Starting XI: LA Galaxy at FC Dallas | October 22, 2017

xixixixixix
LA Galaxy Communications

Starting XI 


Clement Diop; Bradley Diallo, Dave Romney, Michael Ciani, Ashley Cole; Romain Alessandrini, Jonathan dos Santos, Jermaine Jones ©, Emmanuel Boateng; Bradford Jamieson IV, Giovani dos Santos


Substitutes


Brian Rowe, Hugo Arellano, Rafael Garcia, Baggio Husidic, Ariel Lassiter, Raul Mendiola, Jack McBean


Lineup notes


  • It’s the final match of the LA Galaxy’s 2017 MLS Regular Season, a road contest against fellow Western Conference side FC Dallas, who are fighting for a playoff spot on #DecisionDay.
  • Head Coach Sigi Schmid, the winningest coach in MLS history, will coach his 14th contest since taking over as head coach earlier this year. He fields the same lineup from last weekend’s 3-0 win at home vs. Minnesota United.
  • In net, Schmid will go with Clement Diop, who makes his team-leading 15th start in net for the Galaxy this season. Diop has strung together several solid performances in recent weeks, including a shutout in his last outing.
  • At right back, the Frenchman Bradley Diallo will make his second-straight start since returning from injury, marking his 14th start this year. Diallo will look to close out the year strong and make a case for himself in 2018.
  • In the center of defense, Dave Romney will make his 23rd start of the season. Romney has stepped up and become a dependable player in several positions along the backline for the Galaxy this year and will look to end 2017 on a high note.
  • Alongside Romney, French defender Michael Ciani gets his sixth start of the year. Ciani has looked notably improved after gaining full fitness since joining the club towards the end of the season.
  • On the left side of defense, Ashley Cole will make his 29th start of the season. Despite his age, the 36 year old has been class and proven why he is one of the best defenders of his generation.
  • Out wide on the right is Frenchman Romain Alessandrini, a leading candidate for LA Galaxy Player of the Year and possible MLS Newcomer of the Year winner. After arguably his best performance all season last weekend, Romain has recorded 13 goals and 11 assists, leading LA in both categories.
  • In the center of the field, Jermaine Jones will captain the side Sunday in Dallas. Under Schmid, Jones has improved his form dramatically and has helped the Galaxy dictate play in the center of the pitch.
  • Alongside Jones, Jonathan dos Santos makes his 11th start of the year. JDS has the talent to be MLS’ best central midfielder and has been nothing but solid on the field since donning the Galaxy crest.
  • Out wide on the left, the fastest player on the field Sunday, and all season, will be Emmanuel Boateng, who will make his 29th start of the season. Boateng has scored four goals and added two assists in extensive action this year.
  • Up top, LA Galaxy Academy product Bradford Jamieson IV has carved out a spot for himself in the Starting XI and has been impressive late in this season. He has three goals and an assist on the season, despite making just 10 starts.
  • Up top leading the offense, Giovani dos Santos continues to lead the Galaxy attack from the striker position. After helping Mexico earn a FIFA World Cup spot, GDS will look to end 2017 on a high note in LA.


Game notes


  • The Galaxy begin and end the 2017 season against FC Dallas, looking to avenge their 2-1 loss on opening day at StubHub Center back on March 4.
  • In that opening day match, an equalizing Giovani dos Santos penalty take was undone by a
  • All-time, the Galaxy are 33-24-12 against FC Dallas, and 9-18-7 against them in road contests.
  • This season on the road, the Galaxy have gone 5-8-3.
  • The Galaxy are 6-1-3 when scoring the first goal this season and 6-2-3 when leading the game at halftime.
    • Conversely, LA have gone 2-16-2 when conceding first and are 1-12-1 in matches when trailing at the half.


Storylines


  • Can the Galaxy finish the 2017 season with a result on the road?
  • Will the Galaxy get a result that knocks FCD out of 2017 MLS Cup Playoff contention?
  • Will Romain Alessandrini end his incredible 2017 campaign on a high note?
  • Can the Galaxy keep momentum going from their last match vs. Minnesota United?
  • How will the backline look after a strong outing last weekend?
  • Can Michael Ciani/Dave Romney build on their central defending tandem?


Quick Hits



My Way Lyrics – Frank Sinatra


And now, the end is near

And so I face the final curtain

My friend, I'll say it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I've traveled each and every highway

But more, much more than this

I did it my way

Regrets, I've had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the byway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

LA Galaxy Communications -
@LAGalaxy