CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy will likely rely on a mixed squad of starters and reserves for their U.S. Open Cup clash with the Portland Timbers, Galaxy boss Bruce Arena confirmed on Monday.
Los Angeles will make the trek to Oregon on Tuesday for their Round of 16 clash with the Timbers a day later at Portland’s Providence Park. In the past, Arena has relied on younger squads in the early stages of the tournament, but the head coach admits that he’ll mix up his team on Wednesday.
“[We’ll field] a team that can win the game,” Arena said. “It will be a mixture.”
Two potentially intriguing additions for Wednesday’s roster could be defenders Jelle Van Damme and Ashley Cole, both of who are presently suspended for next Monday’s league match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Although both players are likely to miss the July 4th game –Cole’s status is still in question given the Galaxy’s potential appeal—Arena was coy when asked if the two could play.
“It will be a mixture of players,” Arena said. “We haven’t decided what we will be doing yet.”
