LA Galaxy

Starting XI presented by Modelo: Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy | May 22, 2021

starting xi PORvLA

Starting XI presented by Modelo: Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy | May 22, 2021 -

Lineup Notes:

  • Jonathan Bond gets the start in net after coming off of his first shutout in Major League Soccer last weekend vs. Austin. Bond now has 22 saves while leading the club to four wins in their first five to start off the 2021 campaign. No relation to James.
  • On the right, Julian Araujo continues after his best performance of the year, as confirmed by his MLS Team of the Week honor. Araujo continues to develop as a player and is showing why he is one of the best young defensive talents in MLS.
  • In the middle is SoCal native Daniel Steres, who has started every match along the backline this season. Steres played a strong game vs. Austin to lead LA to their first shutout of the year.
  • Alongside Steres is Derrick Williams, the Irish-German-American who arrived in Los Angeles after playing England, as you do. Williams has provided a strong presence along the backline after joining this offseason.
  • On the left, Jorge Villafana returns to his former club for the first time since joining LA this offseason. After a distinguished career in Portland, he will make his 195th total MLS appearance on Saturday, the second most of any player on the team (Kljestan; 284 appearances).
  • In the middle of the pitch is Jonathan dos Santos, who is showing why he can be one of Major League Soccer’s best central midfielders this year. He will once again captain the side on Saturday.
  • Alongside JDS is Sebastian Lletget, who has shown his talent and experience this year with one goal and one assist in just three appearances. Lletget will work in tandem with JDS to control the middle of the field Saturday.
  • Out wide is the Frenchman Samuel Grandsir, who has started in every match this season. Grandsir joined this offseason from French side AS Monaco and will look to showcase his talent Saturday.
  • Pulling the strings on offense is Efrain Alvarez, who is looking like a regular starter/contributor in the midfield this season. The Mexico youngster is one of the brightest talents in MLS.
  • Out wide on the left is the LA Galaxy Designated Player KĂ©vin Cabral, who makes his second appearance for the club and his first ever MLS start. Cabral showcased his talent in limited minutes last weekend and will take center stage on Saturday.
  • Up top is Chicharito, Major League Soccer’s leading goalscorer. He will look to score more goals.


Game Notes:

  • LA are 4-1-0 this season, with 10 goals scored and 8 conceded for a +2 goal differential.
  • The Galaxy are 3-0-0 this season when either scoring first or leading at halftime.
  • LA Galaxy are 10-10-6 against the Portland Timbers all-time with a 3-6-3 record when playing at Providence Park.
  • In the last meeting between both clubs on October 28, 2020, LA Galaxy lost 5-2 on the road against the Timbers.
  • The team’s last win against the Timbers came on Sept. 2, 2020 with a 3-2 road victory with goals from Efrain Alvarez, forward Cristian Pavon and midfielder Joe Corona.
  • The LA Galaxy starting lineup contains five players from California (Araujo, Steres, Lletget, Villafana, Alvarez) and three players from the club’s developmental system (Araujo, Steres, Alvarez).


Storylines:

  • More Chicharito goals?
  • How will KĂ©vin Cabral fare in the starting XI?
  • Can the backline build off of last week’s shutout performance?
  • How will Efrain Alvarez look pulling the strings on offense?
  • Can the Galaxy make it five wins on the season?


Quick hits:


Aerosmith Lyrics – "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing"

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing


Watch you smile while you are sleeping


While you're far away and dreaming


I could spend my life in this sweet surrender


I could stay lost in this moment forever


Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure


Don't wanna close my eyes


I don't wanna fall asleep


'Cause I'd miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


'Cause even when I dream of you


The sweetest dream would never do


I'd still miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


Lying close to you feeling your heart beating


And I'm wondering what you're dreaming


Wondering if it's me you're seeing


Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together


And I just wanna stay with you


In this moment forever, forever and ever


I don't wanna close my eyes


I don't wanna fall asleep


'Cause I'd miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


'Cause even when I dream of you


The sweetest dream would never do


I'd still miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


I don't wanna miss one smile


I don't wanna miss one kiss


Well, I just wanna be with you


Right here with you, just like this


I just wanna hold you close


I feel your heart so close to mine


And just stay here in this moment


For all the rest of time, yeah, yeah, yeah


Don't wanna close my eyes


Don't wanna fall asleep


'Cause I'd miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


'Cause even when I dream of you


The sweetest dream would never do


I'd still miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


I don't wanna close my eyes


I don't wanna fall asleep


'Cause I'd miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


'Cause even when I dream of you


The sweetest dream would never do


And I'd still miss you, baby


And I don't wanna miss a thing


Don't wanna close my eyes


I don't wanna fall asleep, yeah


I don't wanna miss a thing

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