CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy will continue their preseason docket on Tuesday when they face Liga MX side Club Tijuana.
The match is expected to feature the Los Angeles return of former Galaxy midfielder Juninho but it’s not the Brazilian’s return that has supporters excited for the match. Over the last two weeks, the Galaxy have completed a whirlwind offseason by signing experienced defenders Ashley Cole and Jelle Van Damme as well as established midfielder Nigel de Jong.
Ahead of Tuesday’s friendly, I analyze the prospects of all three players playing against Club Tijuana:
Ashley Cole: The left back appeared in Saturday’s closed-door scrimmage against Toronto FC and drew high marks from the Galaxy staff for his performance. Look for Cole to start Tuesday’s friendly at left back.
Jelle Van Damme: Like Cole, Van Damme also played in Saturday’s scrimmage vs. TFC. Starting in central defense, Van Damme received his first taste of Southern California heat which caused some problems for the Belgian defender. Although Van Damme struggled with the heat on Saturday, Van Damme shouldn’t have any issues on Tuesday night when he’s expected to start in central defense.
*Nigel de Jong: The Dutch international has yet to arrive in the United States. Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena told reporters on Monday that he will arrive in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Whether or not he’ll play in Saturday’s friendly against San Jose in Las Vegas remains to be seen.
