LA Galaxy Coach Greg Vanney is well aware that his team needs to stop putting themselves in difficult positions if they want to turn around their disappointing start to the season. With only three points from their first eight matches, the MLS Cup champions have matched the fourth-worst start in MLS history. Only CF Montreal this season, the Colorado Rapids in 2019, and Toronto FC in 2012 have earned fewer points in their first eight matches.
Despite having defender Zanka sent off in the first half, the Galaxy managed to fight back and secure a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo last week. Vanney praised the team’s resilience but believes they need to start with more intensity to avoid digging themselves into holes.
“For us, it’s all about starting with the right intensity. The other night, our intensity wasn’t high enough, and that left us vulnerable defensively,” Vanney said. “We conceded an early goal and went a man down, and a lot of that was because we didn’t start the game with the correct intensity and intentions. We showed that we can be solid even with 10 players, but we need to have that intention right from the start.”
The Galaxy currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, while Austin FC is in sixth place despite suffering a 5-1 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps in their last match. Vanney acknowledges Austin’s strengths, particularly their speed in transitions and the quality of their wingers. He also notes that they play a direct style of football and have been solid defensively.
When it comes to players to watch, Vanney highlights Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who has been instrumental in their strong defensive record. Stuver boasts a save percentage of 75% and has kept four clean sheets, the most by any goalkeeper in MLS this season. For the Galaxy, Diego Fagundez is the player to keep an eye on. Fagundez scored the team’s equalizer last week and leads the Galaxy in chances created this season.
In terms of a match prediction, Austin FC is favored to win. They are looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Vancouver and have been in good form prior to that match. Austin has earned all seven of their points against the Galaxy at home, and the Galaxy’s current form suggests that an away win is unlikely.
According to Opta, Austin FC has a 42.3% chance of winning, while the Galaxy has a 31% chance. A draw is given a 26.7% probability.
