The Los Angeles Galaxy are out to follow in the footsteps of Atlanta United by winning an international trophy. Those have been few and far between for MLS teams, as the league has not had much success in the CONCACAF Champions League or in other tournaments of that nature over the years. The Galaxy are the lone MLS team in the Leagues Cup Semifinals though, and they will look to advance to the final that will be held in Las Vegas next month by picking up a win over Cruz Azul.
Don't miss this Leagues Cup semifinal from Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 20, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
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Odds Analysis
Cruz Azul have earned one trophy already this season. They crushed Necaxa 4-0 to win the Supercopa MX back in mid-July, but they have not fared well in league play. The Cement Makers squared off against Necaxa again the following week, and they were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw despite controlling much of the match. Their home opener saw Cruz Azul grit their teeth in a tie too as Toluca scored in extra time to nab a result.
The club fell apart in its next match, losing 3-0 on the road to Queretaro. Cruz Azul finally righted the ship with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Juarez last weekend though. They made it to the semifinals of this competition after going to the Windy City to beat the Chicago Fire 2-0 in a match they dominated throughout.
After missing out on the postseason last year, the Los Angeles Galaxy are desperate to make the playoffs this campaign. They had been falling in the standings after three straight road losses, but things are looking up after a 2-0 win over FC Dallas on Wednesday night. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was incredible in the victory, notching both goals. He has now scored the Galaxy’s last nine goals tallied at home in league play.
Last month, the Galaxy clashed with Club Tijuana in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals. In the most open match of the round, the two sides played to a 2-2 draw in full time with Emmanuel Boateng and David Romney netting goals for the Galaxy. The Galaxy were the much better side in penalties too as Tijuana converted just one of their spot kicks.
Key Absences
Elias Hernandez has been out since March with a knee injury for Cruz Azul, and he won’t feature for the club in this match. Yoshimar Yotun and Santiago Gimenez are both considered questionable due to thigh injuries, while midfielders Javier Salas and Stephen Eustaquio are listed as probable.
Midfielder Romain Alessandrini is the only player on the injury report for the Galaxy. He has been out for the last four months after undergoing knee surgery, yet he should be back soon.
Player to Watch
Someone other than Ibra needs to step up for the Galaxy. No other player on the team has more than three goals this season, and the Galaxy really need someone else to carry the load.
Uriel Antuna is the best option. He will turn 22 the day after this match, and his speed was on display in the Gold Cup earlier this year. Antuna can create havoc, and the Galaxy need that.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Although the Galaxy are at home, they will have some tired legs here. This will be their third match in seven days, and that will put them at a bit of a disadvantage. As such, I see Cruz Azul earning a win.
Leagues Cup Odds: Cruz Azul 1, Los Angeles Galaxy 0
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