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First 2016 #CaliClasico: Zardes Glimpses Return

@LAGalaxy

The first 2016 #CaliClasico ended with success for the LA Galaxy! We will see two more of these in May and June. The game started off rocky, but the Galaxy largely dominated it with possession, shots, and passing. They still need to become a better first-half team.

The two teams last met on February 13, 2016 during the preseason where LA beat them 1-0. They last played a regular season match against each other on August 28, 2015. LA played at Avaya Stadium and suffered a 1-0 loss to the Earthquakes.

Starting Lineups and Substitutions

The Weird

When I first saw the lineup, it shocked me. Not many understood why Bruce played Sebastian Lletget beside Robbie Keane and Mike Magee in midfield. Some even thought someone made a mistake—but alas, they did not. Yes, Lletget is a goal threat, but he’s much faster with more endurance than Magee. Magee is older and a bit slower. Could he handle playing up and down?

For his age, I think Magee played well on the side. He combined well with Robbie Rogers and helped out on defense. Nonetheless, he performed much better when on the attack. I prefer Magee up top beside Keane because he can go wide if necessary like he did last night.

The Bad

The LA Galaxy truly put on an exciting first half. They even turned the 10-man opportunity into a win. Unfortunately though, Steven Gerrard suffered a calf injury in the fourth minute. Bruce replaced him with Baggio Husidic, who played well but the lack of Stevie’s shot creation became apparent. How long will Stevie watch from the bench? It’s hard to tell. With his age, it might keep him sidelined for some time.

We need Gio to recover and play like a superstar now more than ever. He’s an excellent ball handler. We need him to create goal-scoring opportunities. His funk must stop.

If Baggio continues to play in Stevie’s place, we need him to make more goal-scoring opportunities. He played well last night with De Jong though, but De Jong is more defense minded. It requires Baggio to serve balls from outside in towards Keane and his partner.

The Good

Last night, fans saw a glimpse of the 2014 Gyasi Zardes. In that season, he scored 16 goals. He also played up top with Robbie Keane instead of 2015-2016 Zardes who Bruce puts on the wing. Last night Zardes scored the first two goals of the game. Both came off set pieces—a corner and a free kick. The balls came in from the outside with Zardes in a forward position. He excelled in this tactic! We need him up top rather than on the wing. He scores—he doesn’t create. Swap him and Lletget (preferably Sebastian on Robbie Rogers’ side), and LA will be much better off.

Jelle Van Damme is proving to be one of the best players this season. He stops opposing attacks on goal. He helps on set pieces with his tall frame (reminiscent of Omar Gonzalez). He also serves excellent balls to the forwards! In my opinion, he effectively played defense and Stevie’s position. We absolutely need him to stay healthy and continue his strong performances.

Brian Rowe earned his second consecutive start last night. Dan Kennedy suffered a partial groin tear in the first match, so he’s likely out for at least a month. I don’t mind though because I love that Rowe has gained minutes. Personally, I hoped he would be the 2016 starter. Keep up the good work, B-Rowe!

Robbie Keane finished off the night with a penalty kick conversion. He scored his second goal of 2016. I hope we see a quick return to his true form—a Golden Boot contender!

One Last Thing

The LA Galaxy now have a bye week. They play next on April 2 at BC Place against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Let’s hope the Galaxy start an undefeated streak!

With that being said, the USL season kicks off on March 26! If you still want to catch some soccer action in the LA area, go see the LA Galaxy II play Arizona United SC in the StubHub Center! (They’re giving out free cinch sacks to all attendees!) Or, go see the Orange County Blues FC play the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 in Anteater Stadium. Support your local clubs because every team—not just MLS—deserves sold-out games!

LA Galaxy II 2016 Schedule

Orange County Blues FC 2016 Schedule

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