LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake: Lineups, analysis, and more

The LA Galaxy have gone with a surprising lineup against Real Salt Lake, with many reserves stepping up into the starting lineup and a handful of players making their MLS debut. Mike Magee takes the captain's armband as neither Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane aren't in uniform tonight.

Was told Donovan (R leg strain) and Keane (L ankle) did not travel with the team. GK Carlo Cudicini (leg) traveled but held out of 18.

— Aaron Falk (@aaronfalk) April 28, 2013

If it's true that Donovan and Keane didn't travel, then that's the sort of thing that needs to be reported. After practice on Friday, Arena simply stated that personnel decisions hadn't been made. That Cudicini was questionable wasn't even on the radar.

-Reserves have to step up as designated players mend up

Carlo Cudicini gets a rest, and with Brian Perk still a bit on the mend from sports hernia surgery, Brian Rowe starts in goal. The back line is intact, but Hector Jimenez steps into Donovan's spot in the midfield. Up top with Jack McBean is rookie Charlie Rugg. Both Rugg and Rowe are making their MLS debuts.

LA Galaxy bench: Perk, Meyer, Gaul, Clark, Garcia, Stephens, Zardes

On the bench Perk is available for the first time since his surgery. Gyasi Zardes is also available for selection, the only forward available should the Galaxy need to press offensively.

***Update***

Alvaro Saborio has been scratched for Real Salt Lake with a left quad strain. Findley is scratched from RSL's bench.

Real Salt Lake: Rimando; Beltran, Schuler, Borchers, Lovel; Beckerman, Gil, Grabavoy, Javier; Saborio Plata, Garcia

Kyle Beckerman returns from a dislocated rib.

Real Salt Lake Bench: Saunders, Kwame, Wingert, Alvarez, Velasquez, Plata, Findley Sandoval