COG STUDIOS, Calif. — The LA Galaxy playoff push has reached another critical weekend.
On this episode of Corner of the Galaxy, Josh Guesman and Eric Vieira get you ready for LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park — a matchup against the team sitting directly above LA in the Western Conference standings. After a dramatic comeback victory over Minnesota United, the Galaxy have an opportunity to do something they haven’t done all season: win back-to-back games and pull Colorado directly into the crowded playoff fight.
But Greg Vanney will have to shuffle his lineup.
Chucky Lozano will miss the Colorado match while away with the Mexican National Team, leaving the Galaxy without one of their most dangerous attacking pieces. Joseph Paintsil is progressing in his return from injury but was considered unlikely to be available for the weekend. The good news? Sergi Roberto and Elijah Wynder are both available for selection, giving LA some badly needed reinforcements for the final stretch.
Josh and Eric discuss what Lozano’s absence means for the Galaxy attack and why the potential midfield combinationof Sergi Roberto and Pablo Ruiz could become one of the most interesting tactical developments of the weekend. Ruiz has quickly emerged as an important piece for LA, bringing composure, distribution, and another dangerous weapon from outside the box.
Then it’s time to break down the Colorado Rapids. How does Colorado want to play? Where can the Galaxy exploit them? And could a Colorado team willing to possess the ball and press through midfield actually create opportunities for LA to attack quickly in transition? With Marco Reus, João Klauss, Robert Taylor and Ruiz available, the Galaxy may have the pieces to punish Colorado if they can successfully play through the Rapids’ pressure.
The guys also dig into the Western Conference playoff race, where the standings don’t tell the entire story. When the conference is sorted by points per game, LA’s position becomes even more precarious. With seven matches remaining, scoreboard watching has officially begun — and Portland, Seattle, San Diego, Austin, Real Salt Lake and Colorado are all part of the equation.
Plus, John Nelson reaches 100 appearances for the Galaxy, and we explain why his defensive stability could become increasingly valuable during the stretch run.
And Ventura County FC is headed to the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, with a free playoff match against Minnesota United FC 2 coming to Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Minnesota comeback gave the Galaxy some life. Now comes the harder part: proving they can build on it.
Seven games remain. Colorado is directly ahead of LA. Chucky is away. Sergi Roberto is back. And the Galaxy’s margin for error is disappearing.
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