MONTERREY, Mexico – We’re just a few hours from Wednesday night’s CONCACAF Champions League Semifinal second leg between the LA Galaxy and C.F. Monterrey.
To get you prepared for kick off, check out my links, matchups to watch and my predicted lineup below…
When Omar Gonzalez takes the field at Estadio Tecnológico, he play within the same lines as his uncle Lalo Rodriguez Plata, I spoke to both about Gonzalez's connections to Monterrey.
Juninho is fully fit and ready to participate in Wednesday's match.
* Landon Donovan may end up playing extended minutes for the LA Galaxy in their do-or-die match up and Donovan spoke at length about what is needed for LA to advance: goals and leadership.
Michael Stephens struggled late in LA’s 2-1 defeat, but he’s eager to return to form if called upon in the second leg.
Jose Villarreal succeeded in Mexico with the U.S. Under-20 squad, but will that translate to Wednesday’s match?
*Lastly, read my Three Points to the game.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
OMAR GONZALEZ vs. ALDO DE NIGRIS
Old friends turned adversaries; Gonzalez will need one of the best games of his career to handle De Nigris and his strike partner Humberto Suazo. Gonzalez and the Galaxy backline had success against Monterrey in the first leg, but total focus and concentration will be needed for LA to wrap up the Rayados attack.
ROBBIE KEANE VS. JOSE MARIA BASANTA
The veteran internationals tasseled repeatedly in the first leg, but for the Galaxy to advance over Monterrey, they will need a big game from Keane. The Irishman’s guile tested Bastanta several times in the first leg, but the Argentine will be a formidable foe for Keane.
TODD DUNIVANT vs. CESAR DELGADO
Delgado looks poised to start for Los Rayados after a strong game in the first leg. As a second half substitute, the Argentine was influential in creating a goal for LA and left back Todd Dunivant will have a major test if he is to shut down the winger.
PREDICTED LINEUP:
Cudicini; DeLaGarza, Gonzalez, Leonardo, Dunivant; Franklin, Juninho, Sarvas, Magee; Donovan, Keane
