Lineup Notes:
- Sunday night soccer at Dignity Health Sports Park as the LA Galaxy have three games left in regular season play. Dominic Kinnear will lead LA against RSL as the interim head coach. Kinnear is 169-137-135 all time in his MLS career, the 4th most wins in MLS history.
- In net, David Bingham returns to the starting position after four games of Jonathan Klinsmann starting between the pipes. Bingham brings experience extensive with him that Kinnear will trust in the stretch run. 177 MLS starts for Bings.
- On the right is Julian Araujo, who slides into his natural position at right back. Araujo has had a breakout season with the Galaxy that has pushed him up the list as one of the most talented youngsters in the league.
- In the middle is Daniel Steres, one of the Galaxy’s longest-tenured players. Steres has started 17 games this season.
- Returning to the XI is Giancarlo Gonzalez, a veteran with experience in MLS, a World Cup, and in Europe. Gonzalez’ experience will be relied upon in a crucial match vs. RSL.
- On the left is Emiliano Insua, the Argentine left back who was brought in after a standout career in Europe playing in some of the top leagues across the globe. Insua has been the most consistent defender this year.
- On the right side of the field is Yony Gonzalez, who will look to stretch the field Sunday night vs. RSL. Gonzalez is technical, fast and strong and will look to influence the game from out wide.
- In the middle is Perry Kitchen, the MLS veteran with over 200 starts in MLS. Kitchen has been a solid contributor to LA this year, doing all the little things well.
- Alongside Kitchen is captain Jonathan dos Santos, who will look to influence the game offensively and defensively as he covers a ton of ground. JDS has the quality to be one of the top midfielders in MLS.
- On the left is Cristian Pavon, who got back on the scoresheet Wednesday with a brace vs. Portland. That’s nine goals and seven assists this year. Both leaders for LA.
- In the center, pulling the strings on offense is Sebastian Lletget, who is second on the team in goals this season. Lletget is comfortable and familiar playing the middle.
- Up top is Ethan Zubak, the LA Galaxy Academy product with relentless workrate and effort. Zubak was an important part during the club’s four-game winning streak this season. MLZ.
Game notes:
- All time, the Galaxy are 17-15-9 against RSL, including 12-7-2 at home.
- The first goal matters. LA are 4-2-1 when scoring first and 1-9-1 when conceding first this season.
- LA are 3-5-0 this season at home.
- With just three games left, the LA Galaxy’s playoff scenarios are as follows:
- LA Galaxy will be eliminated from playoff contention IF
- LA Galaxy lose vs. Real Salt Lake
- LA Galaxy will be eliminated from playoff contention IF
-- OR –
- LA Galaxy tie vs. Real Salt Lake AND
- Colorado Rapids win vs. Seattle Sounders FC
-- OR –
- LA Galaxy tie vs. Real Salt Lake AND
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC win vs. Portland Timbers
Storylines:
- Can the Galaxy get a result Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive?
- How will the team look in their first match managed by Kinnear this season?
- How will Yony Gonzalez look out wide with Zubak up top?
- Can the defense rebound from conceding five goals vs. Portland midweek?
- Will the Galaxy get other results (VAN, COL) to go their way in the fight for a playoff spot?
- Where will the goals come from on Sunday?
Quick Hits:
- Preview: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/10/31/match-preview-la-galaxy-vs-real-salt-lake-november-1-2020
- Dom speaks to media ahead of match: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/10/31/watch-la-galaxy-interim-head-coach-dominic-kinnear-speaks-ahead-match-real-salt-lake?autoplay=true
- Vote: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/10/19/dignity-health-sports-park-campus-serve-11-day-los-angeles-county-vote-center
- DTK addresses coaching change made this week: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/10/29/la-galaxy-general-manager-dennis-te-kloese-speaks-media-following-schelotto?autoplay=true
- Vote more – pick the Galaxy’s best midfielders: https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2020/10/30/vote-now-kona-brewing-company-build-your-team-best-midfielders
The First Cut is the Deepest Lyrics – Cat Stevens (1967)
I would have given you all of my heart
but there's someone who's torn it apart
and she's taking almost all that I've got
but if you want, I'll try to love again
baby I'll try to love again but I know
The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
'cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed
when it comes to lovin' me she's worst
but when it comes to being loved she's first
that's how I know
The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
I still want you by my side
just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
cause I'm sure gonna give you a try
and if you want, I'll try to love again
but baby, I'll try to love again, but I know
The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
'Cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed
when it comes to lovin' me she's worst
but when it comes to being loved she's first
that's how I know
The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
