Previewing Houston Dynamo vs LA Galaxy with The Galactic Tribune
(image via Getty Images)
The Houston Dynamo are back at Shell Energy Stadium this weekend looking to continue their great run of form. We talked to our friend Alex Ruiz from The Galactic Tribune to get some insight on the LA Galaxy ahead of the match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): The Galaxy sit in 12th place in the Western Conference and are winless in their last five matches/ What has gone wrong so far this season for LA?
The Galactic Tribune (TGT): The main issue for the LA Galaxy has been their lack of consistency in the starting XI. It’s been hard for Greg Vanney to start the same XI because of injury or squad rotation. It hurts the most in the attack, where there have been (and still are) some issues in building chemistry. It’s hurt LA’s ability to create chances in possession. This last stretch of games has coincided with LA’s lack of depth due to activity in the transfer window.
The game becomes a lot easier when LA scores first rather than them having to chase the game and break down low blocks. This team is currently much better in transition than trying to play intricate possession.
BCS: With that slow start, the Galaxy went out and made some splashy moves this summer, notably bringing in Chucky Lozano and Sergi Roberto. How do Galaxy fans feel about the moves and what do you expect from them this season?
TGT: With Lozano, the fanbase has its doubts. The former San Diego FC winger’s disciplinary issues have fans worried he might not be a good fit for the squad. He’s also not played a game since November. Chucky has the quality to really make a difference, and he showed that last year in San Diego. I don’t know what to expect from Lozano but I wouldn’t be surprised if he had his moments.
Roberto is a smart signing because he adds a lot of what the Galaxy is missing: technical ability in the midfield and more consistent ball progression. The former Barcelona midfielder still has a lot of quality and the IQ that’s accustomed from La Masia players. I don’t know if he’s a 90-minute player anymore but he for sure adds much-needed quality in the middle of the park.
BCS: How hot is Greg Vanney's seat if this season continues poorly and the Galaxy don't make the playoffs?
TGT: His seat will be blazing hot should LA not make the playoffs this season,
Aside from the recent additions to the roster, LA did a good amount of spending in the winter. The club brought in former MLS Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes and Justin Haak, one of the most coveted free agents of the offseason. Vanney’s had the support of the front office for years and continues to do so.
However, that can change with another lost MLS season. Making the playoffs two out six seasons isn’t good enough.
BCS: It looks like Marco Reus has played as a forward, or false 9, this season. How has he been this season for the Galaxy?
TGT: Without Reus, LA’s season would be a complete disaster. The German isn’t as mobile or athletic as he used to be during his Dortmund days but his quality and IQ are still world-class.
Reus is best playing deeper and getting more touches on the ball. As the striker or False 9, he’s not able to be impactful because he relies on everyone else to progress the ball to him.
With Kygo Furashashi set to lead the line for the Galaxy, I expect to see Reus play deeper and use his quality to help the Galaxy create chances. His chance creation numbers are already pretty good, and I expect them to get better as Reus sees more touches on the ball.
BCS: Do the Galaxy have any injury concerns coming into this game and what do you expect their lineup to look like?
TGT: Aside from Joao Klauss and Erik Thommy, this team doesn’t have too many injuries at the moment.
JT Marcinkoski, John Nelson, Maya Yoshida, Jakob Glesnes, Harbor Miller, Lucas Sanabria, Justin Haak, Marco Reus, Joseph Paintsil, Robert Taylor, Kyogo Furuhashi
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We want to thank Alex for his time and wish our friends in LA the best of luck tomorrow night.
