Who the Los Angeles Galaxy MUST play in what could be their last game in the MLS is back tournament
Since the Los Angeles Galaxy is all but knocked out of the MLS is Back Tournament, it is time to change up the line up in a meaningful way. The group stage matches matter the most as these points count toward the 2020 MLS season. So with 3 points on the line, I believe a fresh and young line-up will help Galaxy salvage at least a point in this tournament. Guillermo Barros Schelotto made some questionable changes to the line-up the second match and has failed to make meaningful substitutions before the 70 minute mark. So I believe that this should be the Galaxy’s starting line-up versus the Houston Dynamo this Thursday.
- Between the Sticks: DAVID BINGHAM
SHOT-STOPPER. I know. He just got scored on 8 (EIGHT) times in just two games in the MLS is back tournament. I know that we have a young goalkeeper that we have yet to see play in the first team. But Bingham, in my opinion, is the best goalkeeper we have had in a while. Although he has been scored on 8 times, he has made 10 saves in those two games. The problem is that his line of defense makes him look TERRIBLE.
2. Right-Back: JULIAN ARAUJO
HUNGRY. Julian needs more playing time. He has shown so much potential when he has started for the club. Young, hungry, and aggressive. This is the right back we have been looking for. Although Rolf Feltscher has not been THAT bad during this tournament, I think it is time for the Galaxy to change it up. Having Julian as right-back gives the Galaxy a more offensive team as he enjoys to go down the line and hustle to be back when he has to.
3. Right-Center Back: DANIEL STERES
EXPERIENCE. Yes Daniel Steres. Although he did have a bad game against LAFC and was mostly at fault for striking out on the 2nd goal that led to LAFC tying up the game before the half, he is the only center back with experience that is reliable. Last season (2019) he was one of our best center back options that was consistent. Having him in the back will bring some much needed experience and leadership for the young guns.
4. Left-Center Back: NICK DePUY
GAUCHO. During pre-season this year, DePuy showed that he was ready to take on the MLS and challenge for a starting spot. After Pipo Gonzalez HORRENDOUS start to the MLS is Back tournament, it is time for this gaucho to shine. Back in UC Santa Barbara, Nick DePuy was one of the best strikers in the NCAA. He is dangerous in the air and physically imposing standing at 6’4”. Why not have a strong center back that can also be a danger in the box during set plays?
5. Left-Back: DIEDIE TRAORE
ANOTHER CHANCE. As a Galaxy fan, I have seen enough of Insua. Although he does get down the wing, his lack of speed and ability to get back has cost us. Since the Galaxy’s time at the tournament is most likely coming to an end, I believe Traore should at least be given a chance to challenge for a starting role. In the games that he did play last season for the Galaxy, he showed that he wasn’t afraid to dribble past players, get involved in the attack, and make the right decision with the ball. Now is the time to give him another shot in the first team.
6. Right Center-Defensive Mid: JOE CORONA
HUSTLE. Arguably the best player on the field for the LA Galaxy in the El Tráfico, he deserves to be starting over ANY of our midfield options. Probably not the best game to have as an example but he was a work horse for the team for a little over 80 minutes. His ability to cover in the defense when Julian Araujo gets involved in the attack would help the Galaxy to be prepared for counter attacks, which have been killing the team in this tournament.
7. Left Center-Defensive Mid: SEBASTIAN LLETGET
DYNAMIC. Again, I know he has not had the best tournament so far, but he has been a key factor in our midfield being able to control the game. His aggressiveness and directness lead to the Galaxy’s early goal against LAFC, being able to be a box to box mid fielder and be an offensive threat should help create space for the wings to be free. Of course if Jonathan Dos Santos was fit and healthy he would assume this role and push Lletget out to a more attacking role. All in all, Lletget is ALWAYS in my starting 11.
8. RIGHT-WING: GORDON WILD
GAME-CHANGER. In the first match of the MLS is Back Tournament, you can argue that Wild’s energy coming off the bench helped Galaxy get a goal back and try to get back in the game. From what we have seen, Wild is not afraid to get inside the box and take on defenders. He was able to provide the assist for Chicharito’s first MLS goal and even had a goal, even though it was taken away as he was offside, it showed that he wanted to be involved in the game as it was his first touch.
9. LEFT-WING: CAMERON DUNBAR
HOMEGROWN. The LA Galaxy homegrown player had a STAND-OUT performance in his first start for the LA Galaxy. He was by far the best player on the pitch by providing fresh new ideas and high energy. His performance in the first game should have solidified his starting position in this tournament, but Guillermo Barros Schelotto (GBS) thought otherwise and became an UNUSED substitute. After his performance, Dunbar deserves more minutes to gain that much needed experience in order to build his confidence going forward.
10. FREE ROAMING ATTACKING MID: CRISTIAN PAVÓN
NO BRAINER. Let us enjoy him while we can. So far, GBS has given Pavon the freedom to roam in an attacking roll and it has worked. He just needs help with controlling the field behind him which has been, to say the least, lackluster. This role allows him to be the creator outside the box, find space in front of the defense and take a crack outside the box, as well as getting in behind when on the counter.
11. STRIKER: EFRAIN ALVAREZ
PRODIGY. Efra has shown that he can be a reliable attacking option coming off the bench, and even received high praise from the one and only, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Although he has not shown what he can do as a striker, his ability to hold the ball and not hesitate inside the box is much needed. By being able to hold off defenders with the ball, he pulls them in while creating space for the other attacking options like Pavon, Dunbar, and Wild.
With 5 available substitutions, we should see more subs now but GBS has refused to use all 5 (FIVE) substitution options in two matches. I believe this lead to Galaxy’s spiraling defeat against LAFC as Bob Bradley successfully changed his LAFC team’s dynamic with early subs.
My predicted Subs which would probably come in after the 70th minute, although I’m hoping for at least one at the half or by the 60th minute:
Fresh Energy (Early in the second half):
Carlos Harvey IN, Sebastian Lletget OUT
Emil Cuello IN, Gordon Wild OUT
Ethan Zubak IN, Efrain Alvarez OUT
Closing subs (Post 75th minute):
Sacha Kljestan IN, Joe Corona OUT
Rolf Feltscher IN, Julian Araujo OUT
Catch the Los Angeles Galaxy play against Houston Dynamo in the third and final group match for both in the MLS is Back tournament at 5PM (pst) on Fox Deportes, TUDN, or Fox Sports 1.
Vamos Angelinos.
Strictly Footy 
Mostly agree. Interesting idea to put Efrain up top. Not sure he has standard striker speed or height, but holding the ball is the thing. Gs would have to STOP cranking crosses as if Zlatan were still around. Your outside selections could make that happen. I’d consider a switch between Efrain and Lleget, though. Maybe an in-game or halftime adjustment. As for Bingham, I don’t rate him as you do. Leaves too many rebounds; not that different than Diop. His positioning is really poor. I’d give the backup the chance here and start looking for a better #1 when this is over.
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