Starting XI
Jon Kempin; Pele van Anholt, Daniel Steres, Dave Romney, Bradley Diallo; Jonathan dos Santos, João Pedro; Bradford Jamieson IV, Giovani dos Santos, Emmanuel Boateng; Gyasi Zardes
Bench: Clement Diop, Nathan Smith, Rafael Garcia, Jose Villarreal, Ariel Lassiter, Jermaine Jones, Jack McInerney.
Lineup notes
- Back at StubHub Center for the California Clasico. After playing a midweek contest in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, the Galaxy are at home on Sunday to face their Northern California rivals with just 10 games remaining in the MLS season. IT’S SOCCER TIME!
- Head Coach Sigi Schmid, the winningest coach in MLS history, will coach his fifth contest since taking over as head coach. He will make three changes to the starting XI from Wednesday’s game as Bradley Diallo, Giovani dos Santos, Romain Alessandrini all make the start in place of Wednesday’s starters Ashley Cole, Bradford Jamieson IV and Rafael Garcia.
- In net, Jon Kempin will make his third start in net for the LA Galaxy as Schmid continues with the 24-year-old keeper. Despite a 2-0 loss on Wednesday, Kempin was arguably the man of the match for LA, becoming just the fifth-ever goalkeeper in MLS history to record two saves in a single game. In his career, Kempin has made nine appearances and eight starts total.
- At right back, Pele van Anholt continues at right back, making his fifth-straight start for the Galaxy since joining mid-year. He has continued to play well at the position and looks poised to man that spot going forward.
- In the central defense, versatile, left-footed defender Dave Romney will make the start after the departure of former captain Jelle Van Damme. Romney, the first-ever Galaxy signing from Galaxy II, has played well this season.
- Next to Romney is fellow Galaxy II product Daniel Steres, who has been one of the most consistent field players for LA since signing with the team prior to the start of last season. Overall, Steres has made 49 appearances for LA since last year.
- On the left, Frenchman Bradley Diallo fills in for Ashley Cole, who is serving a highly questionable one-game suspension. Diallo has played in multiple spots along the backline, and filled in well when called upon this year.
- Holding down the center of the field is the Galaxy’s newest Designated Player Jonathan dos Santos, who will start the match in spite of conjunctivitis in his right eye he suffered earlier in the week. Dos Santos has the tools to be the top midfielder in MLS.
- Alongside Jonathan is João Pedro, who is set to make his team-leading 23nd start of the season. Pedro has been one of the most consistent players on the field this year for the Galaxy in his first season with the club. He is only 24 years old.
- On the right, oui (note: this means ‘yes’ in French), it’s Romain Alessandrini. Romain is very good at two things: being a very dapper French man and playing the game of soccer. He has done both in excess this year. His eight goals and eight assists both lead the Galaxy.
- In the center of the attack is Giovani dos Santos, who returns to the lineup after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. Dos Santos will look to regain his form he has earlier this year on Sunday vs. San Jose.
- On the left, it’s the oh-em-gee-he-is-fast Emmanuel Boateng, who will likely both the shortest and the fastest player on the field Sunday. When he’s on, Boateng is electric and has the capability of breaking the game wide open.
- Up top, forward Gyasi Zardes continues as he looks to score his first of the year. Zardes has a solid performance with the USMNT during the Gold Cup and will look to break out Sunday.
Game notes
- LA Galaxy are 30-21-14 all-time against San Jose Earthquakes, going 10-5-6 at games in Los Angeles.
- LA are unbeaten in the last six editions of Cali Clásico at StubHub Center, going 3-0-3 since 2013.
- This season, the Earthquakes are 2-10-1 on the road while the Galaxy are 1-7-4 at home.
- LA are 1-1-0 in MLS play against San Jose this season.
- The Galaxy earned a 4-2 win over the Earthquakes on May 27 at Avaya Stadium, before falling 2-1 at Stanford Stadium on July 1.
- The Galaxy are 4-1-0 when scoring the first goal this season and 4-2-0 when leading the game at halftime, so we’ve got that going for us, which is nice.
- Conversely, LA have gone 2-12-2 when conceding first and are 1-8-1 in matches when trailing at the half.
Broadcaster notes
- The game will air on FS1 and be hosted by the legendary Rob Stone, the best dresser of any commentator in Major League Soccer. Stone has been working on his tan to show the nation a glimpse of his Manhattan Beach life on Sunday.
- Alongside Stone is ginger Alexi Lalas, who loves #AskAlexi sessions on Twitter as much as he dislikes the sun. It will be a gametime decision on whether Lalas dons his bright, peach jacket Sunday at StubHub Center.
- On play by play is American soccer’s godfather of commentating, JP Dellacamera. You will not find a more prepared, detailed and professional announcer than JP, who has been on countless historic calls for soccer in the United States. On Sunday, StubHub Center will be graced with his presence.
- Also on the call is former USMNT, MLS and water-fountain drinking veteran Stuart Holden. Holden is known for good commentary, making fun of Landon Donovan and wearing sharp suits.
- Rounding out the crew is Danielle Slaton, the former USWNT and Olympian standout, who will be on the sideline Sunday. Slaton is a San Jose native and a natural fit to be on the sideline for this year’s third Cali Clasico of the season.
Storylines
- Can the Galaxy find their first win under Sigi Schmid?
- Will the Galaxy find success at StubHub Center after a difficult season at home?
- What will Jon Kempin yield in net after a big game midweek?
- How will Jonathan and Gio dos Santos play together in their first start?
- Can the Galaxy get momentum during the stretch run of the season?
- What color will Alexi Lalas’ jacket be?
Despacito Lyrics
Despacito
Sunday is the California Clasico
A perfect afternoon to be an Angeleno
Grab a friend, watch soccer and enjoy a taco
Despacito
Score some goals from Gyasi, Jonathan or Gio
SoCal has no rain so leave at home your poncho
Keep the ‘Quakes score all game held at zero
Despacito
(Sube, sube, sube
Sube, sube)
– Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee (2017)
