The LA Galaxy and Charlotte FC engaged in a match that ultimately ended in a 0-3 loss for the blue and gold. The Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California played host to this encounter, as both teams looked to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the upcoming season.
Under the guidance of coach Greg Vanney, sought to utilize the match as an opportunity to assess their squad depth and evaluate players in different positions. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC, led by new manager Dean Smith, aimed to gauge their fitness levels and identify key contributors for the challenges ahead.
The game saw moments of attacking flair, with LA Galaxy's Diego Fagundes and Riqui Puig looking lively in the final third. However, Charlotte FC remained resolute in defense, with goalkeeper David Bingham standing firm to deny any clear-cut chances on goal. On the other end, John McCarthy marshaled the LA Galaxy defense admirably, keeping Charlotte FC's attacking threats at bay in the first half.
Throughout the match, substitutions were made by both teams as coaches sought to rotate their squads and test different tactical approaches. Players like Gino Vivi for LA Galaxy was introduced to inject fresh energy into their respective side.
Mark Delgado
Riqui Puig
Riqui Puig made his debut in the preseason match. Coach Greg Vanney introduced Puig into the lineup, highlighting the team's intention to assess player performances and squad depth. Throughout the game, Puig showcased his usual talent and versatility, contributing to LA Galaxy's attacking efforts in the midfield which was highly missed in the previous match against St. Louis. Puig remained resilient and actively involved in the team's play. His presence on the field added creativity and dynamism to LA Galaxy's gameplay. Puig’s preseason debut performance left a positive impression, offering a glimpse of his evident contribution to the team in the upcoming season.
“It’s all about fitness. It’s all about staying healthy. It’s all about identifying who can help this club out.””
Diego Fagundez
As the game progressed, neither team were willing to concede ground easily. Despite some promising moments, particularly from set pieces, the scoreline remained deadlocked at 0-0 as the halftime whistle blew.
In the second half, the pattern of play persisted, Substitute Changes - LA: GK John McCarthy (Novak Mićović, 45); D Miki Yamane (Mauricio Cuevas, 45), D Maya Yoshida © (Chris Mavinga, 35), D Eriq Zavaleta (Ben Reveno - ^, 64), D John Nelson (Julián Aude, 63); M Riqui Puig (Tucker Lepley - #, 35), M Edwin Cerrillo (Ethan O’Brien - ^, 45; Nicolas Schelotto - @, 74) , M Mark Delgado (Isaiah Parente - ^, 45), M Diego Fagundez (Harbor Miller, 45), M Gino Vivi, (Ruben Ramos Jr. - @, 45); F Miguel Berry (Aaron Bibout - *, 36)
Tucker Lepley, the first-round pick out of UCLA, displayed his attacking prowess by consistently finding himself in promising positions to threaten the Charlotte FC goal. His intelligent movement off the ball and ability to link up play with his teammates allowed the Galaxy to maintain sustained pressure in the attacking third.
Harbor Miller showcased his dynamic attacking abilities, making darting runs down the flanks and delivering dangerous crosses into the opposition's penalty area. His pace and dribbling skills posed a constant threat to the Charlotte FC defense, forcing them to remain vigilant and organized to prevent scoring opportunities.
Ruben Ramos Jr. emerged as a creative force in midfield, dictating the tempo of the Galaxy's attacks with his vision and passing range. He orchestrated several intricate build-up plays, unlocking the Charlotte FC defense with his incisive through balls and clever movement off the ball. Ramos Jr. also contributed defensively, pressing high up the pitch to regain possession and launch counterattacks.
Together, Lepley, Miller, and Ramos Jr. formed a dynamic attacking trio although they were unable to find the back of the net on this occasion.
Postgame Notes
In three matches played during their 2024 MLS preseason, the Galaxy hold an 0-2-1 record.
In three preseason matches this season, the LA Galaxy have only allowed one goal in the first half.
Riqui Puig made his preseason debut, logging 35 minutes against Charlotte FC.
John McCarthy made his first start in the 2024 preseason for the LA Galaxy.
Three LA Galaxy Academy products (Mauricio Cuevas, Harbor Miller, Ruben Ramos Jr.) appeared in the match against Charlotte.
Two LA Galaxy II players (Aaron Bibout, Sergio Villalpando) in the match against Charlotte FC.
Falling 0-3 in the Second Half
The first goal, scored by Enzo Copetti in the 57th minute, was the result of a well-executed attacking move by Charlotte FC. It began with a pinpoint long pass that found Copetti's path just outside the Galaxy's 18-yard box. Copetti demonstrated composure and precision as he calmly placed his shot into the bottom far corner of the goal, leaving Novak Micovic the Galaxy goalkeeper with little chance to make a save.
The second goal came shortly after, in the 61st minute, and was credited to a trialist for Charlotte FC. This goal stemmed from a Galaxy turnover, with Charlotte capitalizing on the opportunity presented to them. Despite an initial save by the Novak Micovic, the trialist reacted quickly to pounce on the rebound and slot the ball into the net from close range, doubling Charlotte's lead.
The third and final goal for Charlotte FC was scored by Diop in the 81st minute, this time from a free-kick situation. Diop showcased his technical ability and precision by curling the ball expertly into the far left corner of the goal, beating the Galaxy goalkeeper with an unstoppable strike. The goal highlighted Diop's prowess from set-piece situations and sealed Charlotte FC's victory with a commanding 3-0 lead.
While the result may not have been what fans would like, both teams will take valuable lessons from the encounter as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
As the Coachella Valley Invitational continues, soccer fans can expect teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the campaign.
The LA Galaxy continue 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational action by next taking on Austin FC at Empire Polo Club on Sunday, Feb. 11 (10:00 a.m. PT; LAGalaxy.com
IMAGES PROVIDED BY LA GALAXY
