The LA Galaxy have announced their starting lineup for tonight's match against the Colorado Rapids, and it features Rob Friend starting in place of the injured Marcelo Sarvas. The diamond shape is maintained, with Landon Donovan dropping back to be the right central midfielder behind central attacking midfielder Stefan Ishizaki.
Leonardo retains his spot on the LA Galaxy back-line despite some fans calling for his head after the mistakes he made against the Vancouver Whitecaps last time out. With only one change, this lineup should function similarly to the way the Galaxy have since Todd Dunivant went out with injury.
The final update on the injury front is Robbie Rogers returning to the match day 18. Looking at the available attackers on the bench, he's got a pretty strong case to come in as a substitute baring the need for a defensive replacement. Coming back from injury and facing a road trip, Bruce Arena wouldn't bring him along just to see the Rocky Mountains; glorious though they may be.
Colorado Rapids Starting XI: Irwin; Klute, Moor, Wynne, Burch; Serna, LaBrocca, Jose Mari, Hairston; Sanchez, Brown
Colorado Rapids bench: Piermayr, Buddle, Torres, Berner, Hill, Eloundou, O'Neill
The Rapids are full of old friends, with Pablo Mastroeni currently calling the shots. His match day eighteen includes Edson Buddle, but he's only available as a substitute.