Starting XI presented by Modelo: LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United FC | March 16, 2019
Lineup Notes
- Guillermo Barros Schelotto will trot out the same starting XI as he did last week against FCD, this time putting Uriel Antuna up top and Chris Pontius out wide as both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romain Alessandrini remain out with injury.
- Venezuelan international Rolf Feltscher will again man the right side. The routine right back starter made 15 appearances last year, missing out on half the season due to a right shoulder injury that caused him to miss four months. He starts his third straight game.
- In the center is Daniel Steres, who has made 74 appearances during his time with the club since being signed after standout seasons with LA Galaxy II. Steres scored in the Galaxy’s home opener two weeks ago
- Alongside Steres is horse-loving Diego Polenta, the Uruguayan International who was a standout during his time as a pro in his native country. He will start for the third straight week after making his debut on March 2.
- Out wide is Jorgen Skjelvik, who is on the left flank for his third-straight match to start the season. Left back is Skjelvik’s natural position, although he played the entirety of last year in central defense.
- In the center of the midfielder is the Mexican international midfielder Jonathan dos Santos, one of the most talented central midfielders in MLS. In absence of Ibrahimović, Dos Santos will captain the LA Galaxy on Saturday.
- Making his second-straight start of 2019 is midfielder Sebastian Lletget, who will join the USMNT for two matches following tonight’s contest. Lletget and JDS paired well together in the middle towards the end of 2018 and they will look to build on that chemistry this year.
- Added in the midfield mix will be Joe Corona, the 28-year-old U.S. Men’s National team veteran who was signed to the Galaxy through the use of Target Allocation Money just last week.
- The speedy Ghanaian Ema Boateng will make his second-straight start this season in a winger’s role on the left side. He will be the fastest player on the pitch.
- Out wide will be Chris Pontius, the MLS veteran who put in a solid 2018 shift with 5 goals and 6 assists before a groin injury prematurely ended his year. Pontius will play out wide Saturday evening after playing as the lone striker against FCD last weekend.
- Uriel Antuna will make a third-consecutive start for the Galaxy on Saturday. Against Minnesota, he will be deployed as a striker to lead the team’s attack.
Game Notes
- The Galaxy are 1-0-0 at home this season, scoring two goals while allowing one, with their only match coming March 2 vs. the Chicago Fire.
- LA are 3-0-1 all-time against Minnesota United FC, with the club most recently earning a 3-1 win in Minnesota on Oct. 21 last year.
- The Galaxy will start the same 11 players for the second-straight match.
- The Galaxy will be without the following players due to injury:
- Ibrahimovic, Alessadrini, Kitchen, Juninho
Storylines
- How will the Galaxy fare without Zlatan Ibrahimović?
- Where will the Galaxy’s offense come from Saturday?
- How will Antuna fare up top?
- Can the midfield trio of Joe Corona, JDS and Lletget build on their performance in Dallas?
- Can the defense contain Minnesota’s offense?
- Will we see another super sub appearance from Efrain Alvarez?
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