Starting XI presented by Modelo: LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders FC | November 4, 2020

starting xi
Starting XI presented by Modelo: LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders FC | November 4, 2020 -

Lineup Notes:

  • A nice break to enjoy soccer. The LA Galaxy host Seattle Sounders FC Wednesday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park with just two games left in the regular season as Dom Kinnear leads the team in the fight for a playoff berth.
  • In net, David Bingham continues starting position in his second-straight start after four games of Jonathan Klinsmann. Bingham has extensive experience that Kinnear will trust. 178 MLS starts for Bings heading into Wednesday’s game.
  • On the right is Julian Araujo, who continues in his natural position at right back. Araujo continues his 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 18 games this season.
  • Continuing in the XI is Giancarlo Gonzalez, a veteran with experience in MLS, a World Cup, and in Europe. Pipo is coming off of his best game in a Galaxy jersey, with a goal vs. RSL on Sunday.
  • 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 one of the most consistent defenders this year.
  • On the right side of the field is Yony Gonzalez, with his second-straight start out wide. 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 continues to be a solid contributor to LA this year.
  • Filling in for an injured JDS is Sacha Kljestan, the MLS veteran with over 250 starts in the league to his name. Kljestan will bring poise and experience into the lineup.
  • On the left is Cristian Pavon, who has three goals in his previous two games. That’s 10 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 has 6 goals and four assists this year.
  • Continuing up top is Ethan Zubak, the LA Galaxy Academy product with relentless work rate and effort. MLZ.


Game notes:

  • All time, the Galaxy are 10-9-10 against Seattle, including 6-4-5 at home.
  • The first goal matters. LA are 5-2-1 when scoring first and 1-9-1 when conceding first this season.
  • LA are 4-5-0 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 or tie vs. Seattle Sounders FC
      • -- OR –
    • Colorado Rapids win or tie vs. Portland Timbers AND
    • San Jose Earthquakes win vs. Los Angeles Football Club


Storylines:

  • Can the Galaxy get a result Wednesday to keep their playoff hopes alive?
  • Can the team keep the momentum from Sunday’s big win?
  • How will LA fare against a top Western Conference Seattle side?
  • Will Cristian Pavon continue his strong form?
  • Will the Galaxy get other results (SJ, COL) to go their way in the fight for a playoff spot?


Quick Hits:


Take on Me Lyrics – A-Ha (1985)


Talking away


I don't know what I'm to say


I'll say it anyway


Today is another day to find you


Shying away


I'll be coming for your love. OK?


Take on me (take on me)


Take me on (take on me)


I'll be gone


In a day or two


So needless to say


Of odds and ends


But I'll be stumbling away


Slowly learning that life is OK.


Say after me,


"It's no better to be safe than sorry."


Take on me (take on me)


Take me on (take on me)


I'll be gone


In a day or two


Oh, things that you say. Yeah.


Is it life or just to play my worries away?


You're all the things I've got to remember


You're shying away


I'll be coming for you anyway


Take on me (take on me)


Take me on (take on me)


I'll be gone


In a day


Take on me (take on me)


Take me on (take on me)


I'll be gone


In a day


Take on me (take on me)


Take me on (take on me)