Match Preview: Vancouver Whitecaps v LA Galaxy – La La land or Va Va voom?

Vancouver Whitecaps are hard to watch right now. It’s a frustrating thing to say only three games into the MLS season. The play looks uncreative, shots don’t happen, and discipline has been non-existent. Many web pages have been dedicated to the ‘Caps’ woes, making for a depressing Twitter feed and a sad fan base. However, a well timed blockbuster trade has peaked interest, which may intrigue us enough to hold our tears for 90 minutes against Los Angeles.

LA Galaxy have gone through rigorous changes since the 2016 season. Bruce Arena’s success saw him deservedly take the US National Team job, leading the organization to promote from within (a concept I love), meaning Curt Onalfo is at the helm.

In typical LA Galaxy fashion, they have started the season slowly. Two losses and a win may sound like paradise to a ‘Caps fan, but does not spell good form by regular teams’ standards. The old model of having a big name player winding his career down seems to be on hold, and several USL players have been promoted. Jermaine Jones has made the switch to the Galaxy after his stint in Colorado. In short, things are not as bad in LA as we perceive them to be in Vancouver.

One weakness the Galaxy have is in the right back position. I think it would be wise to put our most effective player in that position in order to make something happen; Alphonso Davies. He is the only player that provides an explosion of pace, which could be key in unlocking the LA defence.

The next question is will Tony Tchani start? We have already heard that he will be in the gameday 18. Tchani offers something a little different than what we have, and we desperately need some dynamism in that position. A creator/destroyer combo is what is needed, so I would like to see Tchani start beside Laba.

In the forward positions, with one less winger to think about, and Davies starting on the Whitecaps left to exploit the weakness in LA’s right back, I would like to see Christian Bolanos start behind Montero, and Cristian Techera on the right.

The backline hasn’t really been doing too badly, and could do with 90 minutes without getting a red card. Accountability needs to kept. I don’t see any major changes to the Williams-Waston-Parker-Harvey setup.

Three Questions

Will Tony Tchani start?

Can the ‘Caps offensive players get their mojo back?

Can we avoid a red card?