Match Preview: LA Galaxy looking for fresh start against Real Monarchs SLC

LA Galaxy II (1-4-1, 4 points) host Real Monarchs SLC (5-1-0, 15 points) at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium on Wednesday, May 9. The match, presented by Stella Rosa, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on LAGalaxy.com/2.

The midweek match will mark the first of two contests for Galaxy II this week, two chances for LA to right the ship after suffering a 4-0 loss to Orange County SC over the weekend. It was the most goals the young team has conceded in a match this season, and was the team’s third loss in three away trips this season.

But the side has been better at home, going an even 1-1-1 in their first few outings at StubHub Center. Their last time on the grounds, the Galaxy drew 1-1 with Orange County while fielding their youngest lineup in franchise history at an average age of 19. Featuring the organization’s youth remains a priority for the USL club, and Muñoz will continue to look to the club’s younger talent to fill the 11 spots on the field.

Most notably, Muñoz has looked to Galaxy Academy defenders Alex Juarez and Ian Lonergan in the early goings of the season. Juarez has started three straight games, while Lonergan has appeared in three straight. Meanwhile, 19-year-old forward Ethan Zubak remains the only player to have started each game for Los Dos.

In six games under Muñoz, six players have made their Los Dos debuts. Midfielder Adrian Vera scored his first professional goal and youngster goalkeeper Eric Lopez made his first professional start. As the year rolls on the, the milestones are sure to pile up.

NOTES

• In their most recent meeting with Real Monarchs SLC, the Galaxy defeated the side 3-1 in the team’s regular season finale at StubHub Center behind goals from Ariel Lassiter, Raul Mendiola and Adonis Amaya.
• LA Galaxy are 1-1-1 at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium this year, scoring four goals, and allowing three.
• LA Galaxy II suffered their biggest loss of the season to Orange County SC by a score of 4-0 on May 6 at Orange County Great Park in Orange, Calif.
• Last time out, Head Coach Mike Muñoz fielded a starting XI that included five LA Galaxy members: Ariel Lassiter, Jose Villarreal, Raul Mendiola, Bradford Jamieson IV and Hugo Arellano. All went 90 minutes.
• On May 6, goalkeeper Eric Lopez made his first-ever start for LA Galaxy II. He made one appearance for the Galaxy in 2016.
• Two Galaxy Academy players started for Los Dos against Orange County: Alex Juarez and Ian Lonergan.
• LA Galaxy Academy’s Alex Juarez made his fourth-straight appearance for LA Galaxy II, earning his third career start with Los Dos.
• Former LA Galaxy II Head Coach Curt Onalfo was named LA Galaxy Head Coach on Dec. 13, 2016. Mike Muñoz was named LA Galaxy II Head Coach on Jan. 12, 2017.
• LA Galaxy II finished the 2016 USL Regular Season 12-7-11 (47 points).
• LA Galaxy II led the Western Conference in goals in 2016 (52).
• Next, LA Galaxy II make their longest road trip of the 2017 season when they travel to face New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, May 14. The match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on com/2.