The LA Galaxy got past the first big hurdle on Sunday night, but now they face their biggest El Trafico ever! Can they smack LAFC across the face again?
COG STUDIOS, Calif. — The LA Galaxy got an ugly win in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday night thanks to goals from Jonathan dos Santos and Sebastian Lletget. And for a team that is often criticized for being only about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Galaxy showed that even when their superstar has a bad game, they can still win it all.
But now the Galaxy must quickly turnaround for a Thursday night match against LAFC that could be one of the biggest games in MLS history. So who’s going to win?
On today’s show, your hosts Josh Guesman (Galaxy Beat Reporter) and Kevin Baxter (LA Times Soccer Reporter) get together to discuss why the Galaxy won in Minnesota and why their “hyper confidence” could be a good sign for their match against LAFC.
They’ll start by breaking down a very defensive Galaxy game-plan at Minnesota and why Guillermo Barros Schelotto probably got it right on the night. Was his decision to start Pipo Gonzalez the right call in a challenging situation? And was Perry Kitchen the right choice to start after not having played any minutes since August?
And why did Ibrahimovic struggle so much? Was it all part of the game-plan? Was it how the Galaxy setup? Or did he just have an off night?
Josh and Kevin will then turnaround and discuss the massive game that takes place on Thursday. Kevin seems to think the Galaxy have LAFC’s number. But Josh is on the fence. How many times can the Galaxy play mind games with their crosstown rivals before they get punched in the face?
And does this type of chaotic atmosphere favor the Galaxy and Schelotto? Does it work against LAFC and Bob Bradley?
We’ve got 80 minutes of soccer-talk that’s just dying to get you going for one of the most anticipated games in league history. You’re not going to want to miss it!
Music Provided by Back Pocket Memory.
YOUTUBE REPLAY:
BACK POCKET MEMORY