By Michelle Huitink // @AdorableEars
Saturday, March 24: 0-0 Draw
LA Galaxy Starting XI
David Bingham; Daniel Steres, Jorgen Skjelvik, Tomas Hilliard-Arce; Rolf Feltscher, Perry Kitchen, Sebastian Lletget, Servando Carrasco, David Romney; Emmanuel Boateng, Ariel Lassiter.
Substitutions
Brian Sylvestre, Justin Vom Steeg, Hugo Arellano, Baggio Husidic, Joao Pedro, Chris Pontius.
Look at this starting lineup and the bench. Remember these names, because this is pre-Zlatan Ibrahimovic and we were missing so many key players, yet these guys stepped it up. Not only are we obviously better than last season, but a draw in Vancouver earns us a point. We were on the road and I tell you this is a good result in 39F weather that we are too LA for. They really worked with the 3-5-2 formation.
I don’t care about big names. The performance speaks for itself and I hope coach Sigi Schmid is taking notes, taking names, and listening. The Vancouver Whitecaps could not cut through our back line and couldn’t score on counter attacks, which is what they’re known for. Sure, they took bad shots and made poor decisions, but so did we.
David Bingham saved us in that first half. Our usual problems surfaced in the first 45 minutes and the match was dominated by Vancouver. Still, the defense held strong throughout the match.
Considering this was Tomas Hillard-Arce’s MLS debut, Sebastian Lletget’s first time captaining (and well deserved), and Ema Boateng needs to work on finishing, we held down the defense and created some of the best chances of the match. Ari Lassiter had a really good chance in the 52nd minute with a header off Servando Carrasco, he just couldn’t get there in time. LA needs to put more pressure on the ball.
Daniel Steres and Rolf Feltscher were very active. Jorgen Skjelvik and Dave Romney also did well to hold it down during Vancouver’s challenges. Perry Kitchen is looking better. The guys seemed steady. By the 59th minute, we got shaky and shadows of the first half could be seen as we tried to keep it together just a few minutes after Boateng failed to score when facing Vancouver’s goalkeeper, Stefan Marinovic, one on one.
Chris Pontius was subbed in for Lassiter, who hadn’t given much service, but his performance was decent. He’s got potential and just needs to find consistency.
Lletget got subbed out for Baggio Husidic, who took over the captain’s position in the 81st minute. It really is good to see Lletget playing for so long when at this time last year he suffered a foot injury. He’s really come a long way in recovery and fitness.
Last change of the match was Joao Pedro subbed in for Carrasco, who really shined tonight and performed at a very high level.
I predicted against the LA Galaxy when I guest spotted as an “MLS expert” for LA is Our House podcast “Balls and Beers”. I’m glad this team proved me wrong. We have a lot to prove as we face Los Angeles FC this coming weekend on March 31st. But, I feel we are really prepared, Ibrahimovic debut or not. I’m concerned about Giovani Dos Santos coming back on the field, and I know the starting XI won’t look like today’s lineup. I’m putting my trust in Sigi. My confidence in my team is locked in.
As for Ibrahimovic joining us, I’ve gotten a grip. It can’t be denied what a magnificent and proud player he is and rightfully so, regardless of the minutes he hasn’t had; his resume speaks for itself. LA has always had big names and as long as he is fit, and helps the club and MLS grow, then I welcome him with open arms.
Image courtesy: @LAGalaxy_ES
Follow and chat with me on Twitter // @AdorableEars
Check us out on Instagram @mlsfemale
