Who are the key players in the 2022 MLS semi-final clash between LAFC and LA Galaxy?
Who will end up being the star of the night? Chicharito Hernández? Carlos Vela? Or maybe someone else?
From the right angle and at the right altitude, the Banc of California stadium gives way to quite an astonishing backdrop of the city it represents. Peeping out over the glass roof of the 22,000 capacity-seater structure is the city of Los Angeles, the world famous mecca of bright lights, people and entertainment. Visually it is stunning, but probably one that most have never seen, not even if they have been to the stadium. But not because it’s not a joy, no, but because if you are in fact at the Banc of California stadium, you will no doubt be engrossed by the high-octane football and enrapturing noise of LAFC playing on their home turf.
Could-be Conference superstars for LAFC
The ‘black and gold’ take on their city rivals LA Galaxy in the 2022 MLS Western Conference semi-final and someone will no doubt write themselves into local history. The obvious choice is Carlos Vela, top scorer of El Tráfico with 10 goals; his best perhaps his first, a delightful left-footed sweep of the ball into the top corner, back in 2018. His left foot has been the reason LAFC have won many matches, and even more so in ways that are almost indescribable. The management of his minutes has been something that boss Steve Cherundolo has been keeping a close eye on, but if things go well he should make the starting XI for the game, Vela has the capacity to shoot from long-range, take on as many defenders as he likes, and find pockets of space nobody knew about before.
The man on the bench for LAFC does not only look like Gareth Bale, but it is indeed him. The ex-Real Madrid man is yet to play a full 90 minutes for his new club and has scored twice, but talent is talent and one can never forget the games he decided in a single moment of madness. It looks unlikely to happen, as LAFC have a lot of more reliable options to choose from, but an appearance from Bale could shake things up sufficiently to give the home side an advantage.
Cristian Arango, with 16 goals in 2022, is definitely a player LA Galaxy need to be aware of throughout. He is a player who has all the versatility needed to succeed as a top striker: he can play on the shoulder of the defender but just as easily sit in front of them and fire in a long-range hit from almost anywhere on the pitch. Since his move to MLS in 2021 he has scored over a goal every two games, a statistic that should keep LA Galaxy’s defenders on red alert for 90 minutes.
LA Galaxy’s potential heroes
Speaking of appearing out of nowhere, Chicharito Hernández for LA Galaxy must by now have written a manual on how to manipulate space-time continuum, as he has made his career out of living on the shoulder without being seen, before materialising and putting the ball in the back of the net. Crucial goals have been scored all over the world by Hernández, and his surprising lack of a playoff goal must not put off any backers to the man who continues to show his brilliance at 34 years of age. He has still managed to score 18 goals in 2022 and must not be taken lightly.
Dejan Joveljić might not be the name on everyone’s lips before the game but the Serbian forward definitely knows where the goal is. His minutes have been reduced this season and the striker has appeared 25 times from the bench but he has scored 11 goals and sits just behind Carlos Vela in the goals table. If things don’t go to plan with Chicharito, the Galaxy know they can trust their options from the bench.
Whoever comes out on top of this game, it will be a victory the winner will savour, and quite rightly so. El Tráfico promises to be one to remember.
Check out how to watch LAFC vs LA Galaxy, here.