Lineup
Jon Kempin; Dave Romney, Michael Ciani, Hugo Arellano; Bradley Diallo, João Pedro, Giovani dos Santos ©, Jonathan dos Santos, Ashley Cole; Bradford Jamieson IV, Gyasi Zardes.
Substitutions
Brian Rowe, Nathan Smith, Rafael Garcia, Emmanuel Boateng, Jack McBean, Jack McInerney, Ariel Lassiter.
Lineup notes
- The Galaxy will return to StubHub Center with a two-game unbeaten streak in hand Saturday night against Major League Soccer’s best team, Toronto FC.
- Head Coach Sigi Schmid, the winningest coach in MLS history, will coach his eighth contest since taking over as head coach. He will make four changes to the starting XI from last weekend’s match vs. Seattle as Michael Ciani, Hugo Arellano, Joao Pedro and Bradford Jamieson IV will start in place of Daniel Steres, Jermaine Jones, Romain Alessandrini and Emmanuel Boateng.
- In net, Jon Kempin will make his sixth start in net for the LA Galaxy as Schmid continues with the 24-year-old keeper after a string of impressive performances. Kempin went off injured against Seattle last weekend but recovered quickly and returned to training on Wednesday.
- In defense, Dave Romney will be on the right side of a three-man backline. Romney has been one of the Galaxy’s most important defenders in 2017, filling in whatever position needed and playing well.
- In the center of defense, he’s big, bald, beautiful and… French, Michael Ciani will make his first start in a Galaxy uniform. Ciani has trained with the Galaxy for two weeks since joining after a career spanning across France and Spain, among others.
- Rounding out the three-man backline is the young and talented Hugo Arellano, who has been a standout for LA Galaxy II in USL and for various U.S. Youth National Team sides. He has made two appearances – both starts – this season in MLS.
- On the right side of the field just above the backline, Bradley Diallo continues, making his 13th start of his MLS career after years of standout play in USL for Galaxy II.
- Locking down the center of the field, João Pedro will return to the starting XI after not playing in Seattle last weekend. It will mark the 25th start for the Galaxy this year, leading all Galaxy players.
- Alongside Pedro is Jonathan dos Santos, who is coming off an MLS Team of the Week performance from his match against Seattle. Dos Santos has looked like one of MLS’ top midfielders in the last few matches.
- On the left side of the field, Ashley Cole will captain the side against Toronto FC in what will be his 23rd start of the season. Cole has once again been among the best for any left back in MLS.
- Giovani dos Santos will occupy the #10 role just behind the strikers as the Mexico International will look to create chances against TFC.
- Up top, Bradford Jamieson IV is set for his sixth start of the season and the 18th appearance of the year in MLS. Jamieson IV has looked sharp in recent weeks.
- Gyasi Zardes, who has tallied two goals and an assist in his previous two games, will look to lead the offense Saturday night at StubHub Center. Zardes has his confidence back after netting in consecutive contests.
Additional notes:
· Regular starters Daniel Steres (back), Jermaine Jones (yellow card accumulation) and Romain Alessandrini (yellow card accumulation) are unavailable for selection
Game notes
- Toronto FC, the league’s first team to lock in a 2017 MLS Cup Playoff spot, will travel to Los Angeles for the first time since 2015, when the Galaxy dominated the Reds with a 4-0 win on July 4.
- A Robbie Keane hat-trick was capped by an extra-time goal from Sebastian Lletget.
- LA are 5-1-2 against Toronto at home all-time, with their lone loss coming on May 31, 2008.
- The Galaxy have won each of the last three matches in which they’ve hosted the Canadian side.
- All-time, LA are 6-3-6 against Toronto.
- The Galaxy are 5-1-1 when scoring the first goal this season and 5-2-1 when leading the game at halftime.
- Conversely, LA have gone 2-13-2 when conceding first and are 1-9-1 in matches when trailing at the half.
Storylines
- Can the Galaxy continue with momentum after going unbeaten in two-straight games?
- Will the Galaxy defense hold down Toronto in the absence of Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore?
- How will an adjusted Galaxy formation fare Saturday night?
- Will Gyasi Zardes continue scoring?
- Can the Galaxy create chances without Romain Alessandrini?
- In Canada, is Canadian Bacon just called bacon?
Ben E. King Lyrics
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as LA stands
Stands by me
So darlin', darlin'
Stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh, stand, stand by me
Stand by me
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as LA stands
Stands by me
And darlin', darlin'
Stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now, stand by me
Stand by me
– Ben E. King (1961)
