LA Galaxy Communications

Starting XI

David Bingham; Emrah Klimenta, Michael Ciani, Jorgen Skjelvik, Dave Romney; Perry Kitchen, Sebastian Lletget; Romain Alessandrini, Jonathan dos Santos, Ola Kamara; Zlatan Ibrahimović (c).

Bench

Justin Vom Steeg, Daniel Steres, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Joao Pedro, Servando Carrasco, Emmanuel Boateng, Chris Pontius.

Lineup Notes

It’s finally here. The big day. The one we’ve waited for. It’s Victory Day! Also, the LA Galaxy face Montreal Impact in a cross-country road game in a soccer match, which is better than all the poutine in the entire world.
Head coach Sigi Schmid will shuffle his lineup from last weekend’s contest, as Ashley Cole (suspended) and Giovani dos Santos (injury) are unavailable for selection on the day.
David Bingham continues to guard the Galaxy(‘s net), making his 11^th start of the season. He is the most famous LA Galaxy David B that didn’t attend the royal wedding this weekend.
On the right side of the backline, making his LA Galaxy debut is Emrah Klimenta, who was acquired this offseason after captaining Sacramento Republic, one of the most successful sides in USL during previous years. Since they had been successful during Klimenta’s time there, you could call them Won Republic (I’m very sorry for this).
In the center, it’s the man of many consonants and very few vowels, Jorgen Skjelvik, who hails from the country of Winter Olympic dominance. Skjelvik is a speedy, athletic center back who has made every start this year for LA since being acquired this offseason. John Travolta once tried to pronounce this name while introducing Jorgen during the Oscars and this is how it ended up.
The other central defender on LA’s backline is big Michael Ciani, who will feel right at home using French. Big Mike has started in 11 previous games since joining the Galaxy towards the end of last season.
On the left is the athletic and versatile Dave Romney, who can play in every position along the backline and will fill in for the suspended Ashley Cole on Monday. Romney will make his 37^th start and his 50^thappearance overall.
In the center of the field, Sebastian Lletget returns to the starting XI to help dictate possession in Montreal. Lletget makes his eighth start of the season.
Alongside Lletget is midfielder Perry Kitchen, who is one of three players to start in every game this season. Kitchen has been an important offseason signing, doing the dirty work in the middle for LA this year.
Out wide on the right, Romain Alessandrini will speak his French and play his soccer, both of which are very good. Alessandrini is coming back into form from an early-season injury. In total, he has scored 14 goals and added 13 assists and said a lot of things in French.
Playing as the play maker who will play to make plays, Jonathan dos Santos is in the starting XI after exiting last week’s game to an injury scare. Dos Santos will be tasked with creating opportunities for LA on the day.
On the left is the tireless and talented Ola Kamara, who has scored in three-straight games to give him four goals on the year, leading the LA Galaxy on the year. Kamara would likely be a renowned Norway Winter Olympic champion had he not chose to play soccer.
Up top is Zlatan Ibrahimović, a striker who has played well during his career. Look at him, he is the captain now.

Game Notes

All-time, the LA Galaxy are 2-1-3 against Montreal Impact, going 0-1-2 in the three games they’ve played in Montreal.
The two sides met once last season, when the Galaxy earned a 2-0 win over the Impact at StubHub Center.
- Romain Alessandrini scored the game-winning goal in that contest.
The Galaxy’s current road swing, three games, is tied for their longest away stretch this season.
This year on the road, the Galaxy have gone 1-3-1, collecting four points in five matches played.
The Galaxy are 2-0-0 this year when scoring the first goal or leading at halftime. Conversely, they have gone 1-4-0 when trailing at half and 1-6-0 when conceding the first goal.

Storylines

Can the Galaxy snap a winless streak on the road in Montreal?
Will Ola Kamara continue his three-game scoring streak?
How will Jonathan dos Santos fare in a more advanced, attacking role?
How will Perry Kitchen and Sebastian Lletget pair in the center of the field?
Can the Galaxy backline shut down Montreal’s attack?
Per usual:
- How long will Zlatan play?
- Will Zlatan score a goal?
- Will another Zlatan goal go viral?

Quick Hits

La Vie en Rose – Louis Armstrong via Edit Piaf

Hold me close and hold me fast

The magic spell you cast

This is La Vie En Rose

When you kiss me heaven sighs

And though I close my eyes

I see La Vie En Rose

When you press me to your heart

I'm in a world apart

A world where roses bloom

And when you speak...angels sing from above

Everyday words seem...to turn into love songs

Give your heart and soul to me

And life will always be

La Vie En Rose.

Louis Armstrong in 1950 via Edith Piaf in 1945

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Starting XI presented by Modelo: Montreal Impact vs. LA Galaxy | May 21, 2018