Bench: Matt Lampson, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Servando Carrasco, Emil Cuello, Juninho, Ethan Zubak.
Lineup notes:
- LA Galaxy Head Coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto will trot out a lineup with a blend of youth and experience Wednesday in the Galaxy’s first 2019 match in the Open Cup.
- Julian Araujo, just a few days back from duty with the U.S. U-20’s in the World Cup, slots into the starting backline alongside regulars Steres and Polenta. Dave Romney will play out wide on the left, a position the versatile defender has played often since becoming the first player to sign a first team contract from LA Galaxy II years ago.
- The midfield will feature an experienced group, with Joe Corona, Perry Kitchen and Favio Alvarez get the nod. Corona and Kitchen will sit deeper while Alvarez will look to create the chances from a playmaking position just underneath the striker.
- On the offensive attack, MLS veteran Chris Pontius will operate as the striker, with speedster Emmanuel Boateng and talented youngster Efrain Alvarez playing out wide.
Storylines:
- Can the Galaxy group avoid a Cupset on Wednesday night?
- Where will the offensive sparks come from Wednesday night?
- Which youngsters will step up with a strong performance?
- Can the backline shut down OCFC’s attack?
- Do you believe in the magic of the U.S. Open Cup?
Game notes:
- The Galaxy have recorded a 34-18-0 all-time record in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
- They have entered the Open Cup every year since 1999, winning the tournament in 2001 and 2005 while reaching the Open Cup Final on two other occasions.
- Last year, the Galaxy advanced to Round of 16 before falling to the Portland Timbers on the road.
The Lovin’ Spoonful Lyrics – Do you Believe in Magic
Do you believe in magic in a young girl's heart
How the music can free her, whenever it starts
And it's magic, if the music is groovy
It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie
I'll tell you about the magic, and it'll free your soul
But it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll
If you believe in magic don't bother to choose
If it's jug band music or rhythm and blues
Just go and listen it'll start with a smile
It won't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try
Your feet start tapping and you can't seem to find
How you got there, so just blow your mind
If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me
Yeah, do you believe in magic
Yeah, believe in the magic of a young girl's soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ohh, talking 'bout magic
Do you believe like I believe (Do you believe in magic)
Do you believe like I believe (Do you believe, believer)
Do you believe like I believe (Do you believe in magic)
