CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy U-19’s have high aspirations as they head into the semifinals of the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy Playoffs.
The Galaxy will face Vancouver Whitecaps FC in their semifinal match in Kansas City on Sunday, with the final taking place two days later, should they advance. Los Angeles’ team which is highlighted by the likes of Efrain Alvarez, Uly Llanez, Alex Mendez, Ian Lonergan, and others advanced to the semifinals after a stellar showing at the first round of the postseason two weeks ago.
“This is the culmination of this academy class," Academy head coach Brian Kleiban said. "The guys are hungry, they’re self-motivated and they’re in a position where they want to end their time with the academy on the highest possible note. We’ve had two weeks to prepare and I anticipate that they will perform at the highest standard.”
The Galaxy’s side brings a high pedigree to the final stage of the postseason, but Kleiban admits that his squad is humble yet motivated for the challenge that lays ahead.
"We take it game by game. We had a group of death on paper in the last stage, and we took each game as a final," Kleiban said. "The title is close, but it’s so far. We just need to take it one game at a time."
