FC Dallas heads to Los Angeles for the team’s biggest game of the season as they meet the Galaxy for a spot in the Lamar Hunt Open Cup final. This marks the first year in which all four semfinalist have won the Open Cup in a prior year during the MLS era. This will be the first of at least three matchups between the teams in all competitions as the MLS season turns to it’s final three months. To prime for Wednesday’s game, here’s a scouting report on the Galaxy
PEAKING AT THE RIGHT TIME
The Galaxy, like FC Dallas, didn’t have a smooth trip to the semifinals after having been taken to extra time against amateur side La Máquina FC in the fourth round and having to make a comeback twice in order to put the Seattle Sounders away in the quarterfinal. That being said, the Galaxy are 7-1-5 since the start of June in all competitions and a sparkling 6-0-2 in their last eight in all competitions.
KEY PLAYER FOR LOS ANGELES
Giovani dos Santos –– For the most part, the Galaxy haven’t fielded a first-choice lineup in Open Cup play, but with a finals berth on the line, dos Santos will surely see the field –– even if it’s as a sub. Dos Santos brings game-changing vision, technique and finishing. If the Galaxy find themselves tied or trailing near the end of regulation, expect dos Santos to take over the game and try to carry his team to a victory.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Sebastian Lletget vs. Kellyn Acosta – Lletget plays in the attacking midfielder role compared to Acosta, and it’s because of this that Acosta will have key in on 23-year-old as he’s the perfect player for LA in a game like this because of his versatility. He scored twice and assisted on a third of LA’s four goals against Seattle in the quarterfinal and will no doubt be looking to once again own the game.
Mauro Diaz vs. Nigel de Jong – De Jong finds himself in between a starter and super-sub role but will find the field in this game regardless. His aggressive defensive midfielder role is the kind of role that could shut Diaz down. That being said, Mauro’s vision can allow him to get out of a lot of those interactions through give-and-go passes. As a bonus, if de Jong’s aggressiveness causes him to foul Diaz, we’re all aware of the free kick threat he possesses.
PROJECTED LINEUP (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper: Brian Rowe; Defenders: A.J. DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Daniel Steres, Dave Romney; Midfielders: Jeff Larentowicz, Baggio Husidic; Sebastian Lletget, Mike Magee, Giovani dos Santos; Forward: Alan Gordon
KEYS TO ADVANCING
These teams are certainly the best two remaining in the tournament so it’s a shame they have to meet before the final, but that should make this game a treat. FC Dallas will win this game and advance if they’re able to play a steady game. Teams often fall to LA when they try to do too much and play a game that isn’t theirs. FC Dallas doesn’t need to own possession, connect on every pass or continually put shots on goal. What FC Dallas does need to do is counter effectively, mark on set pieces, and rely on the distribution of of Diaz and chance-creation of Maxi Urruti to get their goals.
