After suffering a 3-1 defeat against Real Salt Lake over the weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to shift their focus towards a midweek clash against the LA Galaxy at Rio Tinto Stadium.
This week, we break down three key things you need to know about the Southern California side.
NEW-LOOK LA
Despite coming off a narrow 2-1 home loss to Supporters' Shield leaders Seattle Sounders FC, the Galaxy have looked much like their dominant selves from past MLS campaigns at the start of the season.
Former Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney took the reins in Carson this offseason and has led the Galaxy to a 5W-3L record through eight games, scoring 12 goals and amassing four home wins from five in the process.
A big part of Vanney’s early success with the Galaxy has been the rejuvenation of former Real Madrid striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, as well as Mexican international Jonathan Dos Santos, offseason acquisition Kévin Cabral and USMNT fullback Julian Araujo.
Former Barcelona man Dos Santos has given the Galaxy lots of control over the midfield thanks to his eye for a good tackle and his distinct passing capabilities, meaning the ‘Caps will have to prevent the Mexican midfielder from getting any grip on the game for his side.
The Blue and White will also have to keep an eye on young Galaxy DP Cabral, who arrived a couple weeks after the start of the season from French side Valenciennes.
Cabral has all the tools to become a dangerous winger in MLS with his nifty skillset, eye for a pass and accelerating pace down the wing.
The 21-year-old has yet to score or assist for his new team but expect the Galaxy to use Cabral as a major outlet for chance creation throughout Wednesday’s match.
Lastly, Araujo has been a major revelation for the Galaxy, bombarding forward into the final third and supplying Chicharito with balls into the area.
The young American has played a part in the buildup of three of the Galaxy’s goals, and also has an assist to his name in the side’s 2-0 win over Austin FC.
Expect Araujo to once again continue his runs forward to support the attack and cause overloads on the ‘Caps’ left side.
ONE TO WATCH
As we’ve mentioned above, there’s plenty of Galaxy players who have been a big part of their decent start to the season
"The defence got better. The options they got in the back improved their backline. The options they brought in the midfield and in the wings improved," said 'Caps head coach Marc Dos Santos about this season's Galaxy roster. "When you have one player in every line improving the line, it affects the next one. The sum of the parts have improved."
However, none has been as important as the goalscoring maestro that is Chicharito.
Having already tallied seven goals in eight appearances this season after only scoring twice last season, the Mexican legend has well and truly settled into his new life in LA.
A big part of his recent success in Vanney’s new system has been his movement in the final third and capitalizing on the service from his teammates, as well as his impeccable timing to latch on to rebounds.
Vanney said prior to the season his goal in terms of the team’s production would be to get service into Chicharito and it’s certainly paid off thus far. Just simply watch the Mexican’s hat-trick earlier this season against the New York Red Bulls, it epitomizes everything you want out of number nine poacher.
It’s safe to say Chicharito is back to his poaching prowess meaning the ‘Caps backline will have to keep a consistent eye on the Mexican’s movements, while Max Crepeau keeps rebounds to a minimum in order to give the ‘Caps the best chance of claiming another three points at Rio Tinto Stadium.
COUNTERS AND BUILDUP PLAY
Another big part of the Galaxy’s success this season has been their ability to hit teams on the counter, as well as building up play through the midfield and into the final third.
Of the Galaxy’s 12 goals this season, three have come on the transition, while four have come from nice build up play at the top of the opponent’s box.
In terms of the counter, the ‘Caps will have to prevent players like Araujo and Cabral from transitioning with the ball at their feet with pace, as well as the likes of Dos Santos, former Toronto FC playmaker Victor Vázquez and USMNT midfielder Sebastian Lleget from putting balls in behind on the break.
As for containing the Galaxy on the offensive through their buildup play, it’s easier said than done but the ‘Caps have to prevent Chicharito from finding open space.
As mentioned above, Vanney’s system is designed for Chicharito to make the most of his chances and to get as many looks at goal as possible, so it’s imperative the ‘Caps keep the former Manchester United man isolated while also keeping an eye on Cabral and the Galaxy’s creative midfielders once they’re in possession.
The Galaxy will be coming in hoping to steal a road win after not having picked up any away points since their opening day 3-2 victory at Inter Miami CF.
It’s sure to be an exciting affair once the teams take to the pitch at Rio Tinto Stadium. You can catch the match live this Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. PT on TSN1 and AM730, with the radio pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. PT.
