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Before the LA Galaxy’s scheduled return to play in Orlando Monday night as part of the MLS is Back Tournament, LA Galaxy II will restart their season in the USL Championship Saturday night with a match against Phoenix Rising FC.
Los Dos didn’t get an easy draw in having to face Phoenix on the road first thing, and without any possible reinforcements from LA’s first team since they’re all in Orlando. Add to that, the moves of key Galaxy II contributors Kai Koreniuk and Carlos Harvey to the first team.
But the timing may be as best as it will ever be against Phoenix Rising, considered a top contender to win not only the group but the league this season and an absolutely stacked team by USL Championship standards. After all, both teams have been off for four months, and the rust will be real.
And while Phoenix started their season with a blowout victory, so did Los Dos, as they posted a huge road win over Rio Grande Valley FC in their only game so far this season. Yes, Koreniuk and Cameron Dunbar, who also traveled to Orlando, played big roles in that game, but Los Dos don’t necessarily need to walk in thinking it’s an automatic L, is what I’m saying.
But, given the circumstances, expect head coach Junior Gonzalez to give one or more players their Los Dos debut Saturday, something hinted at in this video dropped by the club:
“You guys look sharp, you look confident, you look prepared to play.”
— LA Galaxy II (@LAGalaxyII) July 10, 2020
Junior Gonzalez’s message to his team ahead of tomorrow’s match. #LAvPHX pic.twitter.com/GvBTMtsaz2
So, this should be an interesting one. Will youth be able to stand up to experience? Can Los Dos turn many heads to kick off the USL Championship restart? Will this game get called off at the last minute? I mean, it may be played behind closed doors but Arizona is a raging coronavirus hotspot now, and I think we should consider never to take sports for granted again, right? But if it goes ahead, we’ll be watching.
How to Watch Phoenix Rising FC vs. LA Galaxy II: The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm PT Saturday at Casino Arizona Field in Phoenix. You can watch on ESPN Deportes in the United States.
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