Match Preview: LA Galaxy head to Vancouver for top of the table clash
The LA Galaxy head to Vancouver in search of a bounce-back win following the club’s first loss of the season. This match features the top two teams in the Western Conference looking to get a statement win early in the 2024 campaign.
The Galaxy is coming off a 2-1 loss at BMO Stadium to LAFC. While the game did have a controversial penalty call, it also brought the Galaxy's flaws to light. The Whitecaps beat fellow Canadian club Toronto FC 4-0 to edge above the Galaxy in the Western Conference.
The Storyline
First impressions are important but maintaining a good reputation is the real key to success. Both clubs are looking to get a convincing victory to show they’re a real contender in the Western Conference.
Let’s start with Vancouver, the team at the top of the West. The Canadian club has yet to get a signature win this season with most of its victories coming against clubs near the bottom of the standings or missing key players. This reason alone is why pundits across the country aren’t fully bought into Vancouver just yet.
They have one of the top offenses (14 goals scored) and defensive records (six goals allowed) in the West.
The Galaxy’s loss (and the way they lost) halted some of the momentum that Greg Vanney’s side could be a great team. LA once again conceded off a set-piece opportunity and was caught on the counter on numerous occasions.
If the Galaxy wants to be considered among the upper echelon of teams and a supporters shield contender, winning is a must to stay on that trajectory.
Players to Watch
VAN: Andres Cubas, Midfielder
The LA Galaxy midfield is key to success and the Whitecaps have a player capable of causing headaches. Cubas is a midfield destroyer and one of the most underrated midfielders in the league.
Cubas leads the Whitecaps in tackles won (11), interceptions (11), and blocks (9). His defensive actions occur at in the middle of the third of the pitch - the same spaces that Riqui Puig and Gaston Brugman occupy.
Puig has had a couple of underwhelming matches and Galaxy fans are noticing his poor form. I’d expect Cubas to bring physicality and disruption to LA’s key midfielders for 90 minutes.
LA: Joseph Paintsil, Winger
The LA Galaxy’s offense takes a massive dip when Paintsil is unable to get the ball in open space. The Ghanaian winger is a proven threat in open space and capable of creating danger on his own.
Paintsil’s best performances in an LA Galaxy shirt came in moments of transition and one-on-one situations. While he can be an effective cog in possession, it’s not how to get the most out of him.
With Paintsil being a headache for defenses, it allows other attackers such as Gabriel Pec and Dejan Joveljic to find spaces to attack into. If Paintsil gets into a rhythm offensively, so does the rest of the attack. He’ll be key to LA getting on the scoreboard first and keeping Vancouver’s defense on the edge.
The Winning Edge: Goalkeeper Battle
Both teams have scored 14 goals to start the 2024 season - that tally is tied for the most in the West. I believe the key factor in this game will be the two starting goalkeepers between the sticks.
John McCarthy had a good outing in his return to LAFC with seven saves to keep the Galaxy in the match. His distribution also took a step forward with 19 out of 21 accurate passes completed and four out of six long balls completed.
McCarthy is second in the league with +3.8 PSxG-GA through seven games played. According to fbref.com, “Positive numbers suggest better luck or an above-average ability to stop shots”. After an impressive game, I’ll be keeping my eye on whether McCarthy remains consistent in his performances.
Vancouver’s Yohei Takaoka is instrumental to the team’s Conference-low six goals conceded record. The Japanese goalkeeper ranks ninth in MLS in PSxG-GA with +2.2 this season. He’s capable of making quality acrobatic saves and has commanded the backline with much more confidence in his second season with the Canadian club.
Saturday night’s game could come down to a clutch save or goalkeeping mistake. It’ll be interesting to see which goalkeeper comes out looking like the hero of the game.