Preseason

Postgame: Reflecting on the preseason match with St. Louis CITY SC

The LA Galaxy engaged in a preseason clash against St. Louis CITY SC at the Dignity Health Sports Park, setting the stage for their 2024 MLS Regular Season Home Opener against Inter Miami CF on Sunday, Feb. 25. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as 12,553 fans witnessed the Galaxy's performance in their first open preseason game to the public.

Miki Yamane

Analyzing the game in two halves, Vanney expressed satisfaction with the initial stretch, emphasizing the need to be more assertive in creating chances. Despite defensive challenges during set pieces, the team showcased a learning experience against a proactive opponent.

Vanney highlighted the importance of preseason, stating that it offers opportunities for players, including academy talents, to experience the intensity of an MLS game. He discussed the status of Dejan, mentioning a hip contusion and the ongoing day-to-day evaluation.

When asked about Tucker Lepley's performance, Vanney praised the midfielder's comfort on the field, noting his tidy and competitive play. Regarding Mauricio Cuevas starting in a higher position on the wing, Vanney clarified it was a fitness strategy rather than a tactical preference.

In evaluating goalkeeper John McCarthy, Vanney acknowledged his solid presence and vocal leadership. The coach stressed the ongoing assessment of players, emphasizing the importance of balancing youth development with the team's immediate success.

Diego Fagundez

A reflective and determined Diego Fagundez opened up about the match and LA Galaxy's performance. Despite the 2-1 loss to St. Louis CITY SC, Fagundez highlighted the significance of the first game with fans present, emphasizing the positive moments that resonated with the team. He acknowledged the missed opportunities, expressing a collective sentiment that with improved precision in the final touch and passing, they could have capitalized on more chances.

When questioned about the reception of John McCarthy, who joined Galaxy last season from a rival team, Fagundez's response showcased the unity within the locker room. He dismissed any notion of division based on past affiliations, emphasizing the familial bond among the players. Fagundez stressed the shared goal of winning games, transcending individual backgrounds and histories.

As one of the more experienced players on the team, Fagundez spoke with conviction about the identity of Galaxy's football. He expressed pride in the team's performance, acknowledging their youthful roster but emphasizing that age is not a barrier. Fagundez outlined the responsibility of guiding the younger players about the challenges of the league while underscoring the fundamental truth that, on the pitch, they are one cohesive unit striving to score goals together. The veteran player acknowledged the need for improvement from last year, signaling a collective commitment to elevating their performance and achieving greater success in the upcoming season.

Diego Fagundez

Tucker Lepley

Lepley, who transitioned from the San Jose game to the recent match with a different atmosphere buoyed by fans, expressed his awe at stepping onto the field, describing it as a realization of childhood dreams. The rookie emphasized his commitment to personal growth within the team, crediting the support and advice from both young talents and seasoned veterans.

Originating from Charlotte, North Carolina, Lepley now considers Los Angeles his second home after playing college ball at UCLA. The midfielder expressed gratitude for being associated with the LA Galaxy and eagerly anticipates playing in front of family and friends. Lepley highlighted the privilege of sharing the field with experienced players like Gaston Brugman, Riqui Puig, and Mark Delgado, emphasizing his eagerness to absorb knowledge from their skills, positioning, and overall approach to the game. The interview shed light on Tucker Lepley's journey, capturing the excitement, gratitude, and determination of a young talent making strides in the professional soccer arena.

NEXT UP, 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational

The journey continues for the Galaxy as they venture to the 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif. A challenging series of matches awaits them, with key encounters against Charlotte FC, Austin FC, New York City FC, and the New York Red Bulls from Feb. 4-17.

LA Galaxy forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández Speaks ahead of the opening 2022 season

Closing out their 2022 preseason preparations, the LA Galaxy will play host to D.C. United at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 3:00 p.m. PT. The Galaxy begin their 2022 MLS regular-season campaign by playing host to New York City FC in the home opener at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2:00 p.m. PT (ESPN, ESPN Deportes).

 

Preseason: LA Galaxy 1-1 Toronto FC Recap

Excitement was in the air as LA Galaxy fans got to take in the first official preseason match of 2019. The Galaxy faced off against Toronto FC who has been training in Orange County over the past few weeks. The preseason match drew a decent crowd for a chilly night at Dignity Health Sport Park, henceforth referred to as “The Diggity”, all 3 supporters groups were out in force and created a good atmosphere for the match.  With the MLS season less than a month away, the new Galaxy coaching regime took the opportunity to test some of their new  players. 

Guillermo Barros Schelotto was without some  key players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic (rested), Ola Kamara (illness), Sebastian Lletget (injury).

Guillermo Barros Schelotto twins.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto twins.

The Galaxy started the night in a 4-4-1-1 or a 4–2-3-1 formation with Chris Pontius and draftee Emil Cuello up top. Uriel Antuna on the left wing, Jona Dos Santos and Servando Carrasco in the middle and Romain Alessandrini on the right. Jorgen Skjelvik looked more comfortable playing as a left back, while Diego Polenta and Dan Steres patrolled the center of defense and the goal scorer Rolf Fletcher in his usual right back spot.  

The Galaxy controlled much of the match with Man City loanee Uriel Antuna providing the outlet on the left side.  Alessandrini seemed to be siding into the middle of the field to provide extra support for Jonathan Dos Santos and Carrasco.  Jona playing the box to box role and Alessandrini and sometimes Cuello as the playmakers.  

Diego Polenta was a player that we had our eye on since the Galaxy’s main issue last year was in the defense.  He showed calmness on the ball and had the ability to find good outlet passes.  Polenta is returning from a bit if a sabbatical and showed some rust.  He got himself into trouble a few times, perhaps not realizing how quickly the challenges were coming.  We are certainly hoping he will make the proper adjustments as he gets more games under his belt.  Polenta played about 60 minutes before being subbed off.  

The Galaxy created chances but it was persistence and a little luck that saw the ball go in the back of the net in the 55th minute.  Romain Alessandrini took a short corner to Antuna who returned the ball, Alessandrini hit a one time left footed cross to the near post.  Feltcher got in front of his defender and attempted to flick it on with the back of his head, but the ball deflected into the back of the net by Toronto’s Terique Mohammed.

The game saw wholesale changes after about the 65th min.  Galaxy newcomers Julian Araujo, Diedie Traore, Don Tchialo all saw some time on the field.  Juninho made his return to the Galaxy in the 75th minute to a big ovation but perhaps the biggest cheer came when Efrain Alvarez entered the game in the 65th min.  It's clear that most Galaxy fans know that he could be the team’s next big homegrown star.  Unfortunately, he was not able to make an impact on the game.  The youngster missed a clear opportunity to make the game 2-0 late in the match.  The resulting counter attack allowed Toronto to equalize from an own goal on the other side.  Richie Laryea sent in a low cross into the area and the ball deflected off Dave Romney and into the back of the Galaxy net.  

Players who did not play that many minutes stayed behind to get a training session in after the match.  It should be noted that a post match training session is very rare.  The Guillermo Barros Schelotto era has begun indeed.