Real Salt Lake vs LA Galaxy: Three things to watch

We are already three weeks into the MLS season, and the LA Galaxy have yet to claim a single point. But that’s okay, there’s still plenty of time left in the campaign.

Here are three things to watch before the match on Saturday.

Goalkeeper battle

Following the match last weekend, Curt Onalfo stated that he wanted to create competition in every position, including with the goalkeepers.

Now, having been benched for Clement Diop, who performed admirably in the 1-0 loss, how will Brian Rowe respond? Will he be focused and energized on the road in a tough environment? Or will Rowe be nervous knowing that his spot is up for grabs?

Finishing chances

In both of the two opening games, there were stretches of each match where it looked like the Galaxy could have put a couple of goals on the board.

Against FC Dallas, Jermaine Jones had a header glance off the crossbar which would have made it 2-2. And then, in the previous match, Jose Villarreal had his headed attempt saved superbly by Jack Gleeson late in the 90 minutes.

So it is possible for this side to score goals, they will just have to do it at a more consistent pace if they have hopes of making it to the playoffs this season.

Starting XI

Well, another week, another starting lineup that will not be the same.

But that’s okay, because most of the starters should have seen some game action already in the opening couple of matches.

The two biggest questions here are: who is going to partner with Jack McBean up top and is Nathan Smith going to play center back? Or is someone else going to fill that position? We’ll have to wait and find out Saturday night.