Los angeles fc vs La galaxy lineups
LAFC will look to avenge their MLS Cup loss to the Galaxy when they face them in the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday night. The two sides have some great histories and will likely provide a classic match to be remembered in the coming decades.
Javier Hernandez, Douglas Costa, and Sega Coulibaly missed last week’s 2-2 draw with Portland, so they’ll have to be available for tonight’s contest.
Jesus Murillo
Jesus Murillo is LAFC’s main man in the back, leading LAFC during an impressive 2022 campaign. He kept seven clean sheets and chipped in with three assists as the Black and Gold won both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.
He’s a dependable anchor in the middle of the back and will have another big season as the club’s first-choice center defender. Expect him to partner with Mamadou Fall, Eddie Segura, and Giorgio Chiellini in 2023.
Giorgio Chiellini
Giorgio Chiellini brings a wealth of experience to the Los Angeles Football Club. A three-time Serie A Defender of the Year, Chiellini spent 17 years with Juventus and made 117 appearances for Italy’s national team.
He’ll be joining an LAFC defense that is already the best in MLS, but Chiellini will need to adjust to the pace and physicality of the league. How he handles those challenges will determine whether or not this move succeeds.
Diego Palacios
Diego Palacios is one of the most promising young players in MLS. He has been selected for the MLS All-Star game and has had a strong start to his career.
He is a versatile player who can play in the midfield and on the left wing. He also has a strong track record in the back.
Maxime Crepeau
Montreal-born and Canada-based goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made his MLS debut with Whitecaps FC in 2017, starting 26 games. He also played for the club’s USL affiliate, Ottawa Fury FC, in 2018, where he set a single-season USL record with 15 shutouts.
Crepeau’s injury will put him out of contention for Canada’s World Cup team in Qatar this November. Minnesota United’s Dayne St. Clair’ll likely replace him.
Ryan Hollingshead
Ryan Hollingshead was a big part of LAFC’s Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup win this year. He was a stalwart in the middle of the Black & Gold’s defense and scored a career-high six goals.
Hollingshead joined LAFC in a trade with FC Dallas in February and has been a key figure in the team’s success this season. He is a defender (right/left) with versatility who can play at either fullback position and has helped LAFC maintain a clean sheet in his first two games.
Kellyn Acosta
Kellyn Acosta has been one of the most consistent players for the U.S. Men’s National Team this season, starting all 13 matches under head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Acosta’s journey has been punctuated by pain and growth, allowing him to accept multiple cultures in his background. He hopes his experience will help others who have faced similar discrimination.
Ilie Sanchez
Ilie Sanchez served as the club’s vocal leader during his final stint with Sporting Kansas City. He took over the role left by Eduard Atuesta, leading the team in possession and urging them to be aggressive on attack.
Now with LAFC, Sanchez is preparing for the former MLS rivals as part of the squad’s preparation to stay in first place in the Western Conference.
Jose Cifuentes
LAFC will look to avenge their MLS Cup defeat to the Galaxy in last season’s Conference Semifinals when they host the rivals this week at Banc of California Stadium.
Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes has had a strong 2022 season for Los Angeles FC, scoring twice and earning a spot on the MLS Team of the Week. He should continue to play well against the Galaxy in this key matchup.
Carlos Vela
This weekend, Carlos Vela will be a key figure for Los Angeles FC against city rivals LA Galaxy. He starts up front, replacing Cristian Arango, and it looks like he’ll be part of the core for the foreseeable future.
He’s been a star player for the MLS since 2018 but has yet to break through and win an MLS Cup. He hopes to do just that this year.
Cristian Arango
The 2022 MLS season is ending, and every team wants to be in the Playoffs. Los Angeles FC is in the midst of this quest as they are about to face their biggest rivals LA Galaxy.
Cristian Arango is one of the key players in LAFC, and he will have to be at his best when they face the Galaxy. He scored a goal in each of LAFC’s wins this season and was the club’s top scorer.
