Through the first two months and change of this MLS season, the only team with an unblemished home record is Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy are 6-0-0 at home this season, and they have largely cruised to victories over their opponents.
- Date & Time
- May 11th, 2019 4:00pm
- Location
- Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
- Media Coverage
- ESPN
- Teams
Through the first two months and change of this MLS season, the only team with an unblemished home record is Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy are 6-0-0 at home this season, and they have largely cruised to victories over their opponents. They are happy to be returning to LA after dropping two straight road games in the last week, but New York City FC are out to spoil their winning streak. NYCFC have earned a result in six straight matches and they have lost just once all year.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New York City FC
MLS Opening Odds
Draws have been the status quo for NYCFC this season. Six of their 10 matches this season have ended in draws, and that has kept them from rising too far up the table in the Eastern Conference. It looked like Dome Torrent might be sacked before the end of the season after a 22-game stretch following Patrick Vieira’s departure that saw the club go 4-9-9, but they have performed much better over the last three weeks. NYCFC have played much better in defense over their last four matches, and they have three wins and a draw over that stretch, allowing just one goal.
The Galaxy have not performed well in defense in their last two games, allowing three goals to offensively challenged teams in the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew. LA had trouble with the Red Bulls’ constant pressure, while the Crew broke a five-match losing streak against the Galaxy. There have been good chances for their attackers over that stretch, but the defense is particularly worrying considering that’s what kept them out of the playoffs last year.
Injury Report
Three players are listed as questionable for the Red Bulls coming into this match. Defender Roland Matarrita (calf), forward Alexandru Mitrita (foot), and defensive midfielder James Sands (adductor) might not be able to suit up for the visitors on Sunday.
Midfielders Perry Kitchen and Romain Alessandrini are set to miss this match for the Galaxy, and the latter injury as a big one. Alessandrini has been a playmaker for the Galaxy since joining, and he is out for the next three months. Defender Julian Araujo (foot) is questionable, while midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos will probably sit out. There has been no official word on his status, but he left in the first half of Wednesday’s tilt with Columbus due to injury.
New York City FC Player to Watch
Bringing in Brazilian forward Heber from Croatia has proven to be a shrewd move for NYCFC. The club brought him in about six weeks ago, but he didn’t make his first start until April 21. Since his arrival, NYCFC have looked much more lively on offense. Heber has two goals and two assists, and he has opened up opposing back lines with his continuous movement.
Los Angeles Galaxy Player to Watch
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still one of the top forwards in the game today. Ibra netted for the Galaxy just before half time against the Red Bulls last weekend, and he nearly bagged two goals against Columbus on Wednesday. His individual bits of skill make him a pleasure to watch for any soccer fan, but he might have only a couple real chances with the Galaxy not having their playmakers in midfield.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs New York City FC Betting Prediction
The improved defense we have seen from the Cityzens has me predicting a 1-1 draw in this one. The under and NYCFC on the goal line are both good bets.
