLS record throughout the last four seasons is 38-5-15, with 135 goals for and just 44 against.
- Since 2014, the Galaxy have only lost five of their previous 58 MLS games at StubHub Center.
Storylines
- How will the return of Gyasi Zardes and Robbie Keane boost the Galaxy?
- Can the Galaxy return to winning ways in MLS play?
- How will the adjusted Galaxy backline fare against the Vancouver offense?
- Will Joe Tutino wear a red, white and blue tie?
Quick hits
