Scouting Report: RSL vs. LA Galaxy

After a lackluster last showing against the LA Galaxy on July 21, RSL looks to bounce back. How will things go? Let’s take a look at the Galaxy and what we might expect from them.

It looks like the LA Galaxy will be without Chicharito and Victor Vazquez, as they are unlikely to play due to injury. Last week, the LA Galaxy squad beat Portland 4-1. That is a shorthanded squad due to players being on international duty, and yet they got a win. Some of those internationals are coming back, but they may give them a rest, so expect a similar lineup to last time, with the exception of Vazquez.

Last match, RSL more or less gave the lead away through mistakes and ended up conceding two goals to split points. LA will look to be sharper this match, and RSL will be without David Ochoa. They will look to take advantage of that. Also, RSL’s struggles in the midfield were exploited in the send half last time against the LA Galaxy. Look for LA to try a similar tactic.

The key here is that LA, like many other teams, find ways to make adjustments at halftime and then break down RSL’s defense. Without Justin Glad in the middle, look for LA to attack and look for their set pieces to net goals.