The Los Angeles Galaxy aren’t looking like their 2014 MLS Cup-winning selves. They currently sit at fifth place in the competitive Western Conference. But they’re still tough outs at StubHub Center, where they haven’t lost in 23 consecutive regular season games (the third-longest streak in MLS history).
Their impressive streak at home should be a huge confidence booster as they attempt to avenge an 2-0 loss to Vancouver earlier in the season. Can the Galaxy showcase their championship-winning class? Or can the Whitecaps end Los Angeles’ streak? Read on for a complete preview of this intriguing MLS match.
There’s plenty more MLS matches on the table. Check out our complete previews for DC United vs. Toronto FC and Sporting Kansas City vs. Seattle Sounders.
[sc:Soccer ]Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Preview
Where: StubHub Center, Carson, California
When: Saturday, June 6, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Galaxy -138 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps +342, tie +227; total 2.0 – view all MLS lines
Betting on the Los Angeles Galaxy
Defender Omar Gonzalez won’t join the USMNT for international friendlies against the Netherlands and Germany. Instead, he’ll be solidifying a depleted Los Angeles squad in a home match against Vancouver. But Los Angeles will miss one of their best goal-scorers for this game. Gyasi Zardes is joining the American squad for the friendlies. Zardes has three goals this season — the second-most amongst the Galaxy roster.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The Galaxy will field a thin frontline with Jose Villareal out with an injured shoulder. Robbie Keane may suit up, but he’s coming off a groin injury, and It’d be his first start since April.
But don’t discount an excellent forward like Keane; he already has two goals in six appearances this season. Alan Gordon should also still be a strong attacker with his team-high four goals this season.
Starting goalie Jaime Penedo is out with Panama’s national team for a home-and-home series against Ecuador. Penedo is the Galaxy’s first choice at goalie, allowing just 1.17 goals per game in 12 starts. Starting on goal for Los Angeles will be Brian Rowe, who’s 63 percent save percentage is a step behind Penedo’s 75 percent.
Despite their missing personnel, the Galaxy should have enough to deal with the Whitecaps. Vancouver is winless in their last three matches on the road. The Whitecaps have also scored just four times in seven matches away from home in the season.
The Galaxy have won all six regular season meetings against Vancouver at StubHub Center.
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Betting on the Vancouver Whitecaps
Octavio Rivero is breathing some life into the Vancouver Whitecaps in his first season with the team. As the designated player, Rivero leads the ‘Caps with six goals this season. But he’s slowed down quite a bit, failing to score in his last four appearances.
But Los Angeles’ backup goalie may be easy pickings for a talented striker like Rivero. He’ll also have an excellent playmaker in Pedro Morales in midfield to support him. Morales leads the team with four assists this season. He can also create his own scoring opportunities with three goals under his belt.
Kekuta Manneh is also a threat on the attack. He scored the game-winner in the ‘Caps’ 2-0 win over the Galaxy on April 4 at BC Place.
While the ‘Caps could explode for a couple of timely goals against a short-handed Los Angeles squad, they also have solid goalkeeping. Davis Ousted has started all of Vancouver’s matches this season, allowing an average of just one goal per game.
The ‘Caps are 3-3-1 away from home this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Los Angeles and Vancouver play to a 1-1 tie (+227).
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