LA Galaxy

Starting XI presented by Modelo: LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls | April 25, 2021

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Starting XI presented by Modelo: LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls | April 25, 2021 -

Scene:

  • 414 days.
    • 414 without fans in Dignity Health Sports Park.
    • 414 days since Galaxy players have heard their fans welcome them onto the field.
    • 414 without a call and response for the LA starting XI.
    • 414 days since the Victoria Block has been filled with supporters.
  • With masks, social distancing and a new perspective on life, Dignity Health Sports Park welcomes back fans for the first time in 414 days as the LA Galaxy host the New York Red Bulls in the 2021 Home Opener. Game on.


Lineup Notes:

  • In net, Jonathan Bond makes his second start for the LA Galaxy since joining this offseason from England. In his debut, Bond showed why he is a solid option in net, racking up six saves. He is England’s second-most famous James B.
  • On the right is Julian Araujo, the talented and benevolent right back who experienced a breakout year last season. The 2020 LA Galaxy Defender of the Year makes his debut for the club after serving a suspension last weekend.
  • In the middle, Nick DePuy gets his second-straight start along the backline after a strong showing in Miami that saw him shut down Gonzalo Higuain. The Los Dos product will look to compete for time at central defense this season.
  • Alongside DePuy is Daniel Steres, who is one of the Galaxy’s longest-tenured players since signing with the club in 2015 from LA Galaxy II. For perspective: Steres will make his 124th regular season MLS appearance as a member of the LA Galaxy, just one shy of club legend Robbie Keane.
  • On the left side is SoCal native and former MLS Sueño winner Jorge Villafaña, who has locked in the left back position for the Galaxy this season. With 189 previous MLS appearances to his name, Villafaña is the most seasoned Galaxy defender.
  • In the middle of the field is LA Galaxy Academy product and 2020 LA Galaxy II standout Adam Saldaña, who impressed Vanney and his staff this preseason and looked the part last weekend in Miami. He makes his second-straight start after debuting vs. Miami.
  • Alongside Saldaña is Jonathan dos Santos, who will once again captain the side on Sunday vs. NYRB. JDS is one of MLS’ top central midfielders and will look to boss the game Sunday from the middle.
  • Out wide on the right is Galaxy Academy product Ethan Zubak, who changed the game a week ago after coming off the bench with his energy. Zubak fills in for Sebastian Lletget, who is serving the first of a two-game suspension.
  • In the middle of the attack is Victor Vazquez, a former standout for Vanney in Toronto. In his MLS career, he has 16 goals and 25 assists in just 53 appearances.
  • Out wide on the left is the shifty Samuel Grandsir, who debuted for the club last weekend after signing from Monaco over the offseason.
  • Up top is Chicharito, coming off his best game in a Galaxy jersey last weekend vs. IMCF with a brace. Imagine watching this interview and not rooting for this guy.


Game Notes:

  • Against the New York Red Bulls, the LA Galaxy hold a 17-20-8 all-time regular season record and are 9-7-5 when playing the Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park.
  • Both teams last played on May 4, 2019 as the Galaxy fell 3-2 on the road against NYRB in their only meetup of the 2019 season.
  • On April 25, 1998, LA Galaxy defenders Greg Vanney and Dan Calichman helped lead the Galaxy to a 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Mutany. 23 years later to the day, the duo will lead the Galaxy as coaches in the 2021 home opener.


Storylines:

  • Chicha score more goals?
  • Can the Galaxy backline build off last week’s performance in Miami?
  • Will the Saldaña-Dos Santos central midfield pairing continue to grow for LA?
  • How will Zubak fare in a starting role Sunday after his supersub appearance last week?
  • Will John Strong make any J. Bond 007 jokes during the FS1 broadcast? If not, why?
  • How will the Galaxy respond to real live human beings rooting for them in person at their home stadium?
  • Can Greg Vanney make it 2-0-0 with his new/old club?


Quick Hits:


Take Me Home Tonight Lyrics – Eddie Money

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh


Yeah, yeah, eeh, yeah, eeh, yeah


I feel a hunger, it's a hunger


That tries to keep a man awake at night


Are you the answer I shouldn't wonder


When I feel you whet my appetite


With all the power you're releasing


It isn't safe to walk the city streets alone


Anticipation's running through me


Let's find the key and turn this engine on


I can feel you breathe


I can feel your heart beat faster


Take me home tonight


I don't want to let you go till you see the light


Take me home tonight


Listen honey


Just like Ronnie sang


Be my little baby


Oh, oh, oh


I get frightened in all this darkness


I get nightmares I hate to sleep alone


I need some company a guardian angel


To keep me warm when the cold winds blow


I can feel you breathe


I can feel your heart beat faster


Take me home tonight


I don't want to let you go till you see the light


Take me home tonight


Listen honey


Just like Ronnie sang


Be my little baby


Be my little baby


Just like Ronnie sang


I said, just like Ronnie sang


Be my little baby


Baby my darling, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh


I feel your hunger


It's a hunger


Take me home tonight


I don't want to let you go till you see the light


Take me home tonight


Listen honey


Just like Ronnie sang


Be my little baby


Take me home tonight


I don't want to let you go till you see the light


Take me home tonight


Listen honey


Just like Ronnie sang


Be my little baby


Take me home tonight


I don't want to let you go till you see the light


Take me home tonight


Listen honey


Just like Ronnie sang


Be my little baby


Take me home tonight


I don't want to let you go till you see the light


Take me home tonight


Listen honey


Just like Ronnie sang


Be my little baby

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