Match Preview: LA Galaxy host Chicago Fire to begin final 12 games of the season
LA Galaxy will finally make their return to the pitch on Saturday night
The LA Galaxy returns to the pitch for the first time in 28 days to host the Chicago Fire at Dignity Health Sports Park this Saturday. With five new players added earlier this month, the Galaxy hopes this can spark a good run of results with a dozen games left in the season.
This match serves as an audition in front of their fanbase to show the club’s season isn’t over. The season has been a roller coaster both on and off the field for the LA Galaxy. If there is going to be an upward sense of stability, this is the game to build that momentum that can lead to that.
Their opponent, the Fire, is also fighting not to lose ground in a competitive Eastern Conference. The Fire is coming off a 3-1 loss to Orlando City at home and currently sits in 9th place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points.
The last time the Fire traveled to Carson, the Galaxy came out 2-1 winners. The Galaxy last suffered defeat to the Fire on Aug. 1, 2010. For context, Jalen Neal was six years old.
The two sides faced off last year in the Windy City with points split following a 0-0 draw. In 14 games against the Fire, coach Greg Vanney holds a record of 8W-5-D-1L.
Here is what Vanney said when I asked him what he thought of the Fire during Thursday's media availability:
The Storyline
Just how many LA Galaxy debuts can we see on Saturday night?
Diego Fagundez, Edwin Cerillo, Micheal Barrios, Maya Yohsida, and Billy Sharp joined the club earlier this month and are all eligible to make the game-day roster this Saturday.
With five new players on the team, it will be interesting to see just how much of an impact they provide in their first start. With little game time with the rest of the squad, these players lack chemistry and will be working on the during the game.
Fagundez and Barrios will look to add an extra dimension to the attack and make the opposition worry when the ball goes out wide. Both players have had underwhelming seasons but a change of scenery could change their form.
Gaston Brugman’s season-ending injury is a major blow for the Galaxy. He was one of the best defensive midfielders in the league with and without the ball. 22-year-old Cerrillo will likely fill in that void for the rest of the season. Vanney will have to choose to start Cerrlillo or veteran midfielder Uri Rosell.
Yoshida and Sharp are veterans who help add stability and leadership within the locker room. The pair have been captains of their teams during their careers and know how to guide a team in different scenarios.
They can also still contribute to the club in their respective positions. Yoshida is an aerial dominant center back and adds experience to a young backline. Sharp gives the Galaxy another option at striker - the most underperforming position on the roster.
As they say, a good first impression can do wonders.
Players to watch
LA Galaxy: Riqui Puig, midfielder
In the Galaxy’s last two home games, Puig put up amazing performances.
Back in the Galaxy’s original home, the Rose Bowl, the Spaniard was electric with a goal and assist versus LAFC in front of a recording-setting crowd. When the Galaxy hosted the Philadelphia Union in Carson, Puig ran the midfield and recorded another assist.
Puig will look to make it five MLS games in a row with an assist on Saturday night. Christian Pavon, Robbie Keane, and Mauricio Cienfuegos are the only players in LA Galaxy history to have registered an assist in five straight games.
He’s also the captain of the team now and has the added responsibility of being the face of the franchise following the injury to Chicharito. He’s a feisty player and needs to be careful to not pick up another yellow card or he’ll be suspended for Wednesday’s trip to San Jose.
Chicago Fire: Brian Gutierrez, attacking midfielder
Although Xherdan Shaqiri’s name pops out on the Fire roster, it’s been 20-year-old Gutierrez who’s pulled the strings for the Illinois side.
He leads the team in assists, progressive passes, and shot-creating actions according to fbref.com. He’s been one of the more consistent players when it comes to orchestrating the attack.
He’s a pacey player who tends to drift out to the left and create with his right foot. If the Galaxy gets caught in transition, it will be Gutierrez who’s likely running with the ball at his feet.
The Winning Edge: Set Pieces
If there is one area where Chicago can create danger, it’s during set pieces. Shaqiri is at his best during dead-ball situations. He can make the goalkeeper work with his free kick shots and delivers a great out-swinging cross on corner kicks.
The Galaxy are well aware of that as they spend a good portion of Thursday’s training working on defending corner kicks and free kicks. It’s in these moments where the Galaxy needs to not let their focus down and allow goals from these scenarios.
During last week’s 3-1 loss to Orlando, the Fire allowed a goal from a corner kick and from the penalty spot. With the addition of Yoshida, the Galaxy has an aerial target in scenarios. Since Martin Caceres went down with an avulsion fracture in his left knee in June, there isn’t a player who’s provided that aerial presence.
If Chicago chooses to be pragmatic, Vanney’s team needs to take advantage of these scenarios when they arise.