The month ahead: Looking at the LA Galaxy’s June schedule

The LA Galaxy have gotten a three-week break in league play, probably a good pause after a good start to the season, but they’ll be back in action this weekend and so let’s take a look at the schedule for the month of June.

There’s just three games this time around, but they are pretty good ones coming up, I think you’ll agree.

Saturday, June 19: vs. Seattle Sounders

A rematch, and one I’m guessing the Galaxy are eager for a little bit more for a couple reasons: They have a long time to prepare for this game, and it will be at home this time, in front of what’s expected to be a packed crowd.

Yes, the Sounders spanked the Galaxy the first time around, but Greg Vanney made maybe one or two too many tweaks against a wily opponent and it backfired. They might have lost even with a terrific gameplan, but they’ll get another chance to make things right with a clash at Dignity Health Sports Park. And I think the homefield advantage is something this LA side is trying to cultivate, so even though this is a tough match, under the circumstances I think the Galaxy will be very much up for it.

Wednesday, June 23: at Vancouver Whitecaps (in Utah)

Then, the Galaxy won’t get much turnaround time for their next game, against the Whitecaps at Real Salt Lake’s stadium due to the pandemic. I believe the Whitecaps will be allowed to have paying customers in attendance for this game, so it won’t be full “ghost game,” although I don’t know how much demand among Utah (and British Colombia ex-pats, I guess?) fans there will be for this one, we’ll see.

The Whitecaps have been inconsistent to start this season, but they don’t look nearly as adrift as they have the past few seasons. I think the Galaxy should target this as a winnable road game, but they can’t take the Whitecaps lightly. Don’t be surprised if this is a deeply weird game, and then, we’ll see who gets the upper hand.

Saturday, June 26: at San Jose Earthquakes

The G’s wrap up the month’s slate with another rematch, this one against the old Cali Clasico rivals. The first match between these teams was both a great Galaxy win and pretty lucky on a few counts. I think, to an extent, LA had the luck and San Jose didn’t. But the Galaxy still have a more talented team overall, and if they can stymie the unusual Earthquakes playing style, and perhaps more importantly, out-hustle San Jose, they can get another big rivalry win, even on the road. I do think the Galaxy will be hammering home the importance of making DHSP a fortress under Vanney, but I also think they know there will be road points for the taking, too, if they play a smart and well-executed game. This is a fantastic opportunity for just that against the big rivals.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.