The Crown’s match in the Golden State will look quite different compared to new-look St. Louis. The Galaxy, guided by six-year head coach Greg Vanney, have a more structured identity that STL are still looking to find with a multitude of changes in the offseason. While 2024 MLS Best XI midfielder Riqui Puig is ruled out, the Galaxy still have a handful of dangerous pieces that The Crown will need to look out for. Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec return for the Californian side’s attacking line, not to mention newly added Designated Player from St. Louis, João Klauss, who scored early in the Galaxy’s season opener.
Anchoring the backline for LA is Best XI centerback Jakob Glesnes, who joined over the offseason from Philadelphia Union, as well as centerback/defensive midfielder Justin Haak, who Charlotte met in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs last year. Smith called out that while New York traveled and gave a good game to the Galaxy, frustrating their backline, The Crown should look to attack their defense harder and threaten their goal, especially now that starting defender Emiro Garces will need to sit due to drawing a second yellow card. With personnel and tactical differences, including LA giving up more possession to opponents than St. Louis, CLTFC may look to tweak their gameplan and get off on the front foot.
