BAYAMÓN, Puerto Rico -- When the LA Galaxy kick off against the Puerto Rico Islanders, it is likely that the duo of Hector Jimenez and Michael Stephens will be lining up on the right flank for the Galaxy.
The pairing of Jimenez at right back and Stephens at right midfield is nothing new as the duo formed an effective partnership during LA's 4-0 over the Islanders in August. Due to Jimenez's eagerness going forward and Stephens' energy and defensive acumen, the two midfielders are natural partners as their complimentary skills offer them the chance to switch off at any given time. Following the club's final practice before Thursday's match, the pair agreed that they form an intriguing partnership.
JIMENEZ: “Most likely I’ll be playing right back, so I’ll try to defend a little bit and try to attack, it might be Mikey [Stephens] on the right so we’re going to try to combine well and create some trouble for them on left.”
STEPHENS: “He’s really fit and he’s willing to get forward. t takes a lot of pressure off me, not being a guy that really likes to get down the line that much, so if I have him behind me, I know he’s going to be coming down the whole game. He’s very relentless going forward and I like that.”
